The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (2026)

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

adapted by Simon Stephens from the novel by Mark Haddon
28th Sept – 3rd Oct 2026


Cast
Christopher Boone – Will Shelton
Siobhan – Jane Bracey
Ed – Paul Sully
Judy – Jo Banbury
Mrs Alexander, Posh Woman, Voice Six – Jill Laurie
Mrs Shears, Mrs Gascoyne, Voice One, Woman on Train, Woman on Heath, Shopkeeper – Emma Ritson
Roger (Mr Shears), Duty Sergeant, Voice Two, Mr Wise, Man Behind Counter, Drunk One – Simon Young
Policeman 1, Mr Thompson, Voice Three, Drunk Two, Man with Socks, London Policeman – Joshua Lewis
No. 40, Voice Five, Lady in Street, Information, Punk Girl – Ellie Chapman
Reverend Peters, Uncle Terry, Voice Four, Station Policeman, Station Guard – Alex Holmes

Director – Sharon Sully
Movement Director – Alasdair Stewart
Production Manager – Sam Harris
Designer – Gina Reinge
Wardrobe – Sam Harris, Grace Sullivan & Alannah Harris
Lighting – Katy Hawke
Sound – James Harris
Props - James Rowlands, Su Rollason, Harriet Downes & Mesi Johnson
Projections & VFX – Lewis Sully, Chris Williams & Paul Sully
Fight Director - J
ames Harris
Prompt – Vicky Whitehill

Photos by Richard Smith
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Director's Notes

Director photographWhile working in Sutton Coldfield a couple of years ago, I discovered The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. I visited Sutton Arts Theatre, a community theatre not dissimilar to our own, and spontaneously booked a ticket. It was the first time I had seen live theatre alone.

I knew of Mark Haddon's novel and Simon Stephens' adaptation, but the story had passed me by. As the mother of a young adult who experiences life through a different lens, I was curious about what might unfold.

What unfolded captivated me.

Christopher's story begins with his determination to discover who killed his neighbour's dog, Wellington. Yet it is also about those who love him. His parents, Judy and Ed, try to navigate family life and a world that does not always make room for difference. Siobhan, his teaching assistant and trusted guiding light, helps him through a world that can feel confusing and overwhelmingly loud.

I was fascinated by how Christopher notices the enormity of the universe and its tiniest details, from mathematics, constellations and stars to the cows, grass and clouds around him.

On his journey to London, Christopher encounters a host of characters. Some offer help, while others create confusion. Through them, we experience the noise, unpredictability and occasional kindness of the world from his perspective.

This play truly tugged at my heartstrings. As the mother of someone who has not always found the world easy to understand, I connected deeply with Christopher's courage. His belief that he can do anything inspired me to step out from behind my publicity camera lens and say: “Yes, I can direct this show.”

I am hugely grateful to our wonderful cast and creative team, who have brought energy, imagination and compassion to my vision. As a first-time director, I have truly appreciated the extraordinary creative energy, skill and countless hours that go into making the magic happen on stage. My heartfelt thanks go to everyone who has supported me throughout what has already been an emotional journey, in the very best possible way.

I believe passionately in theatre's power to let us see through somebody else's eyes. If you leave with more understanding for the overwhelmed child, the struggling parent or the teacher offering a steady hand, then we have achieved something important.

Perhaps, with a little more kindness and courage, we can all be like Christopher and know that we can do anything.

Sharon Sully



      

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