Award-Winning Production The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time to make Adelaide Return
The internationally acclaimed The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, adapted by Simon Stephens from Mark Haddon’s best-selling book will make its anticipated return to Adelaide stages in April.
Venue: Goodwood Theatre South Australia.
Address: 166 Goodwood Rd, Goodwood SA 5034
Web: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1146263
Address: 166 Goodwood Rd, Goodwood SA 5034
Web: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1146263
The South Australian production presented by The Flying Elephant Company and Limelight Theatrics, directed by Nick Fagan will run for a limited season at the Goodwood Theatre from Thursday 4 April until 13 April 2024.
Curious Incident is equally as celebrated globally in both the literacy and theatrical worlds. Mark Haddon’s novel has amassed more than 17 literacy awards and is adored by audiences for its exploration of life, love and relationships. Simon Stephens theatrical adaptation is one of the most awarded in history and is the recipient of a record breaking seven Oliver Awards and five Tony Awards, amongst others.
At the heart of the story is fifteen-year-old Christopher, who stands beside Mrs. Shear’s dead dog. It has been speared with a garden fork, it is seven minutes after midnight, and Christopher is under suspicion. He records each fact in the book he is writing to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington.
Christopher has an extraordinary brain and is exceptional at maths, but he is ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched and he distrusts strangers. Christopher's detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a frightening journey that turns his world upside-down.
The South Australian season is the vision of two of South Australia’s brightest theatrical minds Benji Riggs (The Flying Elephant Company) and Michelle Nightingale (Limelight Theatrics)
According to Benji Riggs the opportunity to showcase Curious Incident in South Australia is an important one that has been met with excitement within the local arts community.
“This story has proven to be such an important work in both the theatrical and literary world with the novel being a staple in the South Australian curriculum. The announcement of this season has created a buzz and a sense of anticipation”, he said.
“Where the original production had great spectacle, this adaption will be a greater dive into the emotional depth the characters and story, therefore focusing on the intimacy of the production. We want audiences to have access to the deep, sometimes unpleasant, yet profound relationships these characters have”.
For Michelle Nightingale this production features a leading cast and creative team led by esteemed Director Nick Fagan.
“I am thrilled to be able to shine the spotlight on South Australian talent through one of the world’s most significant plays. The accolades and audience and reader reaction across the globe speaks for itself. I am excited to be able to co-present this production alongside Benji Riggs and the mind of the incomparable Nick Fagan”, she said.
The Flying Elephant Company is quickly establishing a reputation for producing high quality original South Australian work, enjoyed by kids and parents alike. The company began touring original musicals to schools in 2020, with Girl Inside. They produced the world premiere of The Boy with the Golden Fox in 2022, which enjoyed two consecutive return seasons. 2024 will see the presenting of two new musicals, I Wonder… and Book Nooks. These productions will continue the company’s mission to create character driven stories that explore rich and complex themes, that teaches kids to dream fearlessly, that there is wonder to be found in the most unlikely of places.
Limelight Theatrics (Michelle Nightingale)
Michelle is a multi-talented performer, a stage, television and film actor, singer, voice over artist, singing/acting coach, and director. Michelle’s theatre credits include Marry Me A Little (SOSA); La Boehme (SOSA); A Nightingale Sings…; Born to Run (2013 Adelaide Cabaret Festival) and the role of Laura Jesson in Brief Encounter (STC), the Australian tour for the UK's Kneehigh Theatre. In 2018 she appeared in the adaptation of the Tim Winton book That Eye the Sky (STC); Liz Essendine in Present Laughter (2022) and various male and female roles in The Scarlett Pimpernel (2023)l for Blue Sky Theatre. Most recently Michellewas seen playing Mary Anning in A Curious Thing: The Story of Mary Anning for Heaps Good Productions during the Fringe 2023. Michelle’s television and film credits include: - Netflix series, Second Chance; Here’s the Beat; The Music Shop; Living English; McLeod’s Daughters and as the weather presenter on ABC news. Michelle has had roles in such films as Three Summers; The Babadook; Closed for Winter; Ten Empty, Storm Boy and Escape from Pretoria starring Daniel Radcliffe. Michelle voices the character of Claire on the SBS and Audible series of Danger 5. A performing arts educator for over 25 years, Michelle’s experience ranges from directing music/movement programs for preschoolers, to vocal coaching, audition preparation and acting workshops for all ages and abilities. Michelle also is a Director and Musical Director engaged by several local youth theatre companies and schools and has recently launched Limelight Theatrics – extreme theatre for youth.
Nick Fagan
Nick’s recent directing credits include Cyprus Avenue and the multi-award winning Festen for Red Phoenix. Nick also directed award winners Jerusalem and Hand To God as well as Bengal Tiger At The Baghdad Zoo all for the Adelaide University Theatre Guild. Other directing credits include Good People for the Adelaide Rep and Dealer’s Choice for Blue Sky Theatre. Independently, for the Adelaide Fringe, Nick has acted in various combinations of producer, director and actor in Tape, A Steady Rain (ATG Award Winner) and The Motherf**ker With The Hat. Some of Nick’s stage acting credits include Myth, Propaganda and Disaster In Nazi Germany And Contemporary America, My Romantic History, Miss Julie/After Miss Julie for the Adelaide University Theatre Guild, The Conspirators and The Flint Street Nativity for Red Phoenix, When The Rain Stops Falling for St Judes Players, Reservoir Dogs for Matt Byrne Media, The Great Gatsby for Independent Theatre and Closer in the Adelaide Fringe.
Brendan Cooney
Jessica Corrie
Claire Keen
Michelle Nightingale
Jack Robins
Benji Riggs
Nicole Rutty
Jean Walker
Alex Woollatt
Curious Incident is equally as celebrated globally in both the literacy and theatrical worlds. Mark Haddon’s novel has amassed more than 17 literacy awards and is adored by audiences for its exploration of life, love and relationships. Simon Stephens theatrical adaptation is one of the most awarded in history and is the recipient of a record breaking seven Oliver Awards and five Tony Awards, amongst others.
At the heart of the story is fifteen-year-old Christopher, who stands beside Mrs. Shear’s dead dog. It has been speared with a garden fork, it is seven minutes after midnight, and Christopher is under suspicion. He records each fact in the book he is writing to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington.
Christopher has an extraordinary brain and is exceptional at maths, but he is ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched and he distrusts strangers. Christopher's detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a frightening journey that turns his world upside-down.
The South Australian season is the vision of two of South Australia’s brightest theatrical minds Benji Riggs (The Flying Elephant Company) and Michelle Nightingale (Limelight Theatrics)
According to Benji Riggs the opportunity to showcase Curious Incident in South Australia is an important one that has been met with excitement within the local arts community.
“This story has proven to be such an important work in both the theatrical and literary world with the novel being a staple in the South Australian curriculum. The announcement of this season has created a buzz and a sense of anticipation”, he said.
“Where the original production had great spectacle, this adaption will be a greater dive into the emotional depth the characters and story, therefore focusing on the intimacy of the production. We want audiences to have access to the deep, sometimes unpleasant, yet profound relationships these characters have”.
For Michelle Nightingale this production features a leading cast and creative team led by esteemed Director Nick Fagan.
“I am thrilled to be able to shine the spotlight on South Australian talent through one of the world’s most significant plays. The accolades and audience and reader reaction across the globe speaks for itself. I am excited to be able to co-present this production alongside Benji Riggs and the mind of the incomparable Nick Fagan”, she said.
CREATIVE TEAM
The Flying Elephant CompanyThe Flying Elephant Company is quickly establishing a reputation for producing high quality original South Australian work, enjoyed by kids and parents alike. The company began touring original musicals to schools in 2020, with Girl Inside. They produced the world premiere of The Boy with the Golden Fox in 2022, which enjoyed two consecutive return seasons. 2024 will see the presenting of two new musicals, I Wonder… and Book Nooks. These productions will continue the company’s mission to create character driven stories that explore rich and complex themes, that teaches kids to dream fearlessly, that there is wonder to be found in the most unlikely of places.
Limelight Theatrics (Michelle Nightingale)
Michelle is a multi-talented performer, a stage, television and film actor, singer, voice over artist, singing/acting coach, and director. Michelle’s theatre credits include Marry Me A Little (SOSA); La Boehme (SOSA); A Nightingale Sings…; Born to Run (2013 Adelaide Cabaret Festival) and the role of Laura Jesson in Brief Encounter (STC), the Australian tour for the UK's Kneehigh Theatre. In 2018 she appeared in the adaptation of the Tim Winton book That Eye the Sky (STC); Liz Essendine in Present Laughter (2022) and various male and female roles in The Scarlett Pimpernel (2023)l for Blue Sky Theatre. Most recently Michellewas seen playing Mary Anning in A Curious Thing: The Story of Mary Anning for Heaps Good Productions during the Fringe 2023. Michelle’s television and film credits include: - Netflix series, Second Chance; Here’s the Beat; The Music Shop; Living English; McLeod’s Daughters and as the weather presenter on ABC news. Michelle has had roles in such films as Three Summers; The Babadook; Closed for Winter; Ten Empty, Storm Boy and Escape from Pretoria starring Daniel Radcliffe. Michelle voices the character of Claire on the SBS and Audible series of Danger 5. A performing arts educator for over 25 years, Michelle’s experience ranges from directing music/movement programs for preschoolers, to vocal coaching, audition preparation and acting workshops for all ages and abilities. Michelle also is a Director and Musical Director engaged by several local youth theatre companies and schools and has recently launched Limelight Theatrics – extreme theatre for youth.
Nick Fagan
Nick’s recent directing credits include Cyprus Avenue and the multi-award winning Festen for Red Phoenix. Nick also directed award winners Jerusalem and Hand To God as well as Bengal Tiger At The Baghdad Zoo all for the Adelaide University Theatre Guild. Other directing credits include Good People for the Adelaide Rep and Dealer’s Choice for Blue Sky Theatre. Independently, for the Adelaide Fringe, Nick has acted in various combinations of producer, director and actor in Tape, A Steady Rain (ATG Award Winner) and The Motherf**ker With The Hat. Some of Nick’s stage acting credits include Myth, Propaganda and Disaster In Nazi Germany And Contemporary America, My Romantic History, Miss Julie/After Miss Julie for the Adelaide University Theatre Guild, The Conspirators and The Flint Street Nativity for Red Phoenix, When The Rain Stops Falling for St Judes Players, Reservoir Dogs for Matt Byrne Media, The Great Gatsby for Independent Theatre and Closer in the Adelaide Fringe.
CAST LIST
Gavin CianciBrendan Cooney
Jessica Corrie
Claire Keen
Michelle Nightingale
Jack Robins
Benji Riggs
Nicole Rutty
Jean Walker
Alex Woollatt