The 2003 novel, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon follows 15 year old Christopher John Francis Boone’s determined investigations of two baffling mysteries. The novel is narrated in the first person by Christopher but in the stage play, playwright Simon Stephens ingeniously unloads some of the workload onto sympathetic teacher, Siobhan (Julie Hale). At times the role of the teacher blurs with Christophers’ inner monologue and Stephens even has Siobhan reading an excerpt from the book at one point. It is an ingenious move as it lifts the burden of a 2 hour mostly monologue play while giving us a new dimension into Christopher’s mind.
Bunny Christie‘s set looks hi-tech but is deceptively simple in design. The graph-paper design, projected images and grid-patterned lights reflect Christopher’s organised, mathematically precise viewpoint. Fin Ross‘ videography and Paule Constable‘s lighting design are essential parts of the overall design’s DNA.
Movement Directors Scott Graham and Stephen Hoggett have created some beautifully imaginative choreography that compliments the dialogue. The cast of ten (Joshua Jenkins, Julie Hale, Stuart Laing, Emma Beattie, Debra Michaels, Amanda Posener, Oliver Boot, Matt Wilman, Danielle Kassaraté and Bruce McGregor) have been doing this for a while now and it shows in the precision, simplicity and clarity of their execution. Joshua Jenkins‘ performance is mesmerising. There is no part of it that does not ring true and he carries the narrative with ease. The entire cast capture the essence of this story.
Haddon does not like to use the term ‘Asperger Syndrome’ he prefers the phrase Christopher uses when describing himself – ‘behavioural problems’. Mostly it “gently mocks diagnostic medical language” and because “it includes all of us (who doesn’t have behavioural problems?)”. In fact in 2010 he went on to say if anything it was about difference, about being an outsider. That is perfectly encapsulated in this production. While this is Christopher’s story, it is also our story – who we are, and that is what makes this story endearing and enduring.
A must see in and make sure you stay after the curtain call. Christopher makes good on the promise he makes during the show.
Lynden Jones – Theatre Now
The Curious Incident Of The Dog in the Night-Time
Adapted by Olivier Award-winning playwright Simon Stephens from Mark Haddon’s best-selling book
4 – 28 July 2018
Tuesday 7pm
Wednesday/Thursday/Friday 8pm
Saturday 2pm & 8pm
Sunday 1pm & 6pm
**Special midweek matinees at 1pm on Wed & Thu, 25 & 26 July 2018**
Venue: Roslyn Packer Theatre
Theatre Company: The National Theatre of Great Britain
Duration: 2hr 40min (inc 20min interval)
The National Theatre of Great Britain’s acclaimed production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is the winner of 5 Tony Awards® and 7 Olivier Awards, including Best Play, Best Director and Best Design. Tony Award® winner Marianne Elliott (War Horse) directs this “triumphant” (Sunday Telegraph, UK) adaptation by two-time Olivier Award-winning playwright Simon Stephens who brings Mark Haddon’s internationally best-selling novel to thrilling life on stage.
Fifteen-year-old Christopher Boone has an extraordinary brain, exceptional at math while ill- equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched and he distrusts strangers. When Christopher falls under suspicion for killing his neighbour’s dog, his detective work to identify the true culprit, takes him on a journey that upturns his world.
Featuring remarkable, immersive staging and a full British and Irish cast, this is a global theatrical phenomenon that simply must not be missed.
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