Gallery: A Monster calls at The King’s School

Rehearsals for this year’s main Senior School production are well underway as Director of Drama, Clare Howdon, prepares to bring the powerful A Monster Calls to the Vanbrugh Theatre stage. 

A Monster Calls is based on the novel by Patrick Ness and follows the story of Conor O’Malley, a young boy dealing with his mother’s terminal illness. Conor has had the same dream every night, ever since his mother first fell ill until one night when a monstrous creature appears at his window.

The play explores complex themes of grief, loss and human emotions with the monster becoming a metaphor for Conor’s internal struggles.

Mrs Howdon explained what drew her to the play: “When I first read the novel, I loved the blend of naturalism and fantasy and I wanted to explore what that could look like on the stage.

“The play does deal with some difficult issues but it does it in such a beautiful way and with a great sense of hope and love weaved throughout.”

King’s School productions are known for being ambitious and this year is no exception as the fantastical elements of the play are explored through exciting techniques such as, for the first time in the Vanbrugh Theatre, puppetry.

Mrs Howdon again: “I am really excited about the puppets. It is a first for a King’s production and I have been amazed by how quickly the cast has taken to them.

“Collaborating with leading practitioners, Lempen Puppet Theatre and A Bird in the Hand Theatre, has opened up a completely new way of working to our pupils, and has given them a great opportunity to learn new skills and explore their creativity.” 

A Monster Calls will run over four nights from Tuesday, 30 January to Friday, 2 February 2024. Tickets will be available to buy soon via our what’s on page. 

Click on the image below for a selection of photos from recent rehearsals of this visually compelling and emotionally resonant play. 

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