A Moving and Magical “Night-time”

So many people missed the astonishing National Theatre Live on film production of The Curious Incident of The Dog In The Night-Time that Sharmill Films has announced there is a limited re-release over the weekend of 24^th and 25^th May, 2014. This will probably be your only chance to see this remarkable production and, if you really love great theatre, you should see it.

The play itself is award winning playwright Simon Stephen’s adaptation of Mark Haddon’s best-selling novel – which is our hero Christopher’s written account of what happened from the night he discovered Wellington, Mrs Shears’ dog, dead and impaled on a garden fork, just a few minutes after midnight. What follows is an investigation into the crime, led by Christopher; but more importantly a journey to truth, and growth and self. Christopher is autistic, with severe Asperger’s – a fifteen-year-old boy with a brilliant brain that simply doesn’t compute emotion or empathy. He has never been beyond the end of his road until he sets off on his journey of discovery. It’s an astonishing role played by an even more astonishing young actor, Luke Treadaway who, although 28 years old, is completely convincing as a dysfunctional 15 year old. Since the entire play is through his point of view, we virtually take a trip through the chaotic yet strangely ordered (just one paradox) world of his brain. Alongside Treadaway’s brilliant performance is the stunning design, by Bunny Christie and an expert team, of the autism spectrum….the map of Christopher’s understanding. This includes video, music and lighting and sound design of the highest order. Flat, projected, images used horizontally take on the characteristics of a three dimensional vertical set, and the actors’ movements provide extra dimension when needed. Director Marianne Elliott (of Tony winning War Horse fame) is nothing less than brilliant in her handling of the cast and the material.

The supporting cast includes some of Britain’s finest actors. Niamh Cusack, as Luke’s “special needs” teacher Siobhan, Paul Ritter as his Dad, Ed, an ordinary man trying to deal with extraordinary circumstances, and Nicola Walker (I always loved her as Ruth in Spooks) as Judy, the mother Christopher believed had died, only to discover she left him because she simply couldn’t cope. But it’s Treadaway’s play to own, in one of the most astonishing performances you will ever see. Don’t miss this remarkable piece of theatre. It will stay with you forever.

Coral Drouyn

Coral’s review of the earlier screening

Details of Screenings