An amateur drama group is set to perform a show themed on grief at the Merlin Theatre to raise funds for a Frome-based cancer counselling charity.
Frome Drama Group will perform A Monster Calls this week and is one of the first amateur groups to be granted a licence for the show. All proceeds will be donated to We Hear You, which provides professional counselling and support for anyone affected or bereaved by cancer.
A Monster Calls tells the story of Conor, a teenage boy struggling to come to terms with his mother’s terminal illness.
Siobhan Dowd conceived the novel after being diagnosed with cancer, as a way of dealing with the realities of grief, family relations and illness.
She died before she could write it, but the story was brought to life by her friend Patrick Ness, and later adapted as a much-loved film and stage play by Sally Cookson.
Harry Harman from Frome Drama Committee said, “A Monster Calls is an intimate study of grief, but it is also a celebration of love and the power and wonder of stories. We were overwhelmed with the talent that wanted to be part of this innovative piece of work and rehearsals are going brilliantly well.
“All of us on the committee were keen to use this opportunity to raise awareness of the crucial work that is happening in our area to help local children and families whose reality is dealing with grief – just like Conor in our story.”
Robbie Newton from We Hear You said, “With demand for our services growing, financial support is more vital than ever. The impact of generosity from the community is truly immeasurable, helping countless individuals and families navigate incredibly difficult times with hope and resilience.”
A Monster Calls will be performed at the Merlin Theatre from Thursday 20th November to Saturday 22nd November.
Tickets are available from the Merlin Theatre Box Office. Ring 01373 465949 or visit www.merlintheatre.co.uk.
