A Monster Calls
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A Fantasy Tale about love and fear
Conor is worried. Actually, more than worried—his mother, whom he lives with, is sick. She assures him she’ll recover, but Conor knows that isn’t true. What do you do when your fear and anxiety are so overwhelming that you can’t even admit them to yourself? The mere thought of what lies ahead is so terrifying that Conor can’t face it. And then… the Monster appears.
Why does the Monster appear, what does it want from Conor, and what is Conor’s story?
A Monster Calls is a story about courage, resilience, fear, and love—but also about the comfort and help that can appear in the most unexpected forms.
I believe that stories matter. We need those stories to understand and make sense of the processes taking place around us and within us. Some stories we invent ourselves; others we read in books, see on social media, or hear from other people. Stories are everywhere around us.
Each year in Estonia, nearly 10,000 new cancer cases are diagnosed on average. Many of those diagnosed live for a long time, survival rates increase year by year, diagnoses are made earlier, and the quality of treatment improves. Still, many families lose a loved one to this diagnose. How does a child feel when their mother is ill? Or a mother who is losing her daughter? What fears and worries does a bystander struggle with? Although healthy himself, the main character of our story feels fear, guilt, and responsibility. He is afraid of losing everything. And some part of him is waiting for it all to finally be over…
— Director Taavi Tõnisson
Winner of the 2019 Laurence Olivier Award.
Premiere: January 24, 2026 – Small Building of the Vanemuine Theatre
Recommended for ages from 13 to 99.
NB! In this performance we use loud music, flashing lights, and stage smoke that is safe for health.
Based on the novel by Patrick Ness, inspired by an idea by Siobhan Dowd
Adapted for the stage by Sally Cookson, Adam Peck, and the original cast
First premiered in 2018 at The Old Vic, London, in collaboration with Bristol Old Vic
Translator: Pirjo Jonas
Director: Taavi Tõnisson (Estonian Youth Theatre)
Set Designer: Kristjan Suits
Composer and Music Designer: Markus Robam
Lighting Designer: Priidu Adlas (Estonian Drama Theatre)
Choreographer: Ingmar Jõela
Cast: Rasmus Vendel, Kristin Prits, Andres Mähar, Merle Jääger, Marika Barabanštšikova, Margus Jaanovits, Ken Rüütel, Kaarel Pogga, Robert Annus, Iris Viru
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