Headgate Theatre Productions
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
A play by Simon Stephens
Based on the Novel by Mark Haddon
Director Heather Davis is excited to direct this inventive piece of ensemble theatre assisted by NETG award-winning actress Leanne Howard, in collaboration with established music composer Georgina St. George.
The production will include a chilled matinee performance on Sunday 21st June, in addition to the usual five performances Wednesday – Saturday.
Director – Heather Davis
Assistant Director – Leanne Howard
Production Champion – Dawn King
Production Dates:
16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th & 21st June 2026.
Rehearsals Outline:
Commencing 22nd March 2026
Fridays 6-9pm
Sundays 7-10pm
Workshop and Audition Arrangements:
Auditionees should have attended ONE of the workshops.
Workshop 1 Sun 18th Jan 7-10pm
Workshop 2 Sun 25th Jan 7-10pm
Workshops will explore text, characters, movement to music.
You will need to attend ONE of the audition dates.
Audition 1 Sun 1st Feb 2026 7-10pm Studio
Audition 2 Mon 2nd Feb 2026 7.30-10pm Studio
The audition will include performance of a text extract for your chosen role(s) plus a group movement to music improvisation task. The audition text extract information will be supplied on registration.
To complete the audition registration form, please click here
Note: A performance fee of £25 is payable which includes the provision of a script.
The Curious Incident of The Dog In The Night-time Synopsis
This production will be filled with imaginative storytelling as we discover how a teenager’s world is turned upside down when he finds himself investigating the suspicious death of his neighbour’s dog, Wellington. It’s a poignant, very current and often humorous tale with a focus upon year 9 student Christopher Boone’s sharing of his reflective journal with his teacher Siobhan. His detective work also uncovers deep family secrets that shatter his understanding of his world.
The play is filled with life affirming moments and an intriguing murder mystery plot. Our talented ensemble of local actors and designers will bring their imaginations to the stage to depict the fascinating depths of Christopher’s autism but also his journey to reveal the truth of who killed Wellington?
The production will include a chilled matinee performance on Sunday 21st June, in addition to the usual five performances Wednesday – Saturday.
Character Descriptions and Skills
| Role | Playing Age | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Christopher Boone | Playing age 14. An actor aged 15 -25. |
Christopher is an autistic boy gifted with knowledge of astronomy and mathematics. Acting skills- sensitivity and understanding of autism, athletic movement, ability to portray extremes of emotion, willingness to be lifted. 16 and under actors may need to identify an adult (parent/grandparent) who could help chaperone at rehearsal. |
| Siobhan/ensemble | Playing age 27-35. | A caring, interested, supportive teacher who narrates Christopher's thoughts from his book. |
| Ed/ensemble | Playing age 43-50. | Christopher's caring, patient father who carries a secret. |
| Judy/ensemble | Playing age 43-50. | Christopher's Mum. Caring, tormented by guilt, carries a secret. |
| Mrs Alexander/Posh woman /Voice 6/ensemble |
Playing age 60-75. | |
| Mrs Shears/Mrs Gascoyne/ Voice 1/Woman on train/ Woman on Heath/Shopkeeper/ ensemble |
Playing age 40-45. | |
| Roger (Mr Shears)/Duty Sergeant/ Voice 2/ Mr Wise/ Men behind counter/ Drunk 1/ensemble |
Playing age 45-55. | |
| Policeman 1/ Mr Thompson/ Voice 3/ Drunk 2/ Man with socks/ London Policeman/ensemble |
Playing age 25-35. | |
| No.40/ Voice 5/ Lady in street/ Information/ Punk Girl/ensemble |
Playing age 18-25. | |
| Reverend Peters/ Uncle Terry/ Voice 4/ Station Policeman/ Station Guard |
Playing age 55-65. | |
| Puppeteer Toby 1/voice/ ensemble |
Playing age 18-30. | Puppeteering skills/ pedestrians/physical theatre. |
| Puppeteer Toby 2/voice/ ensemble |
Playing age 18-30. | Puppeteering skills/pedestrians/physical theatre |
Note i) All actors remain on stage either observing action or involved in action throughout the play.
Note ii) All actors will be involved in imaginative physical theatre moments to bring Christopher’s world to life. Therefore the ensemble will need to have good characterisation, multi rolling and movement skills.
Note iii) All actors except for Christopher, will be required to multi-role from one character to another using character, voice, physicality and costume.
Heather is happy to answer questions/discuss characters prior to audition as required.
Please email her at 67heatherdavis@gmail.com