Theatre Review - THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME - PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

Based on a novel by Mark Haddon and adapted for the stage by Simon Stephens,

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is an interesting show about an

autistic teenager’s struggle that pulls no punches. When his neighbour’s dog is

murdered one night, Christopher Boone (an autistic teen with a skill for mathematics)

has his world shaken and immediately begins an investigation of the dog’s death. His

enquiries bring to light things that Christopher struggles to understand and

revelations that transform his world.

Director Sam Burrell created a production that sits you in Christopher’s world of

numbers and brings out the discomfort of being autistic in an unforgiving world. Cube

numbers (numbers cubed) covered the stage, giving a feeling of being filled, but

because the set (built by Carol English) was really only a few white boxes with some

occasional props within it, it never felt cluttered and seemed to serve as a beautiful

device for storytelling. Simple but very effective. The innovative use of lighting,

designed and operated by Tim Swinton, really added to the moment of Christophers

discomfort whenever anyone violated his personal boundaries. The use of a

projection on the back wall, combined with the excellent sound effects (Sound

Design Sam Burrell and Tracey Lucas) really gave a great representation of how

human touch upset our main character. The intensities of the music and sound

combined to really draw you into the scene as Christopher ventured forth on public

transport, and the way the ensemble moved within that scene was mesmerizing. It

was a truly stand-out production full of interesting staging.

The Ensemble (Cat White, Charlie Milne, Colette Knowles, Lauren Elizabeth and Tim

Clark) were mesmerising when moving in a choreographed fashion, but were also all

individually brilliant in the smaller roles they played. Eileen Davidson was charming

as Mrs Alexander, the well-meaning neighbour. Sara Jo Harrison showed a heart-

breaking honesty in her portrayal of Christophers mother, Judy. Sean Burnside was

very careful to underplay his part as Christophers frustrated yet loving dad, Ed, with

incomparable results. Alison Carr struck the perfect notes as teacher/support worker

Siobhan. Like Christopher himself, I can tell no lies, so I must also express how

exceptional Zachary Douglas’s performance was of the main character, Christopher

John Francis Boone.

A very interesting show, not to be missed. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the

Night-Time is showing at the People’s Theatre until Saturday 13th  June 2026.