The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
★★★★☆ Stunningly crafted
Assembly Roxy: Tue 25 – Fri 28 Nov 2025
Review by Erin Frances Speirs
EGTG’s production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, at the Assembly Roxy to Friday, is a beautifully directed exploration of the autistic experience, based on Mark Haddon’s novel of the same name.
This play-within-a-play follows Christopher: a fifteen year old autistic boy. After being found with the corpse of his neighbour’s dog, he decides to investigate who really murdered the canine. Finding out more than he had bargained for, Christopher sets off on his own adventure, coming across the challenges of an overstimulating world designed for allistic people.
Iain Goldie as Christopher. Pic EGTG
A lot of Christopher’s (Iain Goldie) character could be seen as a stereotype of autism. His jumps to violence; his inability to lie; the infantilisation of his character; and his lack of empathy for anyone but animals, creates misconceptions about the general attitude of neurodiverse people. Although these are traits that some autistic people hold, this stereotyping can lead allistics to not accept those who do not align with this.
Goldie’s portrayal, although also stereotypical, is strong and consistent throughout, delivering lines with monotone staccato. This feels cliche as the play begins, as many autistic people speak with confident passion. However, Goldie’s portrayal of this characterisation and his power in carrying the production is secure and endearing.
Christopher has been saddled with dysfunctional parents. His father, Ed (Paul Arendt), understands Christopher’s intricacies. However, unlike Christopher, lying is his foible. His mother Judy (Esther Gilvray) is a caring woman but doesn’t understand how to do this for Christopher. Both Arendt and Gilvray give powerhouse performances, taking flight on stage with their distinct characters.
deeply considered performance
Jamila Love gives a deeply considered performance as Christopher’s teacher and often his inner monologue, reading from the book he has written. The large ensemble cast play multiple roles, some named: Hilary Spiers (Mrs Alexander), Helen Goldie (Mrs Shears), Christopher Learmonth (Roger) and Ola Olsinova, who creates magic with her puppetry skills. The ensemble – James Austin Dixon, Ruairdhri Wright, Eirini Stamkou, Wendy Mathison and Fraser Mackenzie – are equally strong, in both their named roles and smaller moments.
The The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time ensemble. Pic EGTG
Director Jac Whelbe uses this vast ensemble to create Christopher’s chaotic world; where every sound, movement, and touch piles in, each on top of another. The cast often sit with the audience, creating a live, surround-sound foley. Truly stunning visual moments are created with this harmonious cast, highlighted by oscillating lighting design from Rhona Sampson. This is aided by Dug Campbell’s mesmerising sound design and score.
Richard Spiers’ stark set, assisted by Michael Mulligan and Paul Wilson, is the perfect arena for Christopher to share his journey. Chalk is drawn on the dark flooring to immerse audiences in the story, as well as exploring Christopher’s racing mind, and creating an atmosphere of childhood tales. Cardboard props create a cohesive aesthetic which furthers this homemade look of adolescent experiences.
voyeuristically inspirational
The visual beauty dips in the second act, where there are also pacing issues. Many scenes within the last thirty minutes feel unneeded, dragging the production along to its joyful – yet voyeuristically inspirational – conclusion.
A scene from EGTG’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. Pic: EGTG.
The issues within EGTG’s production are not the company’s fault, but lie with Simon Stephens’s script and Haddon’s original material. The play-within-a-play element is weak, rarely brought up and falls short when it is. The autistic representation is questionable, however it does open up conversations about the autistic experience which is necessary in our ableist world.
The only criticism of the production itself would be its lack of accessibility to autistic people. In brilliantly creating Christopher’s overstimulating world, the environment becomes overstimulating for the audience.
a stunning production
In the final scene, post curtain call, the cast celebrates with confetti canons and bubble machines; spectacular to witness, but overwhelming for someone with sensory sensitivities. A play cannot be for everyone, but theatre is already inaccessible for many autistic people.
Regardless of this, Wheble’s direction, the robust cast, and phenomenal design create a stunning production that pulls you into Christopher’s mind. All the creatives from EGTG should be proud of the magic they have created.
Running time: Two hours and 30 minutes (including one interval)
Assembly Roxy (Central), 2 Roxburgh Place, EH8 9SU
Tuesday 25 – Friday 28 November 2025
Evenings: 7.30pm.
Tickets and details: Book here.
EGTG Links
EGTG website: theegtg.com/
Facebook: @edingrads
Instagram: @edingrads
A scene from The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. Pic: EGTG.
ENDS
