Full Cast Announced for Monster at Seven Dials Playhouse

Elena Leo is the Arts & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.

Veritas Theatre Company and KEPOW! Theatre Company, in association with Seven Dials Playhouse, reveal complete line-up for award-winning drama.

Veritas Theatre Company and KEPOW! Theatre Company, in association with Seven Dials Playhouse, have announced the full cast for the upcoming transfer of Monster, the searing and critically acclaimed play by Abigail Hood. Originally staged at Park Theatre, where it garnered Off West End Award wins and nominations, the production returns with a fresh staging and a powerhouse cast.

Returning to reprise their original roles are Abigail Hood (Spiral, Private Peaceful) as Kayleigh Grey and Kevin Tomlinson (Beneath The Blue Rinse, The Answer) as John Parker. They are joined by Lauren Downie (Trainspotting Live), Lisa Ellis (Roots, Donmar Warehouse), Steve Hay (Outlander), and Sarah Waddell (Cause Célèbre, Old Vic), rounding out a striking six-strong ensemble.

Set in 2006 Glasgow and unfolding across two decades, Monster explores the life of 15-year-old Kayleigh Grey, a troubled teenager shaped by violence at home and fiercely protective of her best friend Zoe. A single act of brutality fractures the lives of everyone around her, raising difficult questions about guilt, redemption, and whether society can ever truly forgive the crimes of a child.

Hood’s writing, unflinching and humane, is inspired by real-life cases, including that of Mary Bell — the 11-year-old girl convicted of killing two young boys in 1960s Newcastle, whose case forced Britain to confront the complexities of childhood criminality. The play interrogates the limits of justice and the long shadows cast by abuse, with scenes that shift between raw intensity and unexpected tenderness.s.

Abigail Hood reprises her Offie-nominated role as Kayleigh Grey, delivering a performance that anchors the emotional weight of the play. Lauren Downie portrays Zoe Douglas, Kayleigh’s closest friend, whose need for belonging and love sets in motion a chain of irreversible events.

Lisa Ellis steps into the role of Rebecca Hastie, a teacher and mother whose world is shattered by Kayleigh’s choices. Steve Hay plays her husband, Stevie, struggling with grief and the complexity of forgiveness. Kevin Tomlinson returns as John Parker, Kayleigh’s adult partner, while Sarah Waddell takes on the role of Hazel Grey, Kayleigh’s neglectful mother, embodying the cycle of generational trauma.

The production is directed by Kevin Tomlinson, with Hood’s original script continuing to challenge audiences as it asks: who do we become when we’ve been failed by those meant to protect us?

Cast and creatives

Abigail Hood – Kayleigh Grey
Lauren Downie – Zoe Douglas
Lisa Ellis – Rebecca Hastie
Steve Hay – Stevie Hastie
Kevin Tomlinson – John Parker
Sarah Waddell – Hazel Grey
Directed by Kevin Tomlinson
Written by Abigail Hood
Stage Manager Ricky McFadden

Monster is proud to support Advance, a charity working with women and girls affected by domestic abuse and those in contact with the criminal justice system. For more information or to donate, visit www.advancecharity.org.uk.

Venue: Seven Dials Playhouse, 1A Tower Street, London WC2H 9NP
Dates: 24 September – 18 October 2025
Press Night: Tuesday 30 September 2025
Tickets & Info: www.sevendialsplayhouse.co.uk/shows/monster