The Curious Incident of The Dog in the Night-time

 

Review by Paul Towers, 26/1/26

The Curious Incident of The Dog in the Night-Time adapted by Simon Stephens from the book by Mark Haddon

Directed by Paul Beasley

Produced by Leicester Drama Society

At The Little Theatre til Saturday 31^st January 2026

Christopher Boone is 15 years old and has Aspergers. He views this not as a disability but rather as a super power. He is a maths genius and has a didactic memory.

One morning he wakes to find a dog speared with a fork outside his house.

This, author Mark Haddon uses as a jump off point to discover what it is like living with a condition where you cannot bear to be touched and cannot lie. Christopher believes that everyone is like him and always tells the truth. It makes life confusing when he is trying to work out who killed the dog. He also often finds himself overwhelmed by noise and shuts down.

As the boy Christopher Tristan Olesiak gives an extraordinarily accomplished performance, especially as this is his first major acting role. His father, Ed (Chris Merricks) has to tread a fine line between disciplinarian and sole parent after separating from his mother Judy (Caitlin Mottram). He often doesn’t get it right. Christopher’s significant female role model, his teacher Siobhan (Karen Sales), encourages him to write about his adventures and this forms the basis for the play.

There are a further five actors (Nadine Beasley, Luke Evered, David Lovell, Holly Matusiewicz and David Stevens) who make up an ensemble and take on several roles.

Huge kudos have to go to the scenic designer, Gemma Greaves and the accomplished carpenter, Dave Towers, for an amazing set of pristine monochrome.

This has to be one of the most stunning productions I have seen at The Little with an accomplished cast and direction worthy of any mainstream company. Grab a ticket and not only be entertained but also maybe learn something.

The Curious Incident of The Dog In The Night-Time is at The Little Theatre until Saturday 31 January.

Pics: Jonathan Pryke

https://thelittletheatre.co.uk/

https://ptheatre.blogspot.com/ 

Eric & Ern

 

Review by Paul Towers, 7/1/26

Eric and Ern written and performed by Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens

At Curve til Saturday 17th January 2026

With winter finally taking a grip it is especially welcome that Eric & Ern, in the capable hands of Ian Ashpitel and Jonty Stephens, bring their sunshine to Curve for 10 days.

The boys first created this show from the original material of the much loved TV shows back in 2013 and it has evolved into a West End show and a touring version in the interim.

For us Boomers especially Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise remind us of a more innocent time, when two grown men could share a bed with no hint of impropriety. While tonight’s audience was mainly middle aged it was heartening to see plenty of younger people enjoying the laughter and silliness.

Be assured that lots of the duo’s iconic sketches make an appearance; Grieg’s Piano Concerto, Mr Memory Man, the ice cream sketch and many more memories are triggered from the golden age of TV variety.

This a fabulous homage to the much loved duo and I can guarantee you will leave the theatre full of sunshine and laughter.

Eric & Ern is at Curve until Saturday 17^th January. Most days have very limited tickets available.

www.curveonline.co.uk

https://ptheatre.blogspot.com/