REVIEW: The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time

From the first blast of sound to the final LED filled moments, this extraordinary stage adaptation of Mark Haddon’s best-selling novel is a delight for the senses. The National Theatre (Great Britain) production with play written by Simon Stephens, has garnered high praise across the globe with gushing reviews and ecstatic audience responses. It is all utterly deserved. 

Haddon’s 2003 novel is narrated by 15 year old Christopher Boone, a mathematics savant with social difficulties. (Haddon un-authoritively described it as Aspergers and autism but has since back-pedalled.) The opening scene sets off the mystery inferred by the title: a dog is lying dead in a yard with a pitch fork stuck through its belly. This sparks Christopher’s irrepressible need for answers and admiration of Sherlock Holmes and he begins a quest to identify the dog killer. It’s a quest that leads to even darker secrets and answers he is not completely prepared for. 

Joshua Jenkins is astounding in the lead role of Christopher. The role is complex and emotional but also very physical, which Jenkins – who is on stage for virtually the entire show – handles with absolute aplomb. Stuart Laing balances pragmatic, working class bloke with sensitive, overwhelmed dad as Ed. Julie Hale plays dual roles as Siobhan, Christopher’s therapist, and narrator, seamlessly slipping into synch with Christopher’s speech and thoughts. 

All performances are very good but the real stand out is the set design. A black cube with white graph lines, inset with lights, video and hidden doors, it is ingenious and completely absorbs us into Christopher’s mathematical world. There are clever comical surprises and precisely choreographed sequences that make for continued smiles and gasps. This production is nothing short of brilliant. 

Until 28. Roslyn Packer Theatre, 22 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay. $99.90-$149.90+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.roslynpackertheatre.com.au

Reviewed by Rita Bratovich.