The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time at the Cliffs Pavilion Review

Reviewed by Claire Turner

A sunny July evening in Southend-on-Sea, it must be time for a Rossi’s Ice Cream! We were off to the Cliffs Pavilion to watch The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Great parking on the seafront (free after 6pm), then climb the steps to the top and admire the view. We had great seats in the balcony, it was lovely and cool inside.

This is the story of teenage maths genius Christopher, who never tells lies and doesn’t like the colour yellow. He finds his neighbour’s dog has been killed and sets out to find who did it.

Scott Reid plays Christopher and doesn’t leave the stage throughout the performance – he is brilliant and captures the audience’s imaginations throughout.

David Michaels plays Ed, Christopher’s Dad, and faces all the trials and tribulations of parenting a teenager (with Asperger Syndrome) alone. Christopher’s teacher Siobhan, played by Lucianne McEvoy, is the calming influence on the troubled teen and keeps him grounded when he needs it.

The play based on the best-selling novel by Mark Haddon, is somewhat narrated throughout with the cast interjecting sentences. The way Scott plays Christopher is amazing – a perfect performance! The audience is taken deep into Christopher’s mind and we get to know how he feels and copes daily. The set is ‘cool’ and electric. It is staged in a black box controlled by electronics and transforms throughout the play from houses, police station, the underground and the tube.

This really was a great show to watch. You get a real insight into how it feels to have Asperger Syndrome growing up – the loud noises, people wanting to touch you, new experiences and taking everything literally. It is wonderfully written from book to a play and I would recommend everyone to go and watch this show.

A very deserving 5 stars from me. Well done!

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £20 to £42 (booking fees may apply).

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time is at the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend from 18-22 July 2017, for more information or to book tickets visit southendtheatres.org.uk or call the box office on 01702 351135.

Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 7RA | 01702 351135