A Monster Calls: Spotlight on Music

Shining the spotlight on the music in A Monster Calls, we caught up with James Ashcroft (4DUT) who has composed a number of original pieces that will feature in this year’s production. 

James, who plays an active role in the musical life at King’s, studying GCSE Music and playing in Funk Band, as well as writing music in his spare time, was approached by Director, Clare Howdon, to compose original pieces that would enhance the production. 

She said: “Music makes a real difference to how an audience feels and how they experience a play. It was important to me that the music we used was original and in-keeping with the ambience of the production, and I knew that James would be able to achieve what we were looking for.”

James composed the pieces on his guitar and then used GarageBand to record and mix the music, adding synthesiser sounds and different sound effects to match the mood of the play. 

He said: “I had already seen the film of A Monster Calls and found it very thought-provoking and emotional. The music I have composed is emotive and imaginative and will really help the audience immerse themselves in the production.”

James’ music will be pre-recorded for the performances but audiences will be able to experience his live music when he plays before the curtain rises, and in the interval.

Mrs Howdon is delighted that students from across the school are playing such key roles in this year’s production: “James’ music will make a huge difference to A Monster Calls, and it is just one example of how students have come together from all of the creative arts subjects to make the show such a great success.”

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