REVIEW - 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time', Caxton Theatre, 18th-25th October 2025 - *****

Caxton Theatre’s production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, directed by Stephen Labourne, is an ambitious and emotionally rich staging of Mark Haddon’s acclaimed novel. With inventive design, strong performances, and moments of real theatrical flair, the play, adapted by Simon Stephens, immerses the audience into the unique mind of Christopher Boone — a teenage boy navigating a world that often feels too loud, too fast, and too confusing.

From the outset, the production establishes a clear visual and emotional language. The minimalist set design allows for seamless transitions between Christopher’s home in Swindon and his epic, anxiety-laden journey to London. Lighting, sound, and projection are used cleverly throughout — particularly in the “space” sequence and the train scenes — to give visual expression to Christopher’s interior world. These moments are striking and often beautiful, allowing the audience to not just witness but experience his perception.

At the heart of the show is James Lusty as the 15-year-old Christopher. His performance is a tour de force — sustained, focused, and deeply moving. Lusty captures the character’s brilliance, confusion, and vulnerability with clarity and care. Christopher, though it isn’t explicitly told, demonstrates traits and thinking of people diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. Lusty delivers a portrayal that feels both authentic and compelling, with a balanced consideration that is a trait of Labourne’s work.

Surrounding him is a strong and well-balanced ensemble. Gemma Quickfall as Christopher's mentor Siobhan brings calm and grounding presence, guiding both Christopher and the audience. Dean Wright as Ed offers an emotionally raw and flawed portrayal of a father struggling to connect, while Louise Blakey as Judy provides warmth, guilt, and tenderness in equal measure. Julie Flint, Jo Cox, Keiron James, Alison Stretton, and Becky King round out the cast with effective multi-role performances that add texture to the storytelling. A difference in pace, and a certain, quirky, light-hearted touch, make the performances suitably varied and memorable.

The movement sequences, choreographed and timed with precision, are a highlight. The ensemble’s physical work — forming trains, crowds, even the emotional landscape around Christopher — adds an extra dimension to the performance. These theatrical devices serve the narrative well and give the production an imaginative edge.

The show infrequently 'falters' is in its pacing and balance, however, this is, I believe, deliberate. A few moments of high visual or sensory impact — particularly in Christopher’s more chaotic episodes — verge on overwhelming, making it difficult to focus on the emotional heart of the scene. However, these moments are particularly emotionally charged in line with Christopher, and are pulled off with slick precision by the Company; the creative risks taken here all pay off, and the direction never loses sight of the story’s emotional core.

Ultimately, this is a thoughtful, inventive, and moving interpretation of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. It is clear that the Caxton Players have poured a great deal of care, effort, and heart into this production — and the result is a show that deserves to be seen and celebrated.

'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time' is running at Caxton Theatre in Grimsby until Saturday 25th October, at 7.30pm. Tickets can be purchased via the link below:

Buy Tickets

Buy Tickets