Yesterday, Christopher Boone appeared rather lost in Birmingham New St Station with his friend Toby the rat. He was spotted pondering over train timetables, coming down the escalator from Grand Central, perching on a bench and even exploring the control room.
This week saw the return of The National Theatre’s Olivier and Tony Award-winning production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time to Birmingham Hippodrome, from the 3-8 July 2017.
Harborne actor Sam Newton returns to his hometown to perform as Christopher in Curious Incident. Sam opened the show here at the Birmingham Hippodrome on the evening of Monday 3 July in our Relaxed Performance.
This was the first time we have ever opened the show with a Relaxed Performance, open to anyone, Relaxed Performances are intended to cater for people with special needs who may find going to the theatre challenging, in particular people with an Autistic Spectrum Condition, learning disability or sensory and communication disorder.
The show was modified for the Relaxed Performance by lowering the bright lighting and softening the loud noises, also in the foyer we had activities and a calm place to relax throughout the whole show.
Adapted by Simon Stephens and based on the best-selling novel by Mark Haddon, the show tells the story of Christopher Boone, who is fifteen years old. He has an extraordinary brain, and is exceptional at maths while ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched and distrusts strangers.
When he falls under the suspicion of killing Mrs Shears’ dog, his detective work – forbidden by his father – takes him on a frightening journey that upturns his world.
The National Theatre’s production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, the recipient of seven Olivier awards and five Tony Awards, including Best Play is directed by Marianne Elliott, designed by Bunny Christie with lighting by Paule Constable.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time runs at Birmingham Hippodrome until Sat 8 July 2017.
