Not Now Bernard
"There's a monster in the garden and it's going to eat me"
Bernard’s got a problem. There’s a monster in the garden… but his mum and dad are too busy to notice. So Bernard does what any sensible child would do — he tries to befriend it. That doesn’t quite go to plan.
A wildly funny, physical theatre adaptation of David McKee’s much-loved picture book, bursting with chaos, live music made from instruments and household objects, and an ENORMOUS purple monster.
This is a story about being heard, getting noticed, and what happens when grown-ups are just too busy — told with comedy, imagination, and plenty of mischief.
With integrated Makaton, this accessible production is suitable for everyone aged 3+.
Supported by Arts Council England, the egg, and Front Room Theatre.
Not Now Bernard © David McKee 1980, published by Andersen Press Ltd
Dates
2026
26 September – 4 October – the egg/Bath Theatre Royal, Bath
10 – 11 October – Front Room Theatre, Weston-Super-Mare
17 October – Gateway Theatre, Seaton
24 October – Gosforth Civic Theatre, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
25 October – Waterside, Sale
27 October – Chichester Festival Theatre
29 & 30 October – The Hullaballoo, Darlington
2027
30 January – The North Wall Arts Centre, Oxford
6 & 7 February – The Wardrobe Theatre, Bristol
13 February – Blackwood Miners’ Institute, Caerphilly
14 February – Taunton Brewhouse
15 February – Cambridge Junction
16 & 17 February – Sheffield Theatres
20 February – ARC, Stockton
21 February – The Lowry, Salford
27 February – Little Lyric Hammersmith
28 February – artsdepot, London
Credits
Created by Roustabout Theatre, based on the book by David McKee
Creative Team
Director – Toby Hulse
Designer – Laura McEwan
Composer – Robin Hemmings
Lighting Designer – Will Monks
R&D Director – Kate Pasco
R&D Devisors, Facilitators & Performers – Robin Hemmings, Shaelee Rooke & Hester Welch
Produced by Roustabout Theatre
Supported by Arts Council England, the egg and Front Room Theatre.The
