Heart-warming, thought-provoking and powerful, Simon Stephen’s portrayal of The Curious Incident of the Dog in The Night-Time is wowing audiences in its run at Bristol Hippodrome
Mark Haddon’s award-winning novel, The Curious Case of the Dog at Night-Time, is brought to the stage in dramatic fashion in a performance adapted by Simon Stephens and directed by Marianne Elliot.
The story is one of incredible bravery. One about overcoming struggles that are put upon us. And a story that resonates long after putting down the book or, in this case, leaving the theatre.
The Curious Incident of the Dog at Night-Time follows the exceptional mind of Christopher Boone, a 15 year old boy with extraordinary intellect and self-confessed behavioural problems. After finding his neighbour’s dog Wellington dead, stabbed with a garden fork, he sets himself the task of unmasking the murderer.
As the story unravels, and his mission continues, Christopher finds himself in a family-centred drama, one in which he takes challenging steps to try and live with the secrets his father has been hiding from him.
Simon Stephens’ has stayed faithful to the much-loved novel; and the Marianne’s direction successfully places the audience inside Christopher’s mind through dramatic staging and the powerful use of technology including strobe lighting, spectacular sound and stunning effects.
The cast work seamlessly alongside the staging, engaging their audiences. Scott Reid brings Christopher to life – he brilliantly aligns our feelings with Christopher’s. He never overacts; the stillness and then, quick sudden outbursts, are perfectly delivered.
Lucianne McEvoy’s portrayal of Christopher’s teacher Siobhan, and David Michaels and Emma Beattie as Christopher’s flawed parents, stir up emotions inside their audiences and lead them to ponder what they would do in similar situations. It takes truly great acting to have your audiences question how they would deal with the struggles the family face.
Once the performance came to end, everyone was quick to jump to their feet in a standing ovation. And I can’t think of anything I’ve seen in a very long time which deserved the same, incredibly enthusiastic, reaction.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is at the Bristol Hippodrome until Saturday June 17 (7.30pm). Tickets can be purchased here.
