The 10th-anniversary tour of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, adapted from the novel by Mark Haddon, comes to the Wycombe Swan.
Based on the hit 2003 book that sold 5.5 million copies, the play has been watched by more than five million people in Tokyo, Mexico, Budapest and Sydney
Simon Stephens’ adaptation won a record-breaking seven Laurence Olivier Awards during its initial West End run in 2013 and six Tony Awards following its performance on Broadway.
The play follows teenager Christopher Boone as he sets himself the task of finding out who killed his neighbour’s dog, Wellington.
At first, he is the prime suspect for killing it, but once he is quickly proven innocent, Christopher begins to investigate further.
If you’ve read the book - and there was a time in the early noughties when it seemed like everyone had - then you already know what Christopher learns after some detective work, but if not, then we won’t spoil any of it for you.
There is just one week left of the 10th Anniversary tour of #CuriousIncident. Don't miss your final chance to catch this incredible show @wycombeswan from Tuesday 17 - Saturday 21 May.
— Curious on Stage (@curiousonstage) May 16, 2022
To mark our final week, here are some previously unseen photos of this company: pic.twitter.com/NKgH2HFzYn
The 15-year-old boy, even though he is exceptional at maths, struggles with everyday life problems.
Living alone with his father in Swindon, Christopher has some “behavioural difficulties” which liken to someone diagnosed with Asperger syndrome.
Played by Connor Curren, he believably captures the mannerisms of the character’s anxiety and nervousness alongside his manic episodes.
The relationships with his father, teacher, neighbours and strangers are acted out perfectly showing an insight into how Christopher views the world.
Curren identifies himself as autistic and believes his casting is a “big step forward” in the theatre world.
In the pre-show notes, he said: “It is something that the industry is addressing and it’s great because if an actor has these life experiences I supposed you could say it’s one less thing to focus on, as they can really just get into the nitty gritty of the character.
“I also think with younger people it gives them someone to look up to.
“I probably needed that when I was a kid, watching actors and thinking ‘Maybe I don’t belong in that kind of world.”
He is supported by a great cast, with a special shout-out to Rebecca Root as Christopher’s teacher Siobhan.
She also doubles as the play’s narrator breaking the fourth wall expertly as she reads Christopher’s account as it unfolds before you.
The most remarkable part of this show was the staging and lighting.
Confined within a technological cube, it impressively utilises lights to help portray Christopher's emotion in an almost graph like set.
Talking of maths stay around for the maths lesson (It's worth it!).
Pre-show dining is available at the Wycombe Swan with a brand-new Spring menu that offers a wide range of starters, mains and interval desserts (see pictures).
To book tickets visit: https://wycombeswan.co.uk.
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