Name: A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
Start: 2025-11-15T14:00:00-05:00
Location: Grunin Center for the Arts

Presented by the OCVTS Grunin Performing Arts Academy.
Based on the novel by Patrick Ness and inspired by an original idea by Siobhan Dowd, devised by Sally Cookson, Adam Peck and the Company.
‘Stories are wild creatures, the monster said. When you let them loose, who knows what havoc they might wreak?’
"Thirteen-year-old Conor and his mum have managed just fine since his dad moved to America. But now his mum’s very sick and she’s not getting any better. His grandmother won’t stop interfering, and the kids at school won’t look him in the eye.
Then, one night, at seven minutes past midnight, Conor is woken by something at his window. A monster has come walking. It’s come to tell Conor tales from when it walked before. And when it’s finished, Conor must tell his own story and face his deepest fears.
On publication, A Monster Calls became a bestseller with children and adults alike, with its dazzling insight into love, loss, and healing. It garnered huge critical acclaim, including an unprecedented double win of the Carnegie and Greenaway Medals for outstanding children’s literature and illustration." - The Old Vic

A Monster Calls is a powerful story that explores difficult and emotional themes. The production includes depictions and discussions of:
Death and grief
Depression and anxiety
Cancer and terminal illness
Bullying and emotional abuse
Moments of violence
We encourage audiences to prepare for these themes and to step out at any time if they need a moment of care.