A creative writing challenge has been launched alongside the UK Tour of A Monster Calls, based on the critically-acclaimed novel by Patrick Ness. The Monster Writing Challenge is a creative writing challenge seeking short stories inspired by the show and written by young people aged 10-25.

The challenge is open to individuals, school groups and community groups – anyone who has a story to tell. Each submission must be no more than 500 words and inspired by any of the themes that are present in A Monster Calls. These include family, grief, hidden emotions, truth, people are complicated, bereavement and friendship.

The deadline for submissions from those in the North West is Thursday 20 February ahead of the show’s run at The Lowry from Tue 25 – Sat 29 February.

Selected stories will be narrated by members of the cast in a series of videos posted up on the productions social media channels.

Those interested should visit A Monster Calls website and download the information pack for more in-depth details.

Patrick Ness’s piercing novel is brought vividly to life in the Olivier Award-winning production by visionary director Sally Cookson.

The cast includes Oldham born and raised Cora Kirk (Lily) and Paul Sockett (Mr Marl) who was born in Accrington and grew up in Great Harwood. Alongside Greg Bernstein (Harry), Kaye Brown (Grandma), Rafaella Covino, Ammar Duffus (Conor), Keith Gilmore (Monster), Jade Hackett (Sully), Kel Matsena (Anton), Maria Omakinwa (Mum), Sarah Quist (Miss Godfrey), Ewan Wardrop (Dad) and Sam Wood.

From the critically acclaimed bestseller, A Monster Calls offers a dazzling insight into love, life and healing. The book has sold over a million copies and garnered huge critical acclaim, including an unprecedented double win of the Carnegie and Greenaway Medals for outstanding children’s literature and illustration.

The UK tour of A Monster Calls will be providing an extensive outreach and engagement programme across the tour. This will include discussions, workshops, an education pack and participatory activities and events for local community groups and audiences addressing the widespread themes within the production. A Monster Calls will be working with Kooth, a free and anonymous online counselling and emotional wellbeing support service for children and young people available in many areas throughout the country.

The UK Tour of A Monster Calls is produced by Global Creatures, Jonathan Church Productions and Chichester Festival Theatre and supported by Arts Council England through a National Lottery Project Grant award and The Touring Partnership.

Access performances including BSL, Audio Described, Captioned performances and Touch Tours will also be available across the tour.

Find out more about the writing challenge: https://thelowry.com/2020/01/30/monster-writing-challenge/