Review: There’s a Monster in Your Show at Lyceum Theatre

“…must be one of the best children’s shows currently touring theatres…”

There’s a Monster in Your Show by Tom Fletcher adapted by Zoe Bourn, Lyceum Theatre

By Sophie Dodworth

If you have children, then there’s a mighty fine chance you have read one of the series of stories written by Tom Fletcher. The books which make up the ‘Who’s in Your Book’ collection are rather spectacular. As a parent who reads daily to their offspring, you are often looking for something riveting to enjoy yourself, and these fit the bill. They are one-of-a-kind interactive books, extremely fun and keep on providing enjoyment in different ways each time you read them.

Jumping from the pages and catapulting onto the Lyceum stage in this fresh adaptation, the Monster is waiting for you! The children in the auditorium are excited and eager for the entertainment to begin – will the stage version be just as fantastic as the books…?

Follow the story of a group of performers who, after a long time rehearsing, are about to start their show when they realise they are not alone on the stage. They are introduced to the well-known characters from the famous books – Unicorn, Alien, Monster and Dragon. All are ready to create chaos, fun and some fantastic new memories, while sharing the love of books and bringing them together as friends.  

The cast set the bar high, bursting into their first musical number quite quickly after the opening scene. They are a talented bunch complete with finely trained voices. The strong team of four brings with them great experience and it shows. Duncan Taylor (Sam), Eloise Hare (Alex), Brian Maitland (Ben) and William Huke (Charlie) all have the great skill of puppetry, and they execute it so seamlessly –  it can’t be an easy task to get it spot on consistently. Huke really stands out on stage, and you can’t help but let him win you over with his professionalism, charismatic charm and superb vocals.

There are many musical numbers, and they all get the avid Monster fans tapping their feet and clapping to the beat, along with their adults. Clearly well-written and super catchy. Of course, it would be polished in this department as all music and lyrics were written by Tom Fletcher, alongside Barry Bignold and Miranda Larson.

The set is a simple one with large, coloured blocks and boxes for little creatures to hide in, piled on top of each other in the centre of the stage. The lighting however, really enhances that simplicity and sets the scene well. The use of disco lights, highs and lows to add drama, and string lights that change colour is all well-thought-out and amplifies the action flawlessly.

This must be one of the best children’s shows currently touring theatres up and down the country. It has a bit of everything needed to keep you entertained. Running in many venues throughout the UK, if you have children to entertain, this is a no-brainer for an easy hour. Get ready to sit back and enjoy the fun.

There’s a Monster in Your Show plays at Lyceum Theatre until Tuesday 1 April. Tickets are available here.

Sophie Dodworth is an experienced theatre reviewer. Prior to joining NAR she has written reviews for multiple review sites including The Reviews Hub, and sees reviewing as a lovely break from being a busy mum. Sophie has herself tread the boards, working full time as a professional singer many years ago and more recently in amateur productions.