Emma Beattie and Scott Reid in NT CURIOUS INCIDENT Tour 2017. Photo by BrinkhoffM+Âgenburg
Spellbinding, moving and incredibly poignant, THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME is as intoxicating and compelling as ever
It’s fair to say that since its premiere in 2012, the National Theatre’s production of THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME has become something of a modern classic. The smash-hit play has captured the hearts of theatre-goers across the world, playing to sold-out houses in London’s West End and Broadway and collecting seven Olivier Awards and five Tony awards (including Best Play) along the way. No surprise then that the internationally acclaimed production is now embarking on its second UK tour opening at Salford’s The Lowry.
Based on the award-winning 2003 novel by Mark Haddon THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME tells the story of Christopher Boone, a fifteen year old boy with an extraordinary brain and strong ability at maths who is ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When his neighbour’s dog is found dead, Christopher falls under suspicion. Determined to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington, Christopher embarks on a journey that upturns his world and challenges him beyond his imagination.
Spellbinding, moving and incredibly poignant, THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME is as intoxicating and compelling as ever. From Bunny Christie’s awe-inspiring set design and Adrian Sutton’s exhilarating electronic score, to Paule Constable’s exceptional lighting design and Finn Ross’ clever video design, every element of Marianne Elliott’s production seamlessly comes together to create theatrical magic.
Adaptor Simon Stephens does a masterful job of moving the first-person narrative of the novel into a seamless combination of acted scenes and narration on stage. But it is Bunny Christie’s innovative stage design and Scott Graham and Steven Hoggett’s outstanding movement direction that truly makes the production so enthralling. Staged in a large black box with clever use of projections to create different locations and key images, the innovative staging design takes us deep into Christopher’s world, giving us an understanding of his thought process.
Scott Reid (Christopher Boone) & ensemble, NT Curious Incident Tour 2017. Photo by BrinkhoffM+Âgenburg
Yet for all its theatricality, the show – like the book – packs a huge emotional punch. Scott Reid is simply outstanding in the lead role of Christopher, capturing the character’s courage, mathematical brilliance and his startling perspective on the world. From Christopher’s controlled and consistent manner to his physicality and mental rigidity, this is a role that demands so much from its actor but Reid handles it excellently, bringing an engaging and highly watchable quality to Christopher.
Elsewhere, strong central performances from Emma Beattie and David Michaels as Christopher’s parents Judy and Ed deliver the perfect mixture of frustration and unquestioning love for their son, while Lucianne McEvoy also impresses as Christopher’s warm-hearted teacher Siobhan.
Whether you’re a fan of the book or just looking for a night out at the theatre, THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME is sure to captivate your heart and win you over. A beautiful, ingenious and deeply-felt production that blossoms with surprises at every turn.
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME runs at The Lowry until 4 February 2017
Donna is the Founder and Editor of Frankly, My Dear UK. By day, she works as a digital marketing specialist, by night she reviews film, theatre and music for a wide range of publications including WhatsonStage and The Reviews Hub. Loves Formula 1, prosecco and life.
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