Monster Review

Monster Review

24th September - 18th October 2025

Monster is a devastatingly vital story. OFFIE nominated for Best New Play after its first run at Park Theatre in 2022, it has made its much needed return to the stage at Seven Dials Playhouse this month. With Netflix’s Adolescence having re-sparked conversations around child offenders earlier this year, Monster similarly does a brilliant job of handling the issue with a tender heart. 

“Monster is a tender look at an issue that speaks to the core of the human condition”

The play takes place in Glasgow, 2006, and follows troubled teen Kayleigh Gray (played by writer Abigail Hood), who has a tough home life and an internal rage that she can’t control. This ultimately leads her to commit a violent crime and Hood explores this subject fearlessly, putting a spotlight on the nuances surrounding youth offenders and asking questions like: Does rehabilitation work? Should these offenders be given the right to a new identity and a happy ending? How can you live a life burdened by guilt?

In act one, teenage Kayleigh is boisterous, unapologetic and overpouring with energy as she leaps atop concrete blocks and bounds around the stage. This loudness is complemented by the walls which are covered with newspapers; their headlines calling out to us and making it feel as though the scandal is all consuming, before it has even happened. In act two, we meet Kayleigh 13 years later - she has mellowed out, carrying her demons but trying to move forward. Hood’s portrayal of both sides of Kayleigh was brilliantly dynamic, she was so compelling to watch - you couldn’t help but be drawn in by her character. 

For me, the real highlight of the play was the relationship between Kayleigh and her best friend and love interest, Zoe (Lauren Downie). Zoe’s innocence and naivety made her instantly loveable and was a nice antidote to the chaos brought on by Kayleigh. The pair’s relationship made what could have been an incredibly tough play feel quite watchable. 

And that’s the brilliance of the writing; we know the importance of the topic, and how harrowing the reality is, but by presenting the story in an approachable way, Hood has been able to explore the nuance without the audience feeling like they’ve witnessed something traumatic. She interweaves lighthearted humour throughout to keep the balance of emotions in check, ensuring we never fall too far into despair. 

Each of the supporting characters play a crucial role in offering a new perspective of Kayleigh’s crime. While the play is sympathetic to Kayleigh, it still allows each of the characters’ other opinions to shine through and speak for themselves. The cast all did an outstanding job of representing their characters; they were pure, raw, and vulnerable, so the audience can see their emotions, even at their very worst. 

Monster is a tender look at an issue that speaks to the core of the human condition. Filled with smart wit and a full heart, this challenging watch is an imperative addition to your October plans.

Charli West

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