The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time

Report on

Street Theatre Company’s
Production of

“The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time”
Adapted by Simon Stevens from the novel by Mark Haddon.

Director – Jane Sayer,
Producer – Kate Wilson,

Projection Design – Kate Wilson & Bradley Moogan,

Lighting – James Linham,
Sound Design – Jane Sayer & om Davies.
As seen by Bob Allen, NODA SW District 14 Representative -

( on behalf of Kate Marshall )
on Wednesday, 18th, March, 2026
at Strode Theatre, Street, Somerset. BA16 0AB.

PLEASE NOTE:

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in question. The
reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is inevitable that his assessment

will be effected by that knowledge.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular
the performance viewed. It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as
the techniques used during the performance observed. Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at
other performances, and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.
It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to
greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving
future productions.

This play centers on Christopher Boone – a teenager on the Autism spectrum. We
see how this affects all those who know and love him and how he copes with finding
a dead dog in the garden. His decision to find out who killed the dog becomes a
quest for his daily life and the changes that occur.
The story unfolds on a clear stage. There is a large rear projection screen at the
centre, flats each side and some small white boxes that serve as seats and tables.
At all times the entire cast were visible on stage. All the action and different scenes
were extremely well defined by the cast, the sound and lighting teams and the rear
projection. It was quickly clear that here was a very well rehearsed and slick
production. The pace was tuned to the action on stage but was varied and visual. I
arrived to see this production with only a synopsis in my mind and I was treated to a
visual feast. With a talented cast and the constant changing projections there was
always something new to see or feel. It was almost as though Jane, the Director,
was getting the audience to feel the same as Christopher when he was experiencing
new daily things in his life. It also made me realise just how much hard work it was to
care for, and love, a person with such problems. For me it was a play not to like - as
much as to admire for the feelings and intimacy it evoked. I will not be describing the
journey this young man took. If you want to know just go and see the show! You’ll be
glad you did.

NODA, 15 The Metro Centre, Peterborough, PE2 7UH
Registered CIO 1171216, Registered Company 241572. Patrons – Lord Lloyd Webber and Connie Fisher
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I do however want to talk about those who brought life to the stage. There was a
very good ensemble cast of six. They each worked well in different roles and gave
such great support to the young lead. Their movements between scenes were a
delight. No noise, no bumping – just correct moves every time. I know you must have
been rehearsing each move so many times but to me it looked faultless. That
precision also proved beneficial in making the changes so slick that the audience
would hardly notice. Another thing that pleased me was the manner in which
everyone found their lights. Yes you had a very good lighting plan but you all sought
your lights without thinking. To this reviewer that doesn’t happen so often even these
days. I was particularly impressed by the bus and train station scenes. They came
well timed to lift the energy levels in the second half. Beautiful to watch and
conveying the atmosphere so well. These were some of the best scenes in the show
and I enjoyed them so much. Scenes were all the hard work paid off so well.
The Ensemble:-
Lydia who played Mrs Shears and Mrs Gascoyne amongst others and managed to
make them seem different people. Loved Jonathan’s Duty Sargeant – he just didn’t
understand anything! Allie playing two policewomen but I enjoyed the lady with
cardigan – reminded me so much of family members. Lee playing the wonderful
Reverend and the station Policeman and enjoying both roles. Must mention Romy
playing “Information” – not many actors can say that. Such an unusual “cameo”!
And of course Gill playing the annoying posh woman – we couldn’t miss her!
We saw the part of Judy, played by Elaine, grow from fiend to friend as the “dead”
Mother. Beautifully acted with a great show of emotions. Rob played the Father who
couldn’t cope with a problem son. This role was developed over the course of the
play and we saw such a range of feelings. Well done.
Nicky, playing Siobhan, had nearly as many words to learn as the lead. She was
clear in diction and was the “voice” of the play. She never once lost the character
and the pace was perfect for the role. Congratulations on handling a difficult piece.
Despite the efforts of the cast this whole show needed a magnificent Christopher.
And yes you had such an actor. Dear Ed if you never walk the boards again you’ll
know that you nailed a great role first time! You never lost the skin you adopted for
the whole show. I did not believe this was your first main role. Of course you may
have been a royal pain to live with at home, as are most teenage youths, but you
made this character come to life on stage. Your Director had faith in you quite rightly.
I hope you fully enjoy the play’s run and get to enjoy further stage success.
Thank you Street Theatre Company for bringing such an accomplished show to my
notice. This was an excellent choice for your 30 th Anniversary Year,

Kind regards

Bob Allen. NODA SW district 14 Representative (standing in for Kate Marshall)
N.B. The comments above are solely the view of the representative attending and only reflects the performance seen

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