WELSH PREMIERE OF AWARD WINNING STAGE ADAPTATION OF THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME
SWANSEA BORN JOSHUA JENKINS TO PLAY LEAD ROLE
Playing the role of Christopher Boone, Joshua Jenkins performs in the National Theatre’s stage adaptation of Mark Haddon’s bestselling book The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (14 – 18 April) at Wales Millennium Centre.
Swansea born and raised actor Joshua Jenkins who plays the central role of Christopher Boone speaks about performing in front of a home crowd: “I’m incredibly excited to be bringing Curious to Cardiff. This will be the first professional theatre job I’ve done in Wales, and I’m honoured and proud that it will be at the wonderful Wales Millennium Centre, where my family and friends from Swansea can come and watch.”
Joshua is joined by fellow Welsh company members: movement captain and actor Jessica Williams from Bargoed in the Rhymney Valley and Pembrokeshire born company manager Robbie Cullen who trained at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff.
The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time
Mark Haddon’s novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time was published in 2003. It was winner of more than 17 literary awards including the Whitbread Book of the Year Award in the UK in 2004 and has been translated into 44 languages.
The stage adaptation of Mark Haddon’s book The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time won seven Olivier Awards last year and recently opened on Broadway to rapturous plaudits. New York Post said it was: “the most inventive show on Broadway” and Time Out New York said “Curious Incident is dazzling, pulse-pounding and remarkable”. It is directed by Associate Director of the National Theatre Marianne Elliott. Marianne co-directed War Horse with Tom Morris which visited the Centre last June and went on to become the bestselling piece of drama to be staged at Wales Millennium Centre.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time tells the story of Christopher Boone, who is fifteen years old. He stands beside Mrs Shears’ dead dog, which has been speared with a garden fork, it is seven minutes after midnight and Christopher is under suspicion. He records each fact in a book he is writing to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington. He has an extraordinary brain, and is exceptional at maths while ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched and distrusts strangers. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a frightening journey that upturns his world.
The central role of Christopher is played by Joshua Jenkins with Geraldine Alexander as his teacher Siobhan, Roberta Kerr as Mrs Alexander, Stuart Laing as his father Ed, Gina Isaacs as Judy and Clare Perkins as Mrs Shears. The cast is completed by Chris Ashby (alternate Christopher), Emmanuella Cole (Punk Girl), Edward Grace (Mr Thompson), Lucas Hare (Roger Shears), John McAndrew (Reverend Peters) with Kieran Garland, Ann Marcuson, Paul Sockett and Jessica Williams in the ensemble.
The production is designed by Bunny Christie, with lighting by Paule Constable, video design by Finn Ross, movement by Scott Graham and Steven Hoggett for Frantic Assembly, music by Adrian Sutton and sound by Ian Dickinson for Autograph. 
The Curious Incident of The Dog In The Night-Time is at Wales Millennium Centre from the 14 – 18 April. Tickets range from £18 – £38.50. Premium seats are available. Age Guidance: 11+ (No admission to Under 2s). For more information visit www.wmc.org.uk or contact the ticket office on 02920 636464.