The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time opens with a dramatic scene: the curtains part to reveal a dead white dog, impaled by a pitchfork in a garden. The dog's owner, Mrs Shears (Alex Murdoch), wails in distress as the central character, Chris Boone (Alex Keenan), stands amid the tragic tableau. A police officer arrives, and before long Chris has accidentally assaulted her, leading to a visit to the police station where the audience begins to see the world through Chris's eyes.
Award-winning pedigree
The play was a major success during its 2012 premiere run. The National Theatre production tied the record for the most Olivier Awards after taking seven in 2013, matching Matilda The Musical, which had won seven the previous year. That record was later surpassed by Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in 2017, which won nine awards.
Ned Bennett's latest production is a unique retelling of Mark Haddon's original story, adapted by Simon Stephens, with noticeable changes. These include a female lead, with Christopher Boone becoming Chris. Dr Sarah Jane Nuttall has worked with the production to bring a "female autistic lens" to this retelling.
Story and performances
The show centres on fifteen-year-old Chris, who is neurodivergent, as she investigates the mysterious circumstances around the death of the dog Wellington. What begins as a comedic whodunnit quickly becomes an emotional tale about family and heartbreak.
Alex Keenan is phenomenal in the role of Chris. As Chris faces reality and steps out into the world alone, Keenan beautifully captures this overwhelming experience, taking the audience on the journey through Chris's eyes. Eleanor Bull's simple stage design, with houses that look like post-it notes and beds made from foam blocks, helps immerse the audience in the characters. Hayley Egan's video designs, projected on screen, feel unlike anything seen before and give the show a modern feel.
Charlie Brooks and Joe McFadden both deliver strong performances as Judy Boone and Ed Boone, Chris's mum and dad. Despite his character's constant shouting, McFadden gives a sympathetic performance of a dad trying to navigate the outcome of his actions, as does Brooks as Chris's mum.
A mixed verdict
The cast and staging offered what should have been an extraordinary show, but for the reviewer, the acts dragged on. The opening minutes of the second act were as exciting as the first, with Chris navigating a train station as yellow balls fall from the ceiling, representing adverts and signs, while a skipping rope acts as the process of boarding a train. It is cleverly done.
But the excitement had gone by the end of both acts. The simple stage, slower pace, and constant back and forth between characters, including McFadden's shouting, left it feeling dry in parts. There is no doubt this new telling is creative and unique, but it failed to keep the reviewer invested.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time runs at the Liverpool Empire Theatre until Saturday, November 7 2026. Further information and bookings can be found on the ATG website.
