Key Points
- A musical show titled There’s a Monster in Your Show, based on Tom Fletcher’s popular book Who’s in Your Book? children’s book series, will run at Arts Depot in North Finchley, North London, from Wednesday 27 May to Saturday 30 May 2026, during the half-term break.
- The 50-minute interactive theatre production is designed for young audiences aged 2+, featuring lively original music and encouraging children to shout, sing, clap, and dance.
- The story involves performers discovering Little Monster on stage, who invites friends Dragon, Alien, and Unicorn to create a magical show about laughter, books, and friendship.
- This run forms part of the show’s fifth major UK tour, which launched in October 2023 and has attracted over 100,000 young fans and families since then.
- Tom Fletcher, author of the books, described it as “the perfect first theatre experience for little ones,” noting its family-friendly, interactive nature.
North Finchley (North London News) May 4, 2026 – A lively musical adaptation of Tom Fletcher’s beloved Who’s in Your Book? series, There’s a Monster in Your Show, arrives at artsdepot for a four-day run from 27 to 30 May 2026, coinciding with the half-term break.
- Key Points
- What’s There’s a Monster in Your Show?
- Who Created There’s a Monster in Your Show?
- When and Where Is the Show Running in North London?
- What Makes This Show Suitable for Young Children?
- How Does the Plot Unfold in the Production?
- What Is the History of the Show’s UK Tour?
- Why Is This a Key Event for North London Families?
- Background of the Development
- Prediction for Young Families and Children
What’s There’s a Monster in Your Show?
The production brings Tom Fletcher’s interactive children’s books to the stage in a high-energy 50-minute show packed with original music, comedy, and chaos. As detailed on the official artsdepot event page, a group of performers prepare their show only to find Little Monster eager to join, inviting his friends Dragon, Alien, and Unicorn for a tale centred on the joy of books, laughter, and friendship.
The show is tailored for very young children, with interactive elements that invite audience participation through shouting, singing, clapping, and dancing. Music is composed by Tom Fletcher, Barry Bignold, and Miranda Larson, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Who Created There’s a Monster in Your Show?
Tom Fletcher, known for his Who’s in Your Book? The picture book series is the driving force behind the adaptation. As reported in the original announcement, Mr Fletcher stated:
“It’s been an incredible journey watching There’s a Monster In Your Book come to life on stage and seeing the characters I dreamt up in my head bouncing around with so much energy and personality. For me, There’s a Monster in Your Show is the perfect first theatre experience for little ones.”
He added:
“I know taking kids to the theatre can be a bit daunting – but this show is made with young families in mind. It’s completely interactive, noisy in all the best ways and children are encouraged to shout, sing, clap and dance their hearts out.”
The official website for the production, monsterinyourshow.com, echoes this description, positioning it as an adventure for big imaginations.
When and Where Is the Show Running in North London?
Artsdepot in North Finchley, a prominent arts venue in north London, will host the show from Wednesday 27 May to Saturday 30 May 2026. This timing aligns perfectly with the half-term school break, making it accessible for families.
Multiple sources confirm the dates, including musicalsontour.co.uk, which lists it as part of the ongoing UK tour:
“LONDON, Arts Depot Wed 27 May – Sat 30 May 2026.”
A Facebook event hosted by Arts Depot also specifies performances starting at 2:00 PM BST on 27 May 2026.
Ticket information is available directly via the artsdepot website and touring sites like ATGTickets.com.
What Makes This Show Suitable for Young Children?
The production is explicitly designed as an introduction to live theatre for ages 2+. Its 50-minute length keeps it manageable for little ones, with high-energy elements and no intermission to maintain engagement.
As per the artsdepot listing, expect “plenty of playful fun… packed with interactive moments to enjoy together,” bringing favourite characters to life. Familiesonline.co.uk describes it as a “lively, interactive musical” bursting onto the stage.
How Does the Plot Unfold in the Production?
Performers set up for their show but discover they are not alone, as Little Monster appears on stage wanting to participate.
Eager to join, Little Monster invites Dragon, Alien, and Unicorn, leading to comedy and chaos as they collaborate on a magical performance.
The narrative emphasises themes of laughter, books, and friendship, aligning with the Who’s in Your Book? series’ interactive style.
What Is the History of the Show’s UK Tour?
Launched in October 2023, There’s a Monster in Your Show marks the fifth major UK tour for adaptations from the series. It has drawn more than 100,000 attendees since its debut.
The tour schedule, as listed on musicalsontour.co.uk, spans numerous venues from 2023 through 2026, including Christmas specials like Llandudno (9-21 Dec 2025) and earlier stops in Liverpool, Malvern, and Swansea. Recent and upcoming dates include Coventry (17-21 Feb 2026), Manchester’s Z-arts (2-4 Apr 2026), and Chelmsford (3-4 May 2026).
The north London run at Arts Depot follows stops in Exeter, Norwich, and others, demonstrating sustained popularity.
Why Is This a Key Event for North London Families?
Artsdepot, located in North Finchley, serves as a hub for family-oriented cultural events. This visit continues the venue’s tradition of hosting child-friendly productions during school holidays.
As noted by Showtours.co.uk, it offers a
“fun-filled interactive musical adventure for young children and families.”
Background of the Development
The Who’s in Your Book? The series by Tom Fletcher forms the foundation, with There’s a Monster in Your Book inspiring the stage show. First touring in October 2023, the production evolved from page to stage, incorporating Fletcher’s vision for interactive family entertainment. Composers Barry Bignold and Miranda Larson contributed new music, enhancing the books’ playful elements into a live format suitable for toddlers.
The fifth tour iteration reflects growing demand, with expansions to multiple UK venues and holiday specials.
Prediction for Young Families and Children
This development provides young families in north London with an accessible, interactive theatre option during half-term, potentially introducing thousands of children aged 2+ to live performances in a low-pressure environment.
It may encourage repeat attendance at artsdepot and similar venues, fostering early interest in books and arts through themes of friendship and laughter. For parents, the short duration and participatory style could reduce barriers to theatre outings, supporting family bonding and cultural exposure without overwhelming young audiences. Sustained touring suggests ongoing availability, benefiting regional families beyond London.
