McFly star Tom Fletcher praised Watford’s theatre as he watched his first musical take to the stage.

There’s a Monster in Your Show will embark on a tour across the country after it premiered at Watford Palace Theatre on October 12 and had its press event on October 13.

Tom was joined by McFly bandmate Dougie Poynter and Tom’s wife, I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here winner Giovanna Fletcher, as well as their three children, Buzz, Buddy, and Max.
Watch Tom and his family arrive for the show

The Watford Observer sat down with Tom for a quick chat about the show that was adapted from his book and what’s next for McFly.

It was the first time Tom had seen the musical with an audience.

The dad of three said: “I loved the show. Watching with an audience is the bit I’ve been most looking forward to.

“Getting to sit in an audience with a bunch of kids, getting their reaction and watching the families enjoy it has been amazing.”

Watford Observer: The show was interactive for the children to enjoy.The show was interactive for the children to enjoy. (Image: Newsquest)Unlike many musicals, this 50-minute show encouraged children to get involved and sing along.

He said: “The audience interaction is important. At the heart of the books, they are interactive.

“You have to shake the book and shout at it, and we wanted that spirit in the show. I found turning the book into a musical to be an amazing experience.

“I know what it’s like sitting in the theatre with three kids. It’s hard keeping them still and entertained, so the more you can encourage them and sing and clap and be loud, the more fun they have.”

Watford Observer: Tom Fletcher (right) was supported by his bandmate Dougie Poynter (left)Tom Fletcher (right) was supported by his bandmate Dougie Poynter (left) (Image: Newsquest)Although he didn’t get to choose the location for the first performance it “worked out perfectly” for the former Strictly Come Dancing star as it is local to where he lives.

“It means all the family could come and I loved watching it with my own kids.

“It’s such a beautiful theatre,” he said.

Watford Observer: Tom said he loved watching the show with his wife and children.Tom said he loved watching the show with his wife and children. (Image: Newsquest)As someone who grew up visiting the theatre, he is passionate about local venues like the Watford Palace Theatre.

He said: “Going to see shows like this really shaped my whole career. It was from going to shows like this when I was Max’s age that led me to have such a passion and love for the theatre.

“Then I went to theatre school and became a performer and now I get to be part of creating these shows.

“It’s so important to inspire the young generations.

Watford Observer: Tom Fletcher's debut musical premiered at the Watford Palace Theatre.Tom Fletcher's debut musical premiered at the Watford Palace Theatre. (Image: Newsquest)“But it’s not just about that. If families come along and have a nice hour at the theatre with the children, and they don’t feel like they have to sit still and be quiet, and here they can be part of the show.”

There’s a Monster in Your Show will be heading back to Hertfordshire at The Radlett Centre in Radlett and the Eric Morecambe Centre in Harpenden this November.

But that’s not all for Tom. He and the rest of McFly will be heading on a 23-date tour from next week.