#ovmonster

[mysocalledbrain]

I'm in darn near bits after #OVMonster An utterly absorbing, vibrant and kinetic theatrical production with a fantastic ensemble cast and music that dug deep into all the feels. #GoSeeIt #CultureCanary #NotQuiteAsDeadInsideAsIHadPreviouslySuspected (at The Old Vic Theatre)

[femi1y]

6 years ago I had the opportunity to see @patricknessbooks win the Carnegie award for one of the best books 14 year old me had ever read. Yesterday my mum took to see it on stage. Fuck me, it was incredible. Everything I wanted it to be and more #ovmonster (at The Old Vic Theatre)

[journeywriting]

The Wildness Of A Monster Calls

The Old Vic is staging the magical production of A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness. To be honest, I have never been so blown away by a tree made out of ropes. The monster is manmade. His voice resonates through Conner, a boy dealing with the repercussions of a disease he cannot understand. He is going to lose his mum. He knows this and yet, he cannot fight the nightmares, no matter how hard he tries to run away from his problems. The bullies in school. His absent father. His disagreeable grandmother. His old best friend.

Grief often comes in many forms and guises. In this case, a monster comes walking to tell Conner three tales of bravery, loss and love. 

A Monster Calls is a modern-day masterpiece. A stunning collection of talented actors with not one weak link. The music compliments every single second of the performance (I wish the soundtrack was available to buy, that is how much I loved the musicians playing in that tiny little box.) 

Surprisingly, the most unsettling part of the production was the standing ovation. Only a few people remained in their seats, sobbing in their partner's arms. I was blinded by my own tears, but I saw the branch that united all of us together. We have all gone through that barren land of despair. We have all lost someone we love. We have all felt pain and heartache and crippling sorrow. That does not mean we are alone. 

We all have to face our monsters. 

In the words of Patrick Ness:

“Stories are the wildest things of all, the monster rumbled. Stories chase and bite and hunt.”

For tickets and more information about A Monster Calls, follow the link: https://www.oldvictheatre.com/whats-on/2018/a-monster-calls