Charlie Brooks and Joe McFadden to star in tour of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time

Melting Pot and Birmingham Rep have announced first casting for their new production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, inspired by the multi-million-selling, internationally acclaimed novel. EastEnders’ favourite Charlie Brooks (best known for her long-running role as Janine Butcher in the soap) and theatre credits including The Ocean at the End of the Lane (National Theatre, UK Tour) and Joe McFadden (BBC’s The Crow Road and Holby City, ITV’s Heartbeat and 2017 Strictly Come Dancing winner) play protagonist Chris’ parents, Ed and Judy.

Opening at Birmingham Rep on in September before embarking on a major UK tour which comes to Northampton’s Royal & Derngate in January 2027, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is adapted from Mark Haddon’s multi-million-selling novel by acclaimed Playwright Simon Stephens and will be directed by Ned Bennett.

Chris Boone is gifted with a brilliant mind for numbers but unsettled by the unpredictability of people and everyday life. When a neighbour’s dog is discovered killed, Chris comes under suspicion. Determined to prove their innocence, Chris becomes both detective and suspect, drawn into a mystery that grows darker and more complex with every clue uncovered.

What begins as the search for a culprit soon reveals secrets closer to home, forcing Chris to confront truths that will test their courage, family, and understanding of trust, independence, and the wider world. Inventive, gripping, and moving, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time combines the intrigue of a whodunnit with a powerful coming-of-age story in an unforgettable theatrical event.

Of her casting, Charlie Brooks says, “I am thrilled to be part of this new production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, having been a huge fan of the book and Simon Stephens’ previous adaptation. Working alongside such a talented cast and creative team has been both inspiring and rewarding, and I cannot wait for audiences to experience the heart, humour, and humanity at the centre of this remarkable play.”

Joe McFadden continues, “I loved The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time when I first read it, and I was completely blown away by the stage production in the West End so I’m absolutely thrilled to be playing Ed in this new tour and can’t wait to bring this brilliant, moving and uplifting story to audiences across the UK alongside such a fantastic cast.”

Director Ned Bennett concludes, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be directing this new production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Mark Haddon’s compassionate and extraordinary novel, and Simon Stephens’ moving, inventive, and imaginative adaptation, combine to create a complex play with remarkable emotional precision. I’m excited to be collaborating with this extraordinary cast and creative team - and to be working with the brilliant teams at Melting Pot and the Birmingham Rep.”

Inventive, gripping, and moving, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time combines the intrigue of a whodunnit with a powerful coming-of-age story in an unforgettable theatrical event.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time premiered at the National Theatre in 2012 and immediately received widespread acclaim for its groundbreaking theatrical design, emotional storytelling and sensitive depiction of neurodiversity. It remains one of the most successful and acclaimed British plays of the 21st century and has been seen globally by over 5 million people.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time won seven Olivier Awards in 2013 (equalling the then record, set by the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda), including Best New Play for Stephen’s stage adaptation, Best Director for Marianne Elliott and Best Actor for its star, Luke Treadaway. The play debuted on Broadway at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in 2014 and scooped five Tony Awards in 2015, including Best Play, Best Direction of a Play and Best Actor. Numerous tours and international productions have followed, including in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Full casting and creative team to be announced.

The touring production will take to the Derngate stage from Tuesday 23 to Saturday 27 February. For more information about the Northampton performances or to book tickets, visit  www.royalandderngate.co.uk/the-curious-incident-of-the-dog-in-the-night-time.