A Monster Calls

For over six months, our staff and students have worked tirelessly to create an amazing and artistic production of Sally Cookson and Company’s A Monster Calls, based on the novel by Patrick Ness. From Wednesday 21 to Friday 23 of February the cast showcased their talent to the school and visitors, keeping them captivated throughout the show, which was presented at the Baxter Theatre.

A Monster Calls follows the story of a 13 year old boy named Connor O’Malley who is faced with the realities of complex emotion when his mother is diagnosed with cancer. Due to this and many other hardships in his life, he is visited by a monster in the form of a yew tree, who shares three stories, and makes him tell the fourth. Each story seems to depicts how, in reality, there is not always a good or bad side and way of dealing with the troubles you face. This play took the audience on an emotional rollercoaster as we experienced humour, grief, anger and pity for the characters.

The AV team, led by Mr Hillebrand, dedicated hours to bringing this show to life through lights and music while the grounds staff also came in to help out with the set build, ensuring that everything was perfect for opening night.

After a long day of dress rehearsals and last-minute adjustments, the cast stepped up to face opening night with sensitivity, dedication and passion. And it paid off – the ensemble glided across the stage, embracing various characters in Connor’s life, bringing the towering yew tree to life and forming bedrooms, kitchens, schools and parks around Connor and his family.

Zach, Daniel, Cara-Claire, Milene and Max excelled in their roles, taking on the pain and emotion of their characters to tell a heartbreaking and moving story.

Thank you to everyone who came to watch the show, the cast, crew, assistant directors and backstage helpers, and thank you to Ms Fisher for bringing her dream to life.

-By Ella and Ruby

Photos by Mr H