REVIEW: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Alhambra Theatre

This fascinating, multi-award winning production tells the extraordinary story of an ordinary family torn apart by the pressures of caring for their autistic son.

The impressive stage adaptation of Mark Haddon’s hit novel takes us deep into the remarkable world of teenage maths genius Christopher Boone. He hates the colour yellow, chatting and physical contact. He loves his pet rat Toby and has ambitions of becoming an astronaut. He finds people confusing.

The play opens abruptly with the mysterious death of a pet dog on a neighbour’s front lawn. Christopher sets out to solve the mystery, but uncovers more than he bargained for.

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The mesmerising high-tech stage set – a huge electronic cube – helps to take the audience on Christopher’s journey. It transforms from a blackboard to a train carriage to a star-filled night sky, representing Christopher’s mind and mapping out his thoughts in three dimensions.

Even the ensemble cast of nine forms part of the scenery, helping Christopher float around the stage like an astronaut, walk on the walls and creating bustling train station scenes.

Intense and emotional scenes are punctuated by comedy moments provided by the various characters and Christopher’s literal take on their interactions.

You could have heard a pin drop in the Alhambra during poignant scenes between Christopher and his devoted yet exasperated father Ed, played superbly by David Michaels.

Scott Reid is entirely convincing as the autistic teenager. He is never off stage and his tireless, authentic performance is enthralling, providing a valuable and unique insight into the spectrum disorders.

This clever and thought-provoking play is one not to be missed. But don’t be too quick to leave your seats at the end – there is a final surprise well worth sticking around for.

Runs until Saturday.