Based on the bestselling novel published in 2003, by Mark Haddon, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time provides a fascinating insight into Asperger’s syndrome through the eyes of Christopher Boone (Joshua Jenkins), a 15-year-old boy living in suburban England with his troubled parents. Christopher likens himself to a mathematical Sherlock Holmes when he tries to determine the murderer of his neighbour’s dog, after initially being accused of the vicious and disturbing crime. Premiering in Brisbane direct from the UK, it has won 5 Tony Awards and 7 Olivier Awards, including Best Play, Best Director (Marianne Elliott) and Best Design.
As a much-lauded book, highlighting the issues and uniqueness of the mind of a teenager with Asperger’s syndrome, the English National Theatre two-time Olivier Award-winning playwright, Simon Stephens had a difficult task in adapting the popular book, while staying loyal to the book’s characters and unique flavour. He did a fantastic job of using Christopher’s favourite teacher Siobhan (Julie Hale), as the narrator incorporating Christopher’s diary with commentary as the tale unfolds. The interpretation is part sleuthing-mystery and part dance with the pathos of a Shakespearean play, as the young innocent Christopher discovers the horrors of life, be it through the filter of Asperger’s syndrome.
There are four major characters in a cast of ten: Christopher (Joshua Jenkins); his father Ed (Stuart Laing); his often estranged mother Judy (Emma Beattie); and his nurturing special school teacher Siobhan (Julie Hale). The other intervening characters are played by the remaining six cast members who also participate in the dance features, choreographed by Scott Graham and Steven Hoggett, and by manipulating Christopher and the basic, but extremely effective set around him.
The set is ingenious and unique, combining vivid imagery interspersed with text and lighting. The three walls and the floor utilise neon lighting onto which the thoughts and drawings of Christopher are recreated in light. The designers Bunny Christie (set), Paule Constable (lighting) and Finn Ross (video) have created a visual spectacle by combining drawings, text, and projections. The 'magic box,' has walls made of individual square pixels and the lighting used Source Four® ellipsoidals and automated fixtures run from an Eos Ti lighting desk to create a visual representation of Christopher's subjective inner reality.
The flashing lights and sounds are extremely effective in demonstrating how an overload of information in the mind of Christopher can create panic and confusion. This was extremely powerful in the tube subway scene when he is bombarded with loud sounds, lights and signs physically freezing him in a very dangerous situation. The audience are on tenterhooks until he manages to phase the inputs out and focus, something which most of us do automatically in such a demanding environment.
There are two other outstanding scenes. One when Christopher is travelling with his rat and he walks along the wall defying gravity, seamlessly supported by cast members. The other is the final bonus scene when the play has its curtain call and Christopher returns to the stage to explain and demonstrate one of the answers to his A level examination on Pythagoras’ theorem. It catches the audience out as they are collecting belongings and heading off to the car park, when Christopher returns to the stage. Causing everyone to halt their departure and watch his fascinating description of the answer to the examination question, reminding the audience of their dark struggles with maths, something which is simple to Christopher. Joshua Jenkins, who plays Christopher is very convincing using posture and mannerisms to subtlety portray Christopher’s Asperger’s condition, which is never mentioned in the play.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a spectacular and innovative production combining high tech imagery with dance and powerful dialogue to provide a glimpse into the mind of a teenager with Asperger’s syndrome.
QPAC Concert Hall, 12-24 June 2018
By Dr Gemma Regan
Production photo of original International Touring cast by Brinkoff/Mögenburg
Youth Review by Jasmine & Jade Regan Feldman
A visually spectacular production that left the audience gasping and laughing at all the right moments! Straight from the UK, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is based on the best-selling novel by Mark Haddon and tells the story of Christopher Boone, an autistic boy with an extraordinary brain, who unravels the mystery of who killed his neighbour’s dog. It’s like a reverse Scooby-Doo! Christopher is brilliantly played by Joshua Jenkins, whose performance captivated the audience from the get-go. The story is narrated by Siobhan (Julie Hale), Christopher’s favourite teacher at his special school, who reads Christopher’s story, his recount of the events of the play.
Directed by Marianne Elliot, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is one of the most innovative shows we have ever seen. Its inimitable use of an interactive, electronic stage and lighting (Paule Constable, Finn Ross & Bunny Christie) wowed audiences. As Christopher drew on the floor, his thoughts would appear around him. This effect gave a fascinating insight into his mind and thought-processes, providing an insightful look into his brain.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time was expertly choreographed (Scott Graham & Steven Hoggett for Frantic Assembly) creating an engaging and original visual spectacle. With the assistance of the ensemble, Christopher flew across the stage, walked side-ways along the wall, and even performed gravity-defying flips in space! Coupled with the atmospheric music (Adrian Sutton), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time keeps the audiences on the edge of their seats.
Having won 5 Tony Awards and 7 Olivier Awards, including Best Play, Best Director and Best Design, Brisbane is privileged to have had this wonderful production performed at the QPAC. An insightful, shocking, and fascinating performance, if you get a chance to go, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is not to be missed!