The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time has been shown in several schools over the past couple of weeks
‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’ tour has visited seven secondary schools in partnership with Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch.
Royal Liberty School, Drapers Academy, Bower Park Academy, Marshalls Park Academy, Robert Clack (Lower School), Eastbrook School, and Brittons Academy were among those included.
The 90-minute version of the play is based on Mark Haddon’s best-selling novel, adapted by two-time Olivier Award-winning playwright Simon Stephens and directed by Olivier and Tony Award winning director, Marianne Elliott.
It’s performed in the round and followed by a Q&A session for students.
The novel is widely studied in schools and Simon Stephens’ adaptation is a set text for GCSE English Literature.
Following the success of last year’s school tour, the past couple of weeks have formed part of the National Theatre’s drive to introduce new audiences to the theatre.
This is also encouraged by their three-year partnership working with local theatres and schools.
Alice King-Farlow, Director of Learning at the National Theatre said: “The National Theatre is committed to increasing opportunities for students in Outer East London to see live theatre.
“Simon Stephens’ brilliant play, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, is a fantastic first experience of theatre and we know from last year’s tour that seeing a live professional production in your own school hall can have real impact.”
Actress Marcia Lecky plays Siobhan
The play is based on a boy who’s on the autism spectrum.
Actress Marcia Lecky told Time 107.5: “I think it’s great that we can bring those sorts of themes into the school environment.
“It will just make them think and appreciate ‘you know what, I’m a little bit different but actually that’s OK, and I know that’s OK because I’ve just seen this show’.”
