10/04/2025
Performance Review – 9 April 2025
Townsville Little Theatre's "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time"
Director Sonia Zabala has truly brought something special to life with Townsville Little Theatre's production of "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time," playing this week at the Denise Glasgow PAC at Pimlico SHS. Originally a novel by Mark Haddon and later adapted for the stage by Simon Stephens, this story revolves around the discovery of a deceased dog, Wellington, by neurodivergent 15-year-old Christopher Boone. Christopher's investigation into the dog's death leads him to uncover deeper, buried truths.
What stands out in this production is its authentic representation of autism. The production team has cast two young neurodivergent actors, Joshua Henderson and Matthew Muckray, to alternate in the role of Christopher. This casting choice, along with the involvement of other neurodivergent individuals, or parents of, in the show, adds a layer of authenticity and depth to the performance.
At last night’s opening show, Joshua Henderson's portrayal of Christopher was nothing short of remarkable. Despite this being his first time on stage, Henderson delivered a polished and precise performance, balancing humour with the darker moments his character faces. His portrayal resonated deeply with anyone familiar with neurodiversity, highlighting themes of bravery and understanding different perspectives.
I’m sure Matthew Muckray will bring a similar quality performance when he takes to the stage this week.
Gerard Millican's dynamic portrayal of Ed Boone, Christopher's father, and Julie Johnston's convincing performance as Christopher's mother, Judy, were also noteworthy. Zabala's direction shone particularly in the scenes involving the Boone family, skilfully layering narrative threads to depict different timelines.
The use of tableau, with the cast remaining on stage to build a sense of community, was a clever touch.
Amy Vollmerhause was delightful as Siobhan, Christopher's patient and encouraging teacher.
The supporting cast, many of whom played multiple roles, also deserve special mention. Richard Bradbury and Zia Macey brought great comedic relief, while Mary-Ann McIntyre's warmth as Mrs. Alexander, Bridie Allen's sharp portrayal of Mrs. Shears, Brodie Stewart's abrasive characters, and Joshua Espino's varied roles added much texture to the play.
The creative crew's efforts with costuming, sets, and props were seamless, enhancing the transitions between locations and scenes.
Overall, this production is a testament to the talent and dedication of everyone involved, making it a must-see for anyone interested in a heartfelt and authentic portrayal of neurodiversity, family dynamics, and community.
Andrew Snee
