Kenilworth's Talisman Theatre is set to bring 'one of the most acclaimed plays of recent years to the stage' this Autumn with 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time', Simon Stephens' remarkable adaptation of Mark Haddon's best-selling novel.

The production also marks the directorial debut of Sharon Sully, who takes on one of contemporary theatre's most imaginative and emotionally powerful plays for her first production in the director's chair.

The play became a theatrical phenomenon when the National Theatre's original production transferred to the West End, winning an extraordinary seven Olivier Awards, including Best New Play, Best Director and Best Actor.

At the heart of the story is Christopher Boone, a 15-year-old boy with an extraordinary mind and a unique way of seeing the world. When he discovers his neighbour's dog, Wellington, dead in the garden, Christopher sets out to discover who was responsible. But his investigation soon takes him far beyond the mystery he intended to solve, uncovering family secrets and forcing him to confront challenges he could never have anticipated.

What begins as a detective story develops into a deeply moving tale of courage, family, trust and determination. Heartfelt and poignant, but also filled with moments of warmth and unexpected humour, 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-

Time' takes audiences inside Christopher's world as he attempts something that once seemed impossible.

Director Sharon Sully explains why the play has such personal resonance: "This play truly tugged at my heartstrings. As the mother of someone who has not always found the world easy to understand, I connected deeply with Christopher's courage. His belief that he can do anything inspired me to step out from behind my publicity camera lens and say: 'Yes, I can direct this show.'

"I believe passionately in theatre's power to let us see the world through somebody else's eyes. If you leave with more understanding for the overwhelmed child, the struggling parent or the teacher offering a steady hand, then we have achieved something important."

Under Sharon's direction, the Talisman production brings Christopher's world vividly to life through an ambitious multi-sensory combination of performance, movement, graphics, lighting, sound and an evocative musical score. Rather than simply watching Christopher's journey, audiences are drawn into the way he experiences the world around him - from the patterns and logic that bring him comfort to moments when everyday life becomes confusing, chaotic and overwhelming.

The production is supported by a highly committed and talented creative team. Its visual storytelling is shaped by Movement Director Alasdair Stewart, a former Motionhouse choreographer and performer, who has worked with the cast to fuse Christopher's experiences and perspective into the physical language of the production. Movement is an intrinsic part of the show, while Set Designer Gina Reinge brings Christopher's shifting world vividly to life around him.

This Talisman production brings together returning performers Jo Banbury as Judy and Paul Sully as Ed, alongside Talisman newcomers Will Shelton as Christopher and Jane Bracey as Siobhan, supported by a talented ensemble playing the many characters Christopher meets on his journey.

Funny, touching and visually inventive, 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time' is ultimately a story about finding the courage to take the next step when the world seems impossibly large.

The play is ideal for audiences aged 12 and over, the production will have particular relevance for GCSE and A-level students, offering the opportunity to experience an acclaimed modern play brought vividly to life through performance, movement, sound and visual storytelling.

Notably, the show's run will include a relaxed performance on Wednesday 30 September, for anyone who would feel more comfortable in an informal, supportive and understanding audience environment.

This performance will be presented as rehearsed, with the same lighting and sound as every other performance. The auditorium lights will be lowered fully during the show, allowing everyone to experience the complete production as it was creatively intended. More details are available via the Talisman Theatre website, and a visual story pack will be made available ahead of the show.

It promises audiences an evening of theatre that is at once moving, exhilarating, funny and full of heart - and a chance to experience for themselves why this extraordinary story became one of the most celebrated stage plays of its generation.

Tickets are available now from the Talisman Theatre Box Office. Book now online or via the Box Office on 01926 856548.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time runs at The Talisman Theatre from Monday 28 September to Saturday 3 October 2026 at 7:30pm.