There’s a Monster in Your Show – Riverside Studios

Ben Murrell and Gil Sidaway in There’s a Monster in Your Show at Riverside Studios, London. Picture: Pamela Raith Photography

There’s a Monster in Your Show continues at Riverside Studios, London until 1 September 2024.

Star rating: four stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩

There’s a Monster in Your Show has a magical and almost imaginary air to it. The concept is simple yet interesting, and the music and dance are uplifting and joyous.

I found it to be an absolute go-to for younger children, featuring not only humour but also lessons in friendship. Its catchy songs, groovy dancing and book references make it not only interactive for the audience but altogether enjoyable and light-hearted.

I can’t help but mention Ben Murrell (Sam and the puppeteer for the monster). His hilarious way of making the monster’s voice muffled yet quirky, along with his great puppeteering, really steals the show. Also, Gil Sidaway (Charlie) wowed us with his amazing singing voice and ability to speak and interact with the audience. There isn’t a weak link, all the actors seem to match their roles so well.

Miranda Larson directs flawlessly and the music, matching the atmosphere of the play very well, is perfectly completed by Tom Fletcher, Barry Bignold and Larson. But I have to admit the design doesn’t fit the show’s strength, which is imagination. I felt it could be more creative. The special effects are great, although it did catch my attention that some of the little kids didn’t enjoy the flashing lights.

The under-sevens loved every moment and were gingerly captivated by the idea of a unicorn, monster, dragon and alien all escaping from books. My seven-year-old brother and I, even at 11, both giggled at times and quite a few times asked ‘how did they do that?’

Altogether I think the whole audience was captivated by this fascinating performance and I would definitely recommend this as a family treat to take you on an exciting rollercoaster ride of imaginary friends.

Ariella Willow Wareing (age 11)

There’s a Monster in Your Show continues at Riverside Studios, London until 1 September 2024.

Star rating: four stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩

This is a family show, particularly aimed at kids under six years old. The concept is simple, and so it packs a smiling punch as the interactive delivery flows.

An impressive and diverse team create a tight cast, all beating variable drums in voice, stature, beat and puppeteering command. My favourites were Ben Murrell (Sam and Monster puppeteer) and Ashton Owen (Ben and Alien puppeteer) for their exaggerated comedy, tickling humour and dramatic licence, which I found particularly ripe and flavoursome. But let’s not underestimate Gil Sidaway (Charlie) or Charlie Daniells (Alex and Unicorn/Dragon puppeteer) who though complemented the cast brilliantly.

Miranda Larson and Katie Haygarth direct and choreograph seamlessly, and the cast’s theatrics gear the children to throw caution to the wind and join in. Dancing in the aisles, they were energised like Duracell bunnies in their seats. This is kiddie gold dust. A remarkable feat!

I have to admit the music from Tom Fletcher, Barry Bignold and Larson is a bit samey, but I appreciate it hit GO with the little ’uns. Larson and Zoe Bourn (adaptation) have created a great interactive parcel of joy, cleverly incorporating Fletcher’s books and lots of imaginary prompts for the children to follow. Laura McEwen must also be applauded for an uncomplicated, colourful set, just what the kids wanted, and no big distractions to take them away from the play.

From the cool puppeteering of unicorn, monster, alien and dragon, to creating a space for children to imagine possibilities is rather niche, and super smart.

I’ve not read Fletcher’s books, they arrived on bookshelves too late in my parental journey, but I’m whimsically intrigued to visit them now, and perhaps persuade my youngest to imagine and join in.

Laura-Jane Wareing