Based on the novel by Mark Haddon
Adapted by Simon Stephens
Directed by Chris Baldock
Mockingbird Theatre Company
Belconnen Arts Centre to April 5
Reviewed by Len Power 20 March 2025
For their first official production as the theatre-company-in-residence at the Belconnen Arts Centre, Mockingbird Theatre Company has chosen a famous, award-winning play that is a huge challenge to stage successfully.
Young, autistic Christopher Boone, investigates the mystery surrounding the death of a neighbour’s dog. His determination to solve the puzzle brings him into conflict with his father, renewed contact with his mother and enables us to see the world through his eyes as he struggles with relationships and situations that challenge him.
‘The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time’, adapted by Simon Stephens from Mark Haddon’s 2003 novel, was first staged by the National Theatre in London in 2012. The play won a record number of Olivier Awards and its subsequent Broadway production won the Tony Award for Best Play.
Those who saw this original production would remember the extraordinary, expensive-looking set design for this play-within-a-play and wonder how a local company with limited resources could find a way to successfully stage it. Mockingbird’s director, Chris Baldock, has made it a fully immersive experience with clever projections, designed by Matt Kizer, on the walls and the floor of the theatre-in-the-round. It works superbly, giving us a more direct and clearer experience of the world as seen by this autistic young man.
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| Wajanoah Donohoe as Christopher |
On opening night, the marathon central role of Christopher was played by Wajanoah Donohoe. It was a performance of skill, warmth and great sensitivity, making us care deeply for this young man as he struggles in a world that is difficult for him. Ethan Wiggin will share the role of Christopher at other performances during the season.
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| Richard Manning (centre) as Ed, Christopher's father |
There were also notably fine performances by Richard Manning as Christopher’s father, Claire White as his mother and Leah Peel Griffiths as Siobhan, his school mentor and the play’s narrator.
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| From left to right: Callum Doherty, Travis Beardsley, Meg Hyam, Leah Peel Griffiths (Siobhan), Anthony Mayne, Tracy Noble and Peter Fock |
The six other cast members play multiple roles successfully, giving often quick, but effective, character sketches and impressing with their sense of timing.
Rhiley Winnett was responsible for the projection realisation and operation as well as the lighting design with Chris Baldock. His contribution to the success of this production is immense.
Director, Chris Baldock has created an imaginative production of this entertaining and important play that, because of its immersive design, was even more effective than the original production.
Photos by Chris Baldock
Len Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and ‘Arts About’ programs and published in his blog 'Just Power Writing' at https://justpowerwriting.blogspot.com/.
