The world beneath the bed has long been a whispered fear in childhood, a realm of shadowy monsters and unknown terrors. But what if those bumps in the night, those unsettling creaks, were more than just imagination? What if they were the sounds of an entirely different world, teeming with peculiar creatures with a penchant for lost items and a surprising story to tell?

This is the intriguing premise behind “The Creakers,” a captivating children’s book by renowned author and musician Tom Fletcher, which has since expanded into a magical musical adventure captivating audiences of all ages. Far from being just another spooky tale, “The Creakers” weaves a narrative of mystery, courage, and unexpected friendships, addressing common childhood anxieties with a healthy dose of humor and heartwarming lessons.

The Genesis of a Phenomenon: From Book to Stage

Tom Fletcher, best known as a founding member of the popular band McFly, has successfully carved a niche for himself in children’s literature. “The Creakers,” published in 2017, quickly became a number-one bestseller, lauded for its inventive storytelling and engaging characters. The book’s success lies in its ability to tap into universal childhood experiences – the fear of the dark, the mystery of lost belongings, and the desire for adventure – and transform them into a vibrant, imaginative world.

The narrative centers on Lucy Dungston, a resourceful and determined young girl who wakes up one morning to a bewildering discovery: all the grown-ups in her town of Whiffington have mysteriously vanished. While other children revel in newfound freedom and chaos, Lucy is determined to find her missing mum. Her quest leads her to the improbable world beneath her bed, a topsy-turvy dimension inhabited by “The Creakers” – strange, often gross, but ultimately fascinating creatures responsible for all the things that go missing from children’s rooms.

The evolution of “The Creakers” from a beloved book to a stage musical has been a significant milestone, showcasing the story’s enduring appeal. Adapted for the stage by Tom Fletcher himself (music and lyrics) and Miranda Larson (book), the musical brings the whimsical and slightly spooky world of the Creakers to life with vibrant costumes, imaginative set designs, and a catchy soundtrack. The world premiere of “The Creakers: A Magical Musical Adventure” took place in late 2024, with runs at the Theatre Royal Plymouth and later at the Southbank Centre’s Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, extending into early 2025. This transition highlights the story’s theatrical potential and its ability to engage audiences through song and dance.

Beyond the Pages and the Stage: Thematic Depth and Audience Impact

“The Creakers” is more than just an entertaining story; it carries several underlying themes that contribute to its enduring appeal:

Confronting Fears: Lucy’s journey into the Woleb is a direct confrontation of the “monster under the bed” fear. By making the monsters quirky and relatable, the story helps children reframe their anxieties.

The Power of Friendship: Lucy’s partnership with Norman is central to their success. Their combined strengths – Lucy’s determination and Norman’s intelligence – highlight the importance of teamwork and diverse skills.

Understanding Differences: The Creakers, despite their initial portrayal as strange or grotesque, are ultimately misunderstood. The story promotes empathy and encourages looking beyond superficial appearances to find common ground.

Environmental Responsibility (Subtly): The Creakers’ world is impacted by the “rubbish” from the human world. While not overtly preachy, there’s a subtle message about tidiness and the consequences of discarding things thoughtlessly.

The Importance of Imagination: The entire premise relies on the idea of a hidden world sparked by a common childhood fantasy. It encourages readers and viewers to embrace their own imaginations.

The target audience for “The Creakers” primarily consists of children aged 6-11, and their families. The engaging storyline, relatable characters, and blend of humor and adventure make it a popular choice for school read-alouds and family entertainment. The musical adaptation, with its colorful costumes and energetic songs, further broadens its appeal to younger audiences.

The Future of “The Creakers”

Given its popularity, “The Creakers” is likely to continue enchanting audiences. While specific future plans beyond the initial musical runs are not widely announced, the success of the stage adaptation suggests potential for:

Further Musical Tours: The positive reception of the musical could lead to more touring productions, allowing a wider audience to experience the show.

Sequels or Spin-offs: The rich world of the Creakers offers ample opportunity for new stories, either in book form or potentially as animated adaptations.

Merchandise and Educational Resources: The brand’s strength could expand into related merchandise or educational materials that tie into the themes of imagination, problem-solving, and overcoming fears.

In conclusion, “The Creakers” has cemented its place as a cherished children’s narrative. From Tom Fletcher’s imaginative book to its captivating stage musical, the story offers a delightful and surprisingly insightful exploration of the world beneath our beds. By transforming childhood anxieties into a whimsical adventure, “The Creakers” continues to resonate with audiences, reminding us that sometimes, the most extraordinary discoveries lie just out of sight, waiting to be found.

FAQs

What are The Creakers?

The Creakers is originally a middle-grade children’s book by Tom Fletcher, illustrated by Shane Devries. Released in 2018, it tells the story of Lucy Dungston, whose town wakes up to find all grown-ups gone and creaky “Creakers” lurking beneath beds 

It has since been adapted into:

A short horror-comedy film (1997) by Peter Salmon for New Zealand TV 

A stage musical adaptation (2024–25) written by Fletcher, directed by Tom Jackson Greaves 

Who created the short film “The Creakers”?

Directed, written, and produced by Peter Salmon, part of NZ’s “rADz” radical art ads series on C4 TV in 1997 

It follows a man playing musical creaky floorboards with a chilling basement twist 

 What is the book’s premise?

When Lucy wakes up to an adult-free Whiffington, kids party—except Lucy, who embarks on an adventure to find her missing mother 

She discovers the Creakers—trash-collecting monsters under beds—who despise waste and build their world, the Woleb, from human rubbish 

 What about the stage musical?

Premiered at Theatre Royal Plymouth (Oct–Nov 2024), then moved to London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall (Dec 2024–Jan 2025) 

Adapted by Miranda Larson, with music & lyrics by Tom Fletcher, orchestration by Steve Sidwell, choreography by Tom Jackson Greaves 

Features puppetry, environmental themes, and energetic musical numbers .

 What do reviews say?

The Guardian criticized it for broad characterization, garish design, and weak emotional impact, though praised catchy songs 

Musical Manda gave it , highlighting strong performances (especially Eloise Davies as Lucy) and appealing puppetry, though felt some songs were forgettable 

To conclude

The Creakers has evolved from a quirky children’s novel into diverse formats: a nostalgic short film, a dynamic musical, and a read-along CD experience. Fletcher’s story—about kids, rubbish-loving under-bed creatures, and a missing Mom—resonates with charm and environmental messaging. While the musical brings imaginative puppetry and songs to life, critics note room for stronger characterization and pacing. Regardless of format, the heart of the story—a brave girl, whimsical foes, and creative use of trash—continues to captivate.

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