St Catherine’s School’s Senior Play, A Monster Calls, offered a deeply moving and emotionally resonant interpretation of Patrick Ness’s acclaimed novel. Directed and designed by Mr James Brown, Ms Kathryn Lucas and the VCE Theatre Studies class, the production was a remarkable example of ensemble storytelling—intimate, imaginative, and profoundly affecting.

The ensemble cast crafted powerful visual metaphors throughout, particularly during the Monster’s tales, where movement and staging brought abstract themes vividly to life. Mia Upton’s portrayal of Conor was extraordinary; anchored in vulnerability, emotional depth, and unwavering presence. Harper Roberts, as the Monster, delivered a performance that was both fearsome and tender, embodying the character’s dual nature as both destroyer and healer. Together, their performances underscored the universality of grief, trauma, and the often-painful path to healing.

Sahara Pender, as Mum, brought warmth, quiet strength, and heartbreaking honesty to the stage. Her scenes with Mia were especially affecting—rich with emotional authenticity, never tipping into sentimentality, but instead drawing deeply felt responses from the audience. Annabelle Goh, as Grandmother, offered a commanding and nuanced performance, capturing the character’s complexity with precision. Her restraint and tenderness in equal measure made for a truly compelling presence.

One of the production’s most striking features was the emotional maturity and cohesive precision displayed by the entire cast. The ensemble worked as a unified force, and handled the material with sensitivity and insight, balancing suppressed anger with aching vulnerability in a way that resonated deeply with those in the audience.

The minimalist staging, framed by the central image of a circle of long ropes that functioned as both the Yew Tree and other physical and metaphysical aspects in different scenes, was complimented by the intricate lighting design, which powerfully reinforced the play’s psychological themes—supporting, rather than overshadowing, the performances. The direction centred the voices of the students in a narrative about loss, truth, and acceptance. Special recognition is due to Ms Lucy Mason for her acting coaching, which clearly supported the cast in reaching emotional authenticity, and to Ms Lilla Barrington, whose movement coaching elevated the physical storytelling to an exceptional standard.

This production didn’t just honour the emotional intensity of the source material—it gave voice to the lived emotional intelligence of the performers themselves. It powerfully reframed who is allowed to express pain and be believed, with a cast of young artists at the centre of the telling.

Congratulations and sincere thanks to the staff and the outstanding cast and crew. The audience left changed—hearts full, eyes opened (and tear-streaked), and were reminded of the courage it takes to speak our deepest truths.

Irene Karas
President of the Creative Arts Auxiliary

“Stories are wild creatures. When you let them loose, who knows what havoc they might wreak?”

It has been a privilege to work on this production of A Monster Calls—a story that speaks to some of the most profound aspects of the human experience: grief, love, courage, and growth. Adapted from Patrick Ness’ remarkable novel, the play draws us into the world of a young boy confronting a truth far too heavy for someone his age to carry. And yet, through the strange and powerful force of storytelling, he begins to find a way forward.

The work has asked a great deal of our cast and production team—emotionally, creatively, and collaboratively. They have engaged deeply with complex characters and themes, and have been challenged to sit with questions that offer no easy answers: How do we make sense of loss? What does it mean to be honest? How do we find the strength to grow when the world feels unkind? In the process, our students have developed not only as performers, directors and designers, but as reflective, empathetic young people.

The magical and symbolic nature of the play has also demanded bold theatrical choices and close ensemble work. The cast has embraced physical storytelling, daring designs, different theatre styles, and collaboration with openness and imagination. Their commitment to exploring new ways of making meaning on stage has been inspiring to witness and is a testament to their growth as emerging artists.

As always, I want to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of our show. I would like to acknowledge the incredible work of our production team, comprised of our exceptional Performing Arts staff and my superlative VCE Theatre Studies class. I have the pleasure of working with a wonderfully talented and creative group of people whose integrity, kindness and care for others is matched by their passion to create quality theatre.

The beauty of A Monster Calls lies in its honest reflection of the human experience, showing how opposing forces can coexist within us. The Monster challenges simplistic notions of right and wrong, inviting a deeper understanding of human motives and moral ambiguity. It reminds us that true growth often emerges not from denying life’s contradictions, but from how we choose to face and accept them.

This was a powerful piece of theatre, and we are so very proud of the students who brought this thought-provoking, heartfelt, and moving performance to the stage.

Mr James Brown 
Head of Performing Arts