Erin Seils |
After reading the book many years ago, I was captivated by Mark Haddon’s portrayal of Christopher Boone, a peculiar boy with “Behavioural Problems”, a profound interest in mathematics and aspirations to become an astronaut.
Simon Stephens’ stage adaptation of the novel was first shown in London’s National Theatre in 2012 and was immensly successful. The play recieved 7 Olivier awards in 2013 and 5 Tony awards in 2015. Simon Stephens, pleased enough that his two youngest children and Mark Haddon enjoyed it, was shocked by just how adored by the public his adaptation was:
“I never anticipated, however, that it would be seen by over two million more people”
When I learned that the highly commended play was coming to Glasgow’s King’s Theatre I jumped at the opportunity to see it. Personally, I cannot comprehend Stephens’ doubt. I must admit that, at first, I was worried about the play living up to the hugely high standards set by Mark Haddon’s book. However, the play matched the book perfectly with just the right amount of changes to make the story work on stage.
Simon Stephen’s play is not only well-written and directed but also phenomonally humorous and vastly educational with regards to everything from mathematics and space to families and bravery.
In the showing I watched, Christopher was played by Sam Newton. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time was actually his professional theatre debut which I was surprised to find out after experiencing his exceptionally realistic portrayal of Boone.
It was clear that the play had been rehearsed over and over again to perfect every last detail. Everything was choreographed exactly so that even when Christopher attempted to navigate his way through a sea of erratic, fast-moving train goers there were no unintentional collisions.
Sound was also a very important part of the experience, used in some scenes to convey the way Christopher feels. For example, when he is on the train. Unlike most of us who perhaps have an occasional glance out the window, Christopher notices everything. Sound builds to a huge intensity as Christopher’s brain goes into overdrive.
The set is also used effectively and efficiently. For example colour-changing light boxes were used to portray both a fish tank and a microwave by simply changing the colour and the mimed actions of the actors.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. After running for a spectacular 5 years, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time has already said goodbye to London’s West End and will be performed for the final time in the UK in Milton Keynes Theatre on the 16th of September 2017. However, if you run out of time to see the play, Mark Haddon’s book of the same name is just as enthralling.
