The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at the Apollo Theatre
Nobody was surprised when this astounding book-turned-West-End-show bagged an almighty seven Olivier awards at the prestigious event earlier this year. It opened at the National Theatre in August 2012 and transferred to the Apollo Theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue in March this year. The innovative graph-paper set, using an intricate network of LED lights as well as an array of hidden doors, won awards for Bunny Christie (designer), Finn Ross (video designer) and Paule Constable (lighting designer). Awards also went to director Marianne Elliott and Luke Treadway as the original Christopher Boone.
The opening night at the Apollo Theatre with the new cast was led by Mike Noble as Christopher Boone and took place on 2nd September 2013. True to the word of prior critics, the show was absolutely incredible, and the performances of all the new cast members were seamless. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time was so refreshing in terms of getting physical and experimental theatre onto the mainstream stage, and the fact that it was received so well by the public proves that naturalism is not the only style that has a place on leading stages. Scott Graham & Steven Hoggett (Frantic Assembly) were both responsible for some truly remarkable physical theatre, which covered everything from human props and sound effects from the actors to solutions to long-distance travelling within the storyline.
Mike Noble was indescribably accurate in portraying a 15-year-old boy with Asperger syndrome. His performance was riddled with the most intricate of details and minute behaviours that built up this alarmingly truthful character. His parents (Trevor Fox and Amanda Drew) were, above all things, honest. Their portrayal of people coping with the unique circumstances of the story was heart-wrenching without being over-dramatic or coy. The supporting cast all proved themselves as vital in tying all aspects of the story and performance together, manoeuvring swiftly from concrete characters into moving parts of the set (such as doors and even animals).
As predicted, the show was outstanding and, apart from a few stumbles over lines, flawless. It excelled itself in every field, dominating acting skills, musical innovation and design creativity, and astounding the audience with unique and progressive choreography, giving this production a well-earned “must see” status.
Elizabeth Finney
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is at the Apollo Theatre until 25th October 2014. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.
Watch the original National Theatre trailer for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time here:
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