Theatre company puts accessibility at the heart of UK tour of beloved children’s classic coming to Oxford

Roustabout Theatre’s inclusive adaptation of David McKee’s much-loved Not Now, Bernard features Makaton signing, relaxed performances and a giant purple monster, as the company brings its family show to The North Wall Arts Centre on 30 January.

placeholder image — Not Now Bernard | David McKee

An award-winning theatre company is putting accessibility at the heart of its UK tour, as it brings a new family adaptation of a much-loved children’s story to Oxford this January.

Roustabout Theatre’s stage adaptation of David McKee’s Not Now, Bernard, best known as the creator of the beloved Elmer books, is touring the UK from September 2026 to February 2027. The production will arrive at The North Wall Arts Centre on 30 January, giving local families the chance to experience the classic story through a playful and inclusive theatrical production.

Combining physical comedy, live music and one giant purple monster, the show introduces a new generation to McKee’s much-loved picture book while bringing audiences of different ages together. Accessibility is central to Roustabout Theatre’s approach, with Makaton signing woven naturally throughout the performance and every show taking place as a relaxed performance.

Developed in collaboration with intergenerational community groups and nurseries across Bristol and North Somerset, the production draws on experiences of childhood, family relationships and communication. Roustabout Theatre has embraced a range of communication styles to help make Bernard’s adventure accessible to as many audiences as possible.

First published in 1980, Not Now, Bernard tells the story of a young boy who discovers a monster in his back garden. When Bernard tries to tell his mum and dad, they are too busy to listen, leaving him to attempt to befriend the monster himself, with unexpected consequences.

Beneath its humour and mischief, the story explores what happens when children feel unheard and highlights the importance of genuine connection. More than 40 years after its publication, these themes continue to resonate, with Roustabout Theatre’s adaptation bringing a fresh theatrical perspective to the familiar tale.

Directed by Toby Hulse (Bed Time, Oxford Playhouse; Ready Steady Colour Christmas Feast, RSC), the production features performers Kim Heron, Fionn Gill and Shaelee Rooke, who between them play Bernard, his distracted parents, the monster and a host of other characters. They are joined on stage by musician Robin Hemmings, whose inventive live score uses traditional instruments and everyday household objects.

The set and costumes are designed by internationally renowned Laura McEwen, bringing McKee’s bold, colourful illustrations to life on stage. Makaton signing is supported by Becca Hulbert, a Makaton Tutor from Arthur’s Club.

Director Toby Hulse said: “Not Now, Bernard by David McKee is an absolute classic picture book, by a true master of the form. I can still remember first reading it to children, and the extraordinary mixture of laughter, surprise, and disbelief it provoked. The book has been a firm favourite of mine ever since, although sadly its story of what happens when adults ignore children is perhaps even more relevant now, in this age of multiplying demands on our attention. In bringing it to the stage, we have taken the decision to use as many active means of communication as possible, including mime, speech supported by Makaton sign, and a score generated live in response to what is happening. Although our characters may be ignoring each other, our four performers are definitely not! And we have a beautiful set and costume design that vividly recreates David McKee’s iconic and colour drenched illustrations. This production is going to be a rich theatrical feast unlike anything you’ve seen before, thrilling, thought-provoking, and very, very funny.”

Founded in 2019 and based in Bristol and North Somerset, Roustabout Theatre is an award-winning company of theatre makers with a shared passion for collaboration, play and working with young people. The company creates productions for audiences of all ages, performing in theatres, schools, libraries and community venues, with a commitment to imaginative storytelling and the power of play.

With its UK tour bringing the production to venues across the country, Roustabout Theatre is inviting Oxford families to rediscover a much-loved classic through a funny, imaginative and inclusive theatrical experience.