A Monster Calls: cast interview with Grace Fawcett

Grace Fawcett (L6WER) is playing the role of Mum in the upcoming Senior School production of A Monster Calls and has enjoyed the challenge of taking on such an emotionally demanding role. Here, she talks about how she has developed the character, and how the play has come together at rehearsals over the last few months. 

“Mum is a complex character to play as she is struggling with her terminal illness, and suffers this internal conflict of being a mother to Conor whilst suffering physically.  

“As I have developed her character, I have discovered her different motives throughout the play; mentally and emotionally she feels one way, but as she tries to protect her son, she reacts differently to her true feelings.

“I have also watched the other cast members develop their characters and during the first  rehearsals after Christmas, we saw the play really come together. It was then that I saw the true beauty of Conor’s story.”

A Level Drama student Grace has appeared in a number of King’s productions but told us that this role stands out. 

She said: “During my time at King’s, I have been in quite a few upbeat musicals and less serious plays but I think the serious and emotional nature of A Monster Calls will give the audience a much deeper connection with the characters onstage, and to the story line.”

Grace has enjoyed the experience of working with the puppets and feels that they add a different dimension to the play: “Working with puppets is a new experience for me and the rest of the cast and we have all enjoyed the opportunity they have given us to be more creative in our roles. They create a heightened emotional atmosphere on stage and I cannot imagine the play without them.

“One of my favourite moments of the play is with the Monster puppet; in a crucial turning point, after a run of exhausting days, we see Conor collapse into the Monster’s arms, letting out his emotions for the first time. It’s a truly emotive and powerful scene, only possible because of the excellent use of puppetry.”

A Monster Calls will run in the Vanbrugh Theatre from Tuesday, 30 January – Friday, 2 February. Tickets are available online now – https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/the-kings-school-chester/a-monster-calls/e-raqrda