Dear Young Monster – Tanya Moisewitsch Playhouse, Sheffield

Writer: Pete MacHale

Director: Sammy Glover

Kicking off the autumn season at Sheffield Theatres, Dear Young Monster takes to the stage in the Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse. In this timely one person piece, the central character takes the audience through their first few years beginning to officially transition and live their life as the truest version of themselves.

The show is created and performed by Pete MacHale. He structures the piece brilliantly, keeping it moving at a good pace. He ensures the tone of the pieces changes frequently to keep the audience gripping – there are moments that make us cheer, moments that make us sad and moments that make us angry and stirred to want to see change to systems or people. Whilst we’ll never know exactly how much of the play is based on truth, it feels incredibly authentic. MacHale is fantastic performer, with the audience in the palm of his hands from the moment the lights come up. He demonstrates strong comic timing, getting laughs from simply a glance or facial expression, whilst also delivering the more emotional moments to perfection.

Sammy Glover directs the show brilliantly, taking us to many locations. Despite minimal set pieces or changes in costume (design by Cara Evans), one never felt confused about where we were. At times, it was challenging to differentiate between characters though. Dee Dixon’s video design is also worth a mention for innovatively integrating moments from the horror films MacHale’s character has such a fondness for.

Dear Young Monster is an insightful look at what it is truly like to live as a transgender person – both the struggles and the joys. It should be compulsory viewing for everyone – especially young people.

Reviewed on 5 September 2025.