Review: There’s a Monster in Your Show at LOWRY is ‘wonderfully entertaining, packed with humour and heart’

There’s a Monster in Your Show is an enchanting stage adaptation inspired by Tom Fletcher’s picture book series, which includes titles like There’s a Monster in Your Book, There’s an Alien in Your Book, There’s a Dragon in Your Book, and There’s a Unicorn in Your Book.

Adapted for the stage by Zoe Bourn, this lively and interactive production brings these charming characters to life in a way that captures the imagination of young audiences and keeps adults smiling too.

There’s a Monster in Your Show at LOWRY

The plot follows a cheerful group of performers helping their friend Charlie get ready for a show. However, things quickly veer off course when characters from Fletcher’s books mysteriously come to life and create delightful mayhem.

What starts as preparation for Charlie’s show turns into the Monster’s show, which ends up being a whirlwind of fun and unpredictable surprises as Monster, Alien, Dragon, and Unicorn escape their stories and join the action onstage.

Despite the playful chaos, the story retains a strong moral core, focusing on themes like teamwork and friendship.

These messages are woven seamlessly into the show, making it both entertaining and meaningful for young audiences.

Music from McFly star Tom Fletcher

One of the most infectious elements of the production is its music. It’s no surprise McFly Star, Tom Fletcher, who write the book series has such catchy, upbeat songs in this show.

Each musical number is energetic and accessible, with lyrics simple enough for children to sing along. An encouraging invitation to sing along from the actors warmly offer during the performance.

From start to finish, the song and dance keeps the audience engaged and often on their feet, joining in on the easy parts of the song.
Laura McEwen’s set design is visually stimulating, with two large digital boards on the stage alongside colourful blocks so the production can seamlessly shift settings without physically altering the set.

These screens display are clear until there is a change in the scene which then showcase animations to instantly transport the audience’s imagination.

A bright palette with playful visuals

The set enhances the sense of adventure without interrupting the flow of the performance. The bright palette and playful visuals are perfectly suited to the show’s youthful tone.One standout magical moment in the show occurs when the actors search the bookshelf and discover that the creatures have vanished from the physical books themselves.

Throughout the show the creatures are running around the stage until Charlie encourages them to go back into their books. This is filled with anticipation and wonder leading to a seamless moment of magic, eliciting awe and excitement from the audience when the monsters disappear from the stage and Charlie lifts the books up to find they are back in their covers.

The small but talented cast delivers standout performances, swiftly shifting between human characters and the delightful creatures they bring to life through puppetry.

Duncan Taylor as Sam

Duncan Taylor as Sam and the puppeteer for Monster shines with his engaging physicality and a silly, squeaky voice for Monster. His ability to embody both character and puppet helps create a sense of escapism that truly enchants the children.

Eloise Hare takes on the demanding task of portraying Alex as well as puppeteering both Unicorn and Dragon. Her versatility is clear, with distinct voices and personalities for each creature. Children can easily differentiate between her characters, thanks to her strong vocal and physical distinctions.

Brian Maitland plays Ben and also brings Alien to life. His comedic timing is a highlight, focusing on slapstick humour and exaggerated facial expressions that have the young audience in stitches. His performance is particularly memorable for its energy and physical comedy.

William Huke as Charlie

William Huke as Charlie serves as the emotional anchor of the show.

His calm, reassuring presence provides balance to the chaos created by the creatures. As the show’s narrator and lead, he delivers the storyline with clarity and warmth, gently guiding the audience through the ups and downs of the narrative.

There’s a Monster in Your Show is an ideal first theatre experience for young children.

It’s short enough to hold their attention being only 50 minutes, filled with interactive elements, and packed with humour, music, and heart.

This production is a wonderful example of how children’s theatre can be wonderfully entertaining.

This school holidays you can enjoy this show that offers a memorable and joyous experience that brings the magic of storytelling to life on stage.

Tickets for There’s a Monster in Your Show at LOWRY

There’s a Monster in Your Show will be at LOWRY between 27th of May to the 1st of June playing at both 11am and 1:30pm.

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