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

 

Tour Dates

2026

26 September – 4 October – the egg/Bath Theatre Royal, Bath 
10 October – Front Room Theatre, Weston-Super-Mare
17 October – Gateway Theatre, Seaton
18 October – St Andrew’s Church Hall, Chew Magna part of Valley Arts Festival
24 October – Gosforth Civic Theatre, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne
25 October Waterside, Sale
27 October – The Nest, Chichester Festival Theatre
29 & 30 October The Hullaballoo, Darlington

1 November The Nutshell, Winchester

 
2027
24 January – Lakeside Arts, Nottingham
31 January – Warwick Arts Centre
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

Performers – Fionn Gill, Robin Hemmings, Kim Heron & Shaelee Rooke
Director – Toby Hulse
Designer – Laura McEwan
Composer – Robin Hemmings
Lighting Designer – Will Monks
Mime Consultant – Les Bubb
Makaton Translator – Becca Hulbert
Associate Lighting Deisgner – Joe Price
R&D Director – Kate Pasco
R&D Devisors, Facilitators & Performers – Robin Hemmings, Shaelee Rooke & Hester Welch
Producers – Alice Massey & Shaelee Rooke
Produced by Roustabout Theatre

 

Production Team

Production Manager – Gemma Brooks
Stage Manager – Hannah Lipton

 

Marketing & Press Team

Marketing Consultant – Alice Sewell

Press – Chloe Nelkin PRSupported by Arts Council England, the egg and Front Room Theatre