The Curious Incident Of The Dog

Based on the multi-million selling novel by Mark Haddon, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time follows fifteen-year-old Christopher Boone – a neurodivergent boy who, after falling under suspicion of killing his neighbour’s dog, makes it his mission to track down the real culprit.

Director Andrew Isherwood tells us in the programme that “directing this show has absolutely been one of the best experiences over the past 12 years I’ve had making theatre”, and that passion shows in the delivery of his vision of combining a cinematic, theatrical experience for the audience.

Jonathan Wells's sensitive, detailed portrayal of protagonist Christopher drew us into his character's heart and mind.

The early scenes with his father Ed (brilliantly portrayed by Mike Hickman), who let his own emotions boil up and erupt as he became more and more frustrated with his dogmatic son, were hard to witness but really captured the everyday reality of the strain of parenting a neurodiverse child. Equally, you saw things from Christopher’s point of view, with Siobhan, his teacher and emotional guide, also acting as the narrator, expressing Christopher’s thoughts.

Beryl Nairn was the perfect choice to play Siobhan, the person who Christopher confided in the most and, most importantly, put his trust in. She was always there for him, calm but never condescending, respectful but realistic.

Significantly, it was her inner voice that helped to calm him when he was overwhelmed by unfamiliar challenges on his quest to find his mother (played by Catherine Edge, who gave an earnest and raw portrayal of a mother desperately trying to reconnect with her son) in London.

There was humour woven into the storyline too, which helped to break the tension; the lost rat scene on the train track was a particular example.

The talented ensemble (Alison Taylor, Natalie Melia, Lee Harris, Jon Cook, Tom Riddolls, Alexander Mather and Rich Musk ), along with lighting, video, music and effects and the powerful storytelling, took us on a journey, deep into Christopher’s mind, and as he unravelled the mystery of ‘Who killed Wellington?’, he was led to greater secrets and “ a beautiful journey of self-discovery ”.

The play is an entertaining, emotional rollercoaster that tackles thorny issues with compassion and insight.

Unless you have to dash off to catch a bus, wait for a surprise at the end after the final bows, along with some canine cuddles!

The Curious Incident of The Dog In the Night-Time at Theatre@41, Monkgate, York, until April 5 2025