Written by Simon
Stephens
Based on the novel by
Mark Haddon
The National Theatre
Of Great Britain production
Canberra Theatre to 1
July
Reviewed by Len Power
27 June 2018
The National Theatre’s production of ‘The Curious Incident
of the Dog In the Night-Time’ is based on the popular novel by Mark
Haddon. Unlike the first person
narrative of the novel, the theatrical adaptation is presented as a play within
a play.
Christopher John Francis Boone, a 15-year-old boy who
describes himself as ‘a mathematician with some behavioural difficulties’
living in Swindon, England, investigates a killing in his neighbourhood. His unspecified autism spectrum disorder
gives him a unique insight into the information he uncovers. The complex electronic setting enables us to
see his thought processes and better understand his responses to the reactions
of the people and the environment around him.
At first, the play is quite demanding until you work out
what’s going on in Christopher’s mind. From that point on, you’re taken on a rollercoaster
journey that is dramatic, funny, moving, very real and always visually
stunning.
Marianne Elliott previously directed the highly successful ‘War
Horse’ for the National Theatre and with this play provides another unique and
startling theatrical experience.
 |
| Joshua Jenkins as Christopher |
Joshua Jenkins gives an amazing performance as
Christopher. He is onstage throughout
the show and sails through the demanding physical and vocal requirements of this
difficult role, giving us a totally believable character that we grow to love as
the play progresses.
Essentially an ensemble play, the other nine performers are
also excellent. Stuart Laing as Christopher’s
father, Julie Hale as his mentor at school and Emma Beattie as his mother give
strong performances in their individual characters while the remaining cast
give sharply etched performances in multiple roles.
The set designer, Bunny Christie, the lighting designer,
Paule Constable, and the video designer, Finn Ross, have produced a
breathtakingly successful design that complements the production concept perfectly. It’s fascinating to see such a fine example
of the advances being made these days in theatre production design with the aid
of complex computer systems.
‘The Curious Incident of the Dog In the Night-Time’ is a
creative, thought-provoking and enjoyable theatrical masterpiece. You really must not miss it.
Photos by BrinkhoffMÓ§genburg
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast on his ‘On Stage’ performing arts radio program on Mondays
and Wednesdays from 3.30pm on Artsound FM 92.7.
