Fifteen-year-old Christopher loves prime numbers, hates to be touched and has never travelled further than the end of his street alone. He is shocked when he discovers his neighbour’s dog, Wellington, dead in the yard – stabbed with a garden fork. When his neighbour, Mrs Shears, wakes to find Christopher kneeling beside Wellington’s corpse, he becomes the prime suspect of the murder. Accompanied by his pet rat Toby, Christopher embarks on a journey of “detecting”, to solve the mystery himself and set the record straight. But his investigation leads him to uncover more than he anticipated – taking him far beyond the end of his street.
Under Hannah Goodwin’s careful direction, Simon Stephen’s adaptation of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is injected with new life on the Belvoir St stage. In his Belvoir debut, Daniel R Nixon delivers a staggering performance. Informed by his own lived experience as a neurodivergent actor, Nixon’s portrayal of Christopher instantly captivates the audience in childlike wonder, demonstrating an indisputable range and versatility in his nuance.
Christopher’s journey is supported by a sharp ensemble, who often embody the whimsical and joyful inner workings of Christopher’s mind. Under the guidance of choreographer Elle Evangelista and movement directors Tim Dashwood and Nigel Poulton, the cast is unified in a larger-than-life amplification of Christopher’s journey. While at times this hyperbole detracts from the more intimate elements of the story and hinders the audience from fully investing in Christopher’s reality, Zoë Atkinson’s minimal set design provides a necessary grounding.
Without access to large-scale production elements, the audience must take an imaginative leap, so as not to be left behind on Christopher’s auspicious undertaking. Although this leap feels somewhat forced, the clever use of chalk throughout the play visually aids in delineating the various locations and themes of Christopher’s story.
The character work is tactful, with performances by Brigid Zengeni and Matilda Ridgway being notable standouts. Playing both the story’s narrator and Christopher’s teacher and unwavering supporter, Siobhan, Zengeni draws the audience in with gentle humility. Ridgway’s portrayal of Christopher’s estranged mother (whom Christopher had believed to be dead) is equal parts heart wrenching as it is hopeful.
Brandon McClelland is touching in his portrayal of Christopher’s complex yet dependable father, while Ariadne Sgouros injects quick wit and light-hearted comedy as Mrs Shears. Tracy Mann is captivating and endearing as Mrs Alexander, and Nicholas Brown and Roy Joseph complete the ensemble with tireless energy and skill.
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Despite the whimsical and fantastical elements sprinkled throughout the play, at its heart The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a story about family, connection and self-discovery. It is a charming night out at the theatre, and a necessary celebration of individuality.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
Belvoir St Theatre
Adapter: Simon Stephens
Director: Hannah Goodwin
Assistant Director: Margaret Thanos
Set and Costume Designer: Zoë Atkinson
Lighting Designer: Kelsey Lee
Composer and Sound Designer: Alyx Dennison
Choreographer: Elle Evangelista
Movement Directors: Tim Dashwood and Nigel Poulton
Puppetry Director: Alice Osborne
Vocal Coach: Laura Farrell
Stage Manager: Luke Mcgettigan
Assistant Stage Manager: Zoe Davis
Access Coordinator: Sarah Carroll
Cast: Daniel R Nixon, Nicholas Brown, Roy Joseph, Tracy Mann, Brandon McClelland, Matilda Ridgway, Ariadne Sgouros, Brigid Zengeni
Tickets: $39-$95
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time will be performed until 22 September 2024.
