Leweston's recent school production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time was an unforgettable experience. Staged in the round, with an ambitious combination of lighting, sound, and projection effects, the school's Performing Arts department succeeded in immersing the audience into Christopher Boone’s world, giving them a chance to see things from his unique perspective.
Mark Haddon’s award-winning novel presents both emotional and technical challenges for any production team. Leweston's goal was to bring Christopher’s thought-processes and emotions to life - where patterns and logic provide him comfort, yet the unpredictability of human interactions and disruption of his routine can be overwhelming. To achieve this, multiple projectors cast dynamic images on the stage floor, complimented by intricate lighting and a sound design composed specifically for the school production. The music was based on patterns of prime numbers that changed in response to Christopher's emotions.
The talented cast of ten students, from Years 10 to 13, delivered exceptionally professional and moving performances. The role of Christopher, in particular, is demanding, requiring a complex emotional range and memorisation of extensive dialogue, but Oliver met the challenge with impressive skill and sensitivity. The production also showcased some amazing Physical Theatre. Movement was integral to telling the story, with choreographed sequences representing Christopher’s imagination, internal struggles and sensory overload. The ensemble worked seamlessly together, portraying multiple roles such as Christopher’s family, neighbours, teachers and passers-by.
Miss McIntosh, Drama Teacher and lead staff member for the production, said "For both the cast and crew, this production was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences undertaken. The students’ dedication, professionalism, and creativity was a testament to the power of theatre in education - not just as an art form, but as a means of promoting empathy, resilience, and collaboration. It was a privilege to bring this story to life, and we are incredibly proud of everyone who contributed to its success."
