I was already a big fan of the book when I saw this adaptation streamed live to a cinema and though I am not usually a fan of non-musical theatre, I have to admit that, musical or not, this is one of the best theatre productions I have ever seen!
I was a little uncertain when I first heard that the adaptation was going to be made, since the book is quite unorthodox in its writing style and I wasn’t sure if it would be possible to translate the same atmosphere across to the audience within a theatre environment. The main character of the piece is a fifteen year old boy with Asperger’s syndrome, a less severe form of Autism. What the book did so well was really get into the mind of the character and show what being autistic is like. Naturally I thought this might be more difficult to convey in a theatrical setting.
Luckily, I was wrong. The play was a skilful adaptation of the book. It was shown in the round, with seats on all four sides of the stage, which helped the audience to feel more involved in the story. It was also very well acted by Luke Treadaway, who played Christopher Boone, the main character, and Niamh Cusack, who played Siobhan, his teacher. The theatrical production also really captured the same mentality as the book, as well as the same heart. It was at times witty, but could also be emotional and dramatic when it was required. The entire acting team also did an extremely good job of bringing the piece to life, and keeping the energy up throughout the performance. The story is uplifting and really brings the audience to appreciate the complexity and wonder of the world we live in.
The story begins with Christopher discovering his neighbour’s dog dead in her front garden, with a pitch fork sticking out of it. He is at first blamed for the crime, and struggles with acting normally under this pressure. When released, he then decides to prove his innocence by finding out who really killed the dog and writing a book about his adventure. As the mystery thickens, Christopher begins to realise he may be more involved than he thought, and uncover dark secrets about his own past. Throughout the story he is tested to his limits, and must go outside of his comfort zone. It is through this, that we come to feel for the character.
Being based on the already very popular book by author Mark Haddon, the show was also critically acclaimed, winning seven Lawrence Olivier awards, including Best New Play. The show is certainly packed with creativity and impeccably designed by director Marianne Elliott and a team of others. It surprised me and I’m sure that if you give it a chance, this brilliant production will amaze you too. It is now showing in the Gielgud Theatre on the West-End, and the Ethel Barrymore Theatre if you’re lucky enough to be near Broadway any time soon. The show will also start its first UK tour in Salford this year on the 18th of December, so if you're quick, you may be able to get tickets for the chance to see this great show a little closer to home!!!
Image from: http://www.wellsfilmcentre.co.uk/images/films/flm001895.jpg
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