The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
by
by Simon Stephens based on the novel by Mark Haddon
links : audition dates | cast | script | audition pieces
Production dates : October 8, 9, 10 & 11
Directed by : Mike Wells
Produced by : Caroline Woodley
Mike is a very experienced director and has worked a lot with young people. His production of Taking Sides for Wick Theatre Company won the Best Play award in the Brighton and Hove Drama Festival. He has directed a large number of plays and musicals. Caroline Woodley will be taking on the role of producer. Judith Berrill has been working on the set design.
You do not need to be a member of the company to audition, but if cast then you will be asked to join and pay a membership fee.
The story concerns a mystery surrounding the death of a neighbour’s dog, Wellington, found speared by a sharp garden fork. This curious incident is a mystery that is investigated by young Christopher Boone, who describes himself as ‘a mathematician with some behavioural difficulties’. Christopher has been diagnosed as neurodiverse. He is supported by a sympathetic teacher and looked after by his father, Ed.
While searching for the murderer of the dog, he encounters resistance from many neighbours, but mostly from Ed. However, Christopher continues to search for an answer. What he discovers leads to a crisis in his life. Christopher is distraught. For the first time, he travels alone to London in an epic journey. However, his ambitions to take Maths A-level lead him back to Swindon.
This is a highly effective adaptation of a very well-known novel which has been justly popular as a funny, moving and uplifting play. It offers very rewarding opportunity for ensemble work as well as for the four leading roles. There are no ‘walk ons’ and the multiple roles require spot on characterisation and imagination.
Christopher lives in Swindon. There is a Swindon accent, but it is not very different from ordinary Southern English.
A YouTube link has been included for those curious to hear it.
YouTube link link
The cast is part of the action throughout, and as well as acting the roles above, you are part of an ensemble. This requires quick and accurate movement and a willingness to use imagination and work with others.are part of an ensemble. This requires quick and accurate movement and a willingness to use imagination and work with others.
In the show launch there will be some movement work (not dancing) and nothing strenuous or embarrassing but please wear comfortable clothes.
There will be a short ‘warm up’ session before auditions for anyone who wishes to take part. There will be some movement involved in the auditions. You do not need to learn the audition pieces – detailed below.
Please feel free to contact the director for further information:
Email
or
01903 245441
There is a scanned script of the American version available link
There are videos of different productions also available on line.
Tuesday May 06 : 7.30 pm – Southwick Community Centre, BN42 4TE
&
Thursday May 08 : 7.30pm – Southwick Community Centre, BN42 4TE
To audition, you do not have to be member of the Company.
Do let us know if you want to audition but really can’t make the dates.
The “Show Pack” is to be found here – link
The cast is part of the action throughout, and as well as acting the roles above, you are part of an ensemble. This requires quick and accurate movement and a willingness to use imagination and work with others.
In the show launch there will be some movement work (not dancing) and nothing strenuous or embarrassing but please wear comfortable clothes.
The ages of the characters are approximate and are only given as a guide.
This play will be part of the Brighton and Hove Arts Council Drama Competition.
There will be a short ‘warm up’ session before auditions for anyone who wishes to take part. There will be some movement involved in the auditions. You do not need to learn the audition pieces (attached to the end of the The “Show Pack” – link
Please feel free to contact Mike for further information:
Email
or
01903 245441
1 : Christopher Boone – This part has now been cast.
2 : Siobhan – (any age): teacher at Christopher’s school, she understands him best. Warm and sympathetic character
audition piece : page 42 “There were five shoes and a comb” to “and that is where I saw the envelope”
3 : Ed Boone – (35- 50): Christopher’s father, loving, but quick tempered, stressed and frustrated with his situation in life. He always has Christopher’s best interest at heart. Drinks a bit to cope. Works as a tradesman.
audition piece : page 122 “Christopher look…” to page 122 “you’ll see what I mean”
4 : Judy – (35–50): Christopher’s mother, loving, but doesn’t really understand how to relate to Christopher. Has left Ed to live in London.
audition piece : page 49 “do you remember once when you were shopping in Bentalls? to page 50 “but I was so upset”
5 : Actor 1 – female (late 30s–50s): plays Mrs. Shears, Mrs. Gascoyne, Woman on Train, Shopkeeper.
audition piece : page 1 “Holy ..” to page 2 “Get away from my dog ….” and page 26 – whole page
6 : Actor 2 – male (40s–50s): plays Roger Shears, Duty Sergeant, Mr. Wise, Man Behind Counter, Drunk One.
audition piece : page 8 “Christopher, Mr Boone, could you come this way please?” to page 9 – whole page
and page 101 – whole page
7 : Actor 3 – male (20s–40s): plays Policeman, Mr. Thompson, Drunk Two, Man with Socks, London Policeman.
audition piece : page 20 “Can I help you” to page 21 “you’re asking the wrong bloke”
from page 85 “Doors open” to page 87 “Oh shit. My Train ,,”
8 : Actor 4 – male (50s–60s): plays Reverend Peters, Uncle Terry, Station Policeman, Station Guard.
audition piece : page 19 whole page and page 71 “Christopher. Caught you just in time” to page 72 “You are a bloody handful …”
9 : Actor 5 – female (20s): plays No. 40, Lady in the Street, Information, Punk Girl.
audition piece : page 21 from “It’s Christopher isn’t it?” to page 21 “you be careful young man”
from page 85 “Doors open” to page 87 “Oh shit. My Train …”
10 : Actor 6 – female (50s-60s): plays Mrs. Alexander, Posh Woman.
audition piece : all of page 61
