A Monster Calls
By Sally Cookson & Adam Peck based on the novel by Patrick Ness
Audition
Sunday 20th September 7.30pm
and Sunday 27th September 2-4pm
in the bar at Millgate Arts Centre
Run Dates Sat 12-19th June 2027
Directed by Mark Rosenthal
The fifth and final play of 26/27 season from Saddleworth Players is a powerful new adaptation from visionary director Sally Cookson. The bestselling novel by Patrick Ness is brought to the stage to tell the stunning story of love, loss and courage anew.
Conor has the same dream every night, ever since his mother first fell ill, ever since she started that treatments that don't quite seem to be working.
But tonight is different. Tonight, when he wakes, there's a visitor at his window. It's ancient, elemental, a force of nature.
And it wants the most dangerous thing of all from Conor. It wants the truth.
A Monster Calls is a dark, emotionally charged story about a young boy, Conor, who is struggling with his mother’s terminal illness. Each night, a towering, ancient monster made of yew tree appears to him, telling stories that challenge simple ideas of good, evil, truth, and comfort. The play explores grief, fear, anger, and the painful honesty required to survive loss.
Core Themes
- Grief and anticipatory loss
- Fear vs. truth
- Childhood vulnerability and emotional isolation
- Nature as both protector and destroyer
- The tension between reality and imagination
Cast: 9: 4M 5F
play explores grief, fear, anger, and the painful honesty required to survive loss.
Cast: 12:
Conor O'Malley:
A boy struggling with his mother's illness, bullies, and his own emotional trauma.
Conor is in almost every scene and carries the heart of the story. We are looking for a young actor (playing age of around 13 - 16 but must be 16 years of age by the start of rehearsals) with strong emotional range who can portray anger, humour, fear, and tenderness. Conor is resilient but deeply isolated, and the actor must be able to connect with an audience while carrying the weight of the play.
The Monster:
A giant, ancient creature (a yew tree) that visits Conor.
We are seeking a performer with a commanding stage presence and an excellent voice who can embody both strength and warmth. Physical theatre or movement experience would be an advantage, but a willingness to explore the character physically is more important. He will be able to provide a paternal quality as well as a monstrous one. The part requires a portrayal of physical power and wildness combined with a deep sensitivity and wisdom.
Conor's Mother:
Terminally ill and undergoing treatment for cancer, she is the emotional core of the story.
The emotional centre of the story, Conor's mother is loving, optimistic, and determined, despite her illness. We are looking for an actor who can balance vulnerability with resilience and create a believable, deeply caring relationship with Conor.
Conor’s Grandma:
At first glance, Grandma appears strict, formal, and emotionally distant, but beneath the surface lies a woman coping with grief in her own way.
We are looking for an actor who can reveal both the toughness and the hidden compassion within the character.
Conor’s Dad:
Conor's father moved to America, remarried, and has a new family. He is well-meaning but conflicted, torn between two families and uncertain how to help his son.
We are seeking an actor who can portray warmth, frustration, and guilt with honesty and subtlety.
Harry:
Harry is the leader of the school bullies. He torments Conor but is more than a one-dimensional villain.
We are looking for an actor (playing age of around 13 - 16 but must be 16 years of age by the start of rehearsals) who can bring confidence, intensity, and complexity to the role, showing the power dynamics that drive his behaviour.
Lily Andrews:
Lily was once Conor's closest friend and desperately wants to reconnect with him.
We are looking for an actor (playing age of around 13 - 16 but must be 16 years of age by the start of rehearsals) who can portray kindness, determination, and the awkwardness of a friendship strained by difficult circumstances.
Sully:
Sully is one of Harry's friends and part of the group that follows his lead.
We are looking for a male or female actor (playing age of around 13 - 16 but must be 16 years of age by the start of rehearsals) with good stage awareness who can work well as part of an ensemble, creating believable relationships and supporting the tension within the school scenes. This performer will also take on additional ensemble roles throughout the production.
Anton:
Anton is another member of Harry's group. We are looking for an actor (playing age of around 13 - 16 but must be 16 years of age by the start of rehearsals) who can bring energy and commitment to the role while also contributing to the wider storytelling of the play. Strong teamwork skills and the ability to switch between different characters and moods are important, as this performer will also multi-role.
Ensemble x3:
Our ensemble performers are essential to the world of A Monster Calls. They help bring the stories told by the Monster to life and create many of the characters and physical landscapes of the play. We are looking for imaginative actors who enjoy movement, character work, and collaborative storytelling. These performers will have the ability to create distinct characters quickly, playing a variety of roles and will also be involved in physical theatre sequences. These roles include -
- Queen
- King
- Parson
- Apothecary
- Miss Kwan
- Miss Godfrey
- Mr Marl
- Nurse
The auditions will be in the form of an informal read through of the play.
You don't need to be a member of Saddleworth Players - but we'll happily sign you up! Membership is free. :)
Contact Mark Rosenthal at saddleworthplayers@millgateartscentre.co.uk or 07769 937008 for more information and a copy of the script.
Feel free to share this information with anyone who you think will be interested.
Performance Dates 12th - 19th June 2027 with rehearsals starting mid April on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7pm and Sundays (time to be advised).