Review: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at the Gielgud Theatre

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Gielgud Theatre
Reviewed on Wednesday 9th July 2014
★★★★★

It's very rare to see a show which utilises all of its theatrical elements, but The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (which has resumed its West End run at the Gielgud Theatre) is an example of a piece of theatre which cannot be faulted in any field.

Marianne Elliott's production cleverly invites the audience into the extraordinary mind of fifteen year old Christopher Boone. Christopher is exceptional at maths but ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. Simon Stephens's adaptation of Mark Haddon’s famous novel is tastefully humorous throughout, Christopher struggles with communication and, from very early on, the audience are able to grow protective of the character and understand his unique thought process. 

Exquisite design, lighting, visual effects and movement choreography come together, complimenting each other perfectly, to enable the audience to understand Christopher's world. As well as entertaining and thrilling, Curious Incident also educates which is incredibly important as autism is so often misunderstood and misrepresented in society. The intelligence behind this play is astounding. 

The story follows Christopher who, after discovering a dead dog, decides he is going to solve the mystery and unmask the murderer. As Christopher launches his perfectly innocent investigation one or two hurdles and surprising revelations arise to the surface. I cannot remember the last time I found myself so engrossed in a piece of theatre. Having not read the book I had no idea what to expect, but found myself sitting on the edge of my seat feeling nothing but compassion for Christopher.

Graham Butler gives an almighty performance in the leading role. The part is both physically and emotionally full on, but Butler lives and breathes every moment. His attention to detail highlights how profoundly researched and masterful his performance is. 

Sarah Woodward (Siobhan) triumphantly narrates the story, reading from the book Christopher writes about his discoveries. The scenes Christopher shares with Siobhan, his teacher, provide the most comfortable and calming moments of the play; their relationship is beautiful.

Gay Soper (Mrs Alexander) is wonderful as Christopher's elderly neighbour with stellar performances also coming from Emily Joyce (Judy) and Nicholas Tennant (Ed). The entire cast come together and perform superbly as an ensemble. Every single company member brings something important to the story and experience.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time proves that when a new piece of theatre is produced to the highest standard possible, pushes the boundaries of theatre and delves into different themes from new perspectives, audiences will go and see it! Risks have been taken and, as the show prepares to open on Broadway and tour the UK whilst continuing in its new West End home, they have undoubtedly paid off!

As soon as I've managed to digest just how incredible the show is I will certainly be buying a ticket to see this phenomenally miraculous piece of theatre again. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is the best play currently running in the West End; it is simply unmissable. 

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is currently booking at the Gielgud Theatre until Saturday 14th February 2015. Please visit www.nationaltheatre.org.uk for further information and tickets.

Click here to read our interview with cast member Sarah Woodward

Photo Credit: Brinkhoff Mögenburg 

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