Tea and the Dumbing-Down Monster

Eight-year-old Tea’s life has completely changed. Her parents have divorced, and Tea has moved with her father into a new, dreary home. The moving boxes are still unpacked, the toilet won’t flush properly, and there’s no point keeping a video blog when Dad won’t let her publish it. Besides, ever since the divorce, Dad has had the world’s longest cold, and tissues are everywhere—absolutely everywhere! Tea is bored and lonely. But, unexpectedly, some strange new friends turn up among the moving boxes: Mummy Cat, who dreams of embalming; Ghost Poop, who smells a little odd; and Bitey Shark, whose tail has had a piece bitten off by a dog. Huh, is there someone else hiding among the boxes? There is indeed: the Dumbing-Down Monster, who feeds on miserable and stupid feelings! Tea and the Dumbing-Down Monster is a grand adventure play about the transformative power of imagination and friendship. A show where every feeling—absolutely every feeling—is allowed to be seen and felt. A show where no one is left alone, and fears are faced together!

Premiere: 12 September 2026
Small Stage

Playwright: Salla Viikka
Adaptation: Emma Mattila, Minna Harjuniemi
Direction: Emma Mattila, Minna Harjuniemi
Set and costume design: Tiina Hauta-aho
Lighting design: Harri Peltonen
Music and sound design: Tatu Virtamo
Make-up design: Eija Nurminen
Cast: Saana Hyvärinen, Anna Kuusamo, Teemu Palosaari, Mikko Pörhölä, Aki Raiskio
Photo: Raana Lehtinen
Running time: 1 h 45 min, including an interval
Recommended for audiences aged 6 and over.
Performance rights: Nordic Drama Corner Oy

PLEASE NOTE: Relaxed performances on Sat 3 Oct at 13:00 and Sat 14 Nov at 13:00. Explore and print the Viewing Keys and picture storyboard!