Skip to Main Content

Bernard’s got a problem but his mum and dad are too busy to notice – David McKee’s much-loved story about being heard, with integrated Makaton, brought to the stage by Roustabout Theatre (Dinosaurs & All That Rubbish, Little Red Riding Could, Luna) for ages 3-8 and their families


‘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+.

“A really fun and engaging family show. I would highly recommend it!”
★★★★★ Edinburgh Fringe for Kids on Dinosaurs & All That Rubbish

“Will put a big smile on your children’s faces.”
★★★★ Theatre Weekly on Dinosaurs & All That Rubbish

Created by Roustabout Theatre, based on the book by David McKee. Supported by Arts Council England, the egg, and Front Room Theatre.

Not Now Bernard © David McKee 1980, published by Andersen Press Ltd

  • Dates: Sat 6th & Sun 7th Feb 2027
  • Show time: 11.30am & 2pm
  • Tickets: £10 kids, £14 adults (incl. £1 booking fee) (ages 2 and under go free)
  • Running Time: 55 mins (no interval)
  • Suitable for: Ages 3-8
  • TheatreFamily
  • Connect with the artist:

Not Now, Bernard
Not Now, Bernard
  • Running Time: 55 mins (no interval)
  • Suitable for: Ages 3-8
  • Connect with the artist:

You may also like...

Tues 27th - Thurs 29th Oct 2026

11am & 2pm £12 or £40 for 4 (ages 2 and under go free)

A brand new funny, heart-tugging and brilliantly bonkers adventure show from Stuff & Nonsense Theatre, makers of smash hits The Gingerbread Man and The Enormous Turnip and other family theatre triumphs – for ages 3-8 and their families this October Half Term

TheatreFamily

Sat 31st Oct 2026

11am £12 (ages 2 and under go free)

This Halloween join mischievous demon, Karl, on his quest to be kind – a joyful, magical storytelling adventure full of laughter and playful audience interaction from Adventure Arts and its artistic director, Adam Blake (Coulrophobia, Much Ado About Puffin), for ages 4-10 and their families

TheatreFamily

Thu 17th Dec 2026 - Mon 4th Jan 2027

11am & 2pm £12 (ages 2 and under go free)

Two friends set out on a quest to track down the perfect snowy day they’ve been dreaming of – a joyful new slip sliding, snowball-throwing family adventure for ages 2-8 full of laughter and wonder from Scarlet Oak Theatre (makers of The Zoo That Comes To You and Along Came A Magpie)

TheatreFamilyChristmas

Choose a date

Sat 6th February
11:30 am
£14 (£10 conc.) (incl. £1 booking fee)
Sat 6th February
2:00 pm
£14 (£10 conc.) (incl. £1 booking fee)
Sun 7th February
11:30 am
£14 (£10 conc.) (incl. £1 booking fee)
Sun 7th February
2:00 pm
£14 (£10 conc.) (incl. £1 booking fee)

Availability