The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Doggedly Searching

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

by Simon Stephens, after the novel by Mark Hadden

Putney Theatre Company at the Putney Arts Theatre until 30^th August

Review by Polly Davies

I missed Simon Stephen’s adaptation of Mark Hadden’s best-selling novel at the National Theatre back in 2012, but having read the book I was intrigued to see how it would translate into a stage play. Well, under Francis Bodiam’s direction the answer is brilliantly. This is a stunning production, compelling and thought provoking.

The story maps the internal thoughts of a young man Christopher, as he tries to understand the changes happening around him, centring on the death of the dog belonging to his neighbour. Christopher attends a special school; is highly intelligent, fascinated by numbers, but has difficulty coping with daily life. In his obsessive quest to discover who killed the dog, his logic is impeccable. But the series of emotional and personal challenges he faces offers the audience a rare insight into the world of a neurodivergent teenager.

Understanding the world from his point of view is pivotal and Harry Pavlou’s performance as Christopher is truly exceptional. We are with him throughout his ‘project’, entranced by his love of maths, hopefully expectant of his A-level results, fully understanding of his meltdowns. Special mention must go to the production of the station and train scenes, which had most of us wanting to scream with him. And to Emily Fellow’s old lady trying to explain his mother’s disappearance to Christopher.

By setting the story as a play within the play, the creative, minimalist staging allows us to move from schoolroom to home, to street and busy station with ease. Nick Wells’ set design also emphasises the numbers that soothe Christopher. His understated but effective music, following the rhythm of the story, works so well to deepen our empathy with Christopher’s struggles. As does Rich Evans’ on-point lighting.

In this production, the role of his teacher, Siobhan, in helping Christopher to cope is critical. Beautifully played by Lizzie Iredale, she is on hand to remind him of, and show us, the techniques he must use to help navigate situations incomprehensible to him. The choice of having actors doubling as pupils with special needs, and members of the public is inspired. Empathetic and convincing as pupils, their manner and adept costume changes as they switched to and fro are effective and believable.

At the centre of the story is Christopher’s family. Ed and Judy are an ordinary couple with a child with special needs. This is a difficult and sensitive subject and is very well handled here.

The parents are not perfect, but who is? Aidan Kershaw’s sympathetic Ed is kind and has the patience of a saint. He has learnt how to cope with the inevitable meltdowns, and he fights for his son’s rights. But the strain on him shows, so although initially shocked by his behaviour, one gets to understand why he gets it wrong at times, even when spectacularly so.

The warmth of Elly Lacey’s Judy is obvious. She clearly loves her son and tries to cope with the many difficulties that arise from his behaviour. Lacking the patience of her husband it isn’t surprising that everything becomes just too much for her. It is maybe inevitable that this difference causes a rift between them. How could she not be forgiven for walking out on him and Christopher when she has the chance. Judy’s confusion when her son finds his way to London, and back into her life is real. She has her beloved son back, but she knows this isn’t going to be easy. And how understandable is her concern when her new partner, admirably played by Chris Culley, gives up his clumsy attempt to cope, and loses his temper. And hats-off for the very nifty changes from the rather scary but reluctantly trying Roger to other characters he plays.

Special mention here to Reggie’s portrayal as the dog Sandy, the treat for the audience at the end that gives everyone a chance to breathe, relax and go ‘Aah’. There is also another treat at the end for everyone who enjoys the geometric set.

Ultimately this is a story about courage. The courage of Christopher facing up to the challenges that life poses, the courage of his family coping with a child whose understanding is so different from theirs, the courage of the school staff and its pupils. Despite the bizarre nature at the core of the story – the killing of a dog, it is a very human and heart-warming play.

Polly Davies, August 2025

Image by Malbec