‘Curious’ is Fabulous!

The Year 9 Drama Club production of scenes from ‘A Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time’ adapted from the novel by Mark Haddon was an absolute triumph on Tuesday 22^nd June.

The Drama studio was packed with an audience eager to witness the preparation of the past three terms and the tremendous effort of continuing rehearsals in and out of lockdown. They were not disappointed: the cast and crew delivered a fabulous show with Head, Matthew Judd, declaring the play was ‘Just sensational!”

The group had selected their favourite scenes from the stage adaptation by Simon Stephens which won seven Olivier Awards including Best New Play when it premiered in 2013. The scenes tell the story of Christopher, a fifteen-year old on the Autistic spectrum, and his relationships with his neighbours, parents and his mentor through scenes of a play within a play.

Dominic, who played Christopher, was superb in his portrayal of teenager with Asperger’s Syndrome, gaining empathy and eliciting appreciation at the dark comedy of some of the situations he encounters. Christopher was a constant in the series of scenes and Dominic really held the production together. The audience was rapt as the story evolved through the death of his neighbour’s dog, the elopement of his mother, his pursuit of her to London and the success of his Maths A Level. The cast and crew were excellent in a variety of adult roles, demonstrating maturity and brilliant characterisation. Some of the group’s movements especially their evocation of London travel and the equation at the end of the piece were especially effective.

Director, Natasha Coccia, commented, “Congratulations to this gritty, resilient, joyful, good humoured and insightful company. It has been an absolute pleasure working with them. The journey of this production has been unforgettable, in a good way. We have found so much in this play to cherish and learn from. We problem-solved quickly because we had to work intensely. Friday night pizza rehearsals and teaching each other dance routines were just some of the highlights. We have rediscovered the incredible joy and freedom the expressive arts give you. That, no matter how strange this time has been, there has been real magic in the process too.