Review: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, The Questors Theatre

A dead dog with a pitchfork jammed into its belly lies centre stage. No, thankfully, it’s just a prop. This is the opening for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, an important and relevant play that looks at the difficulties of being neurodivergent in a world that is not built for you.

The play follows Christopher (Rory Hobson), a 15 year old teenager on the autistic spectrum, who finds his neighbour’s dog murdered and vows to solve the mystery, much to every other character’s annoyance. But beyond this set up, it delves into much more. Viewers come to understand how difficult the world is for Christopher, because others simply don’t understand him. Even his own father (Andrew Miller) doesn’t seem to understand Christopher, despite obviously loving and caring for his son. Siobhan (Claire Durrant), Christopher’s mentor at school and the narrator of the play, is the only one able to understand his quirks, and the relationship between her and Christopher is both endearing and enlightening as she advocates for his needs and pushes him to succeed; the two have good chemistry on stage together.

Hobson is excellent as Christopher, despite not quite looking fifteen. He gives a stellar performance that brings much needed representation of neurodivergence to the stage. Here is an honest representation, including stimming, fidgeting, self-soothing and screaming when being touched. But Christopher is also highly intelligent and funny (though unintentionally so). Roger Beaumont’s direction enables the characterisation of Christopher to be both respectful and raw, showing that just because he does not fit conventions, doesn’t mean he should be struck off by society. We find ourselves rooting for him to succeed, as we anxiously anticipate the awkward nature of decisions that often get him into trouble.

This production does an incredible job at world-building. A very well paced plot with many twists and turns keeps the audience hooked throughout. Set design, by Beaumont and Leon Chambers is excellent, featuring ingenious pull-up tiles in the stage that house items Christopher finds his dad hiding from him. Chambers’ video design, Emerson Bramwell’s sound and Martin Walton’s lighting all contribute to creating a seamless execution that immerses audiences in the play. Projection of tetris games and outer space, and visual and audio representations of everyday sounds that are overwhelming to Christopher, gives the audience a holistic picture of his struggles.

For a self-proclaimed amateur theatre production, this play is executed superbly. Attentive consideration to all elements of the show has created a production that is multifaceted and seamless. It is an enjoyable evening, sure to make you laugh, smile, cringe and even shed a tear at the end.

Based on the novel by Mark Haddon
Directed by Roger Beaumont
Set design by Roger Beaumont and Leon Chambers
Costume design by Jenny Richardson
Lighting design by Martin Walton
Composition and sound design by Emerson Bramwell
Video design by Leon Chambers
Fight choreography by Adrian Faer
Production management by Clare Waldock
Stage management by Doug Willis
Props by Mariana Anton
Creature design by Shaan Latif-Shaikh
Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd. on behalf of Samuel French Ltd

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time plays at The Questors Theatre until Saturday 28 March