Our Autumn Production

A Monster Calls

by Patrick Ness

20th – 22nd November 2025

Merlin Theatre, Frome

Directed by Calum Grant.

Auditions will be held on Sunday 20th July at 10-12am and 1-2pm at the Frome Canoe Club.

No need to pre-register or prepare anything in advance. Please wear clothing that is comfortable to move in and be ready to start at the advertised start time.

If you have any questions, our Director Calum Grant is happy to be contacted on c_i_grant@hotmail.com.

SYNOPSIS

Setting: Present day

Conor has the same nightmare every night, ever since his mother fell ill. But one night is different. On this night, when he awakens from his nightmare, there is a monster at the window. The monster wants something from Conor. It wants the truth.

The play is Conor’s story as he has to cope with school bullies, his emotionally detached grandmother, his absentee father and most importantly coming to terms with his mother’s upcoming death. Conor’s truth is the harsh reality that part of him wants her suffering to be over and part of him wants it to be over.

We are looking for between 12-19 actors to take on this wonderful play. The characters have age guidelines beside them, however we are looking at age blind casting so don’t be put off if you don’t fall in line with the ages suggested.

Conor – male 14-late 20s

Monster – an imposing figure, any gender

Mum – female mid 30s – 50s

Grandma – female mid 50s-70s

Dad – male mid 30s-50s

Lily – Conor’s friend female 14-late 20s

Harry, Sully and Anton – bullies of Connor, Harry is the leader, Sully the mean one, Anton the follower. Any age and any gender (in the script Harry and Anton are male, and Sully female).