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Criterion Theatre
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time (2025)
Mark Haddon adapted by Simon Stephens
Sat 1st February to Sat 8th February
Director – Christine Ingall

Simon Stephens' adaptation is a life-affirming and unmissable’ smash-hit production bringing Mark Haddon’s best-selling novel to thrilling life on stage.

Christopher, fifteen years old, stands beside Mrs Shears’ dead dog.

It has been speared with a garden fork, it is seven minutes after midnight and Christopher is under suspicion. He records each fact in the book he is writing to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington.

He has an extraordinary brain. He is exceptional at maths, while everyday life presents some barriers. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched and he distrusts strangers. When he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbour’s dog, it takes him on a journey that upturns his world.

Reviews of the Play

"This adaptation by the acclaimed playwright Simon Stephens is intensely, innately theatrical; it is also funny and extremely moving."
Laura Thompson for The Daily Telegraph

"a highly skilful adaptation... as Christopher's parents movingly remind us of the messily contradictory human emotions that co-exist with their son's world of perfect patterns." Michael Billington for The Guardian.

"This is a profoundly moving play about adolescence, fractured families, mathematics, colours and lights." Michael Coveney for The Independent

Casting Information (10 actors)

Great opportunities to be a part of an ensemble cast where the actors perform multiple parts or roles.

-Christopher: able to play 15 years old and male-presenting (casting age rising 17 to 20s). Neuro-divergent actors are particularly encouraged to audition.

-Christopher's Teacher

-Ed, Christopher's Dad

-Judy, Christopher's Mum

-6 company ensemble playing mutiple characters.

 
Open Reading and Auditions
There will be an open reading of this production on Sunday 29th September 2024 at 7:30pm in the Theatre bar. All welcome, including those who just like to hear a play read aloud and would like to enjoy this critically acclaimed adaptation. Anyone who is interested in auditioning is encouraged to come along. 
Auditions will be held on Thursday 3rd October and Sunday 6th October both at 7:30pm.
Please contact the director Christine Ingall on christineingall67@gmail.com if you would like to come along and audition for further information.

EDI Assessment

In line with our EDI policy, we undertake an EDI impact assessment of all our artistic programming. This play has a central diversity message exploring the experiences of a young neurodivergent person as they interact with the people and the world around them. In alignment with the novel, the individual cast as the central character of Christopher should be able to convincingly play a male-presenting person of 15 years old. On the character notes, there are indications where specific playing gender identifications are called for, however most characters can be cast completely neutrally with regard to gender/gender identity, ethnicity, age and disability.

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