We have received the below regarding an upcoming relaxed performance by Ashton Hayes Theatre Club.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in The Night-Time
We are thrilled to announce that Ashton Hayes Theatre Club (AHTC) will be presenting the captivating play “The Curious Incident of the Dog in The Night-Time” at Tarvin Community Centre on Tuesday 6th, Wednesday 7th, Friday 9th, and Saturday 10th February 2024, starting at 19:45. Additionally, there will be a Relaxed Performance on Saturday 10th February at 14:30.
The original novel of the same name won multiple awards on its release, making it a compelling choice for GCSE and A-level English students. When the stage version opened at London’s Royal National Theatre in 2012, it did so to rave reviews, and won 7 Olivier Awards – including “Best New Play” – equalling the record set by “Matilda: The Musical”.
Its transfer to Broadway in 2014, it was equally well-received, gathering the 2015 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play, 2015 Outer Critics Circle Award Outstanding New Broadway Play, the 2015 Drama League Award for Outstanding Production of a Broadway or Off-Broadway Play, and the 2015 Tony Award for Best Play.
It has been touring, more or less, ever since and, whilst it has been available to schools to perform, we think that we may be the first non-professional adult group to be granted the performance rights!
About The Play
The performance is in two parts of approximately 45-50 minutes each, with an interval in between.
As the play opens, Christopher, fifteen years old, stands beside Mrs Shears’ dead dog. It has been speared with a garden fork, it is seven minutes after midnight, and Christopher is under suspicion.
Determined to discover the real culprit, he records each fact in the book he is writing, to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington.
Although the text does not explicitly state that he is on the Autistic Spectrum, Christopher has an extraordinary brain. He is exceptional at maths, while everyday life presents some barriers. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road; he detests being touched and he distrusts strangers. So, when he falls under suspicion for killing his neighbour’s dog, it takes him on a journey that upturns his world – played out in a life-affirming odyssey that explores family relationships, friendships and what it means to be “different” in a neurotypical world.
There’s loads more information about the play, including teaching resources, on our website at: https://ahtc.org.uk/link/curiousschools
Meet Our Christopher:
We are proud to introduce 16-year-old Tom Campbell, who portrays Christopher Boone. Like Christopher, Tom is on the Autism Spectrum, adding authenticity to the character’s portrayal and inspiration to those who are unsure of their own abilities.
About Ashton Hayes Theatre Club
Established in 1958, AHTC has a rich history of delivering award-winning productions. Committed to excellence, recent performances include “Jerusalem,” “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest,” and “The Unmanageable Sisters.”
Venue and Amenities
Tarvin Community Centre (CH3 8LY), located six miles east of Chester, offers full accessibility, ample parking, a bar with alcoholic and soft drinks, and a potential ice cream vendor!
About the Relaxed Performance
The relaxed performance is at 14:30 on Saturday 10th February, where the intensity of the effects will be reduced or removed, and there will be no expectation for the audience members to be anything but themselves.
A chillout space will also be available for those needing a little “time-out” during the performance.
All seats for this performance only are
£6.00*
*Plus booking fee of 2%
No discounts are available for this performance.
Booking tickets
10% Discount on Group Bookings
Tickets can be purchased via our website and, other than the Relaxed Performance, are £12.00 for adults, and £9.00 for students aged 15 or under.
For this production, we are pleased to offer schools, as well as organisations working with people with autism and/or ADHD, or those with other additional needs, a discount of 10% when booking 10 or more tickets in one go. (This offer is not available for the Relaxed Performance.)
To take advantage of this offer, you should use the code “schools10” at the checkout.
All bookings are subject to a small booking fee of 2%.
