Other productions aimed at young children and families could learn a lot from There’s A Monster In Your Show.
It’s a hot afternoon in the summer holidays when we make our way to the Riverside Studios to join the gaggle of excited children (and parents) ready to see the musical stage adaptation of McFly star Tom Fletcher’s best-selling series of books.
Aimed at children aged two plus, the 55-minute show features new music by Fletcher, Barry Bignold and Miranda Larson delivered by a cast of both humans and puppets who remain faithful to Greg Abbott’s original illustrations.
There’s A Monster In Your Show first debuted last October and after its final date in Hammersmith on September 1 for this latest run, is set to tour theatres around the UK up until next May.
My son, who is on the spectrum, was a little unsure going in to begin with as it was dark and he was concerned there was a literal monster in the show, but the theatre staff were very understanding and fantastic with him, helping us eventually get to our seats.
The plot sees four “story makers” preparing to put on a show, until they discover that a mischievous monster from their book has escaped. Despite Little Monster’s pleas to be included in the show, they try everything to get him back in his book, but without success. When other things start to go wrong, putting the whole show in jeopardy, Little Monster recruits his other friends Dragon, Alien and Unicorn to help.
The set is simple, but cleverly used and the show is very interactive, with plenty of opportunities for audience participation.
Although my son was initially sitting on the floor with his back to the stage, the energetic cast soon won him over and he was then fully engaged and joining in. He even asked to see the show again after it had finished!
I don’t say this very often and like most parents try to avoid the merchandise stand wherever possible, but they are really missing a trick by not selling plush toys of the puppet characters.
My little boy seemed to really connect with Dragon and got to share a sweet moment with the character and the puppeteer after the show. Trying to explain why Dragon couldn’t go home with him was another matter.
Overall, I would say There’s A Monster In Your Show is fun and highly inclusive for the whole family, and sure to put a smile on even the grumpiest of faces.
