Video summary
A look at how the highly stylised set design of the National Theatre’s production of 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time' was created, featuring interviews with the director and designers.
The director explains the decision to have the set represent Christopher’s mind, meaning it had to be imaginative, creative and non-naturalistic.
As the story jumps back and forth, sets had to be able to be changed in an instant.
The designer explains how she used A-level maths papers as an inspiration for the mathematical diagrams projected onto the floor, and the imagery of a police incident room to reflect Christopher’s idea that he is solving a murder mystery.
The lighting designer talks about the decision not to use colour or warmth, as Christopher’s mind is white and cool. We see the model box of the set and hear how it is used in the design process.
This short film is from the 鶹Լ series, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time: From Page to Stage, made in collaboration with the National Theatre.
It explores how Mark Haddon’s much-loved novel became a multi-award-winning theatre production.
Interviews with the playwright, director and cast and footage from both rehearsal and performance reveal the process of bringing the story alive on stage.
Teacher Notes
Students could consider the set design decisions made, and transfer the thought process to their own drama work.
If analysing the play as a piece of live theatre, your students could look at how design elements contribute to the storytelling.
This short film is suitable for teaching GCSE English literature and drama in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and National 5 in Scotland.
Creating Atmosphere. video
Through interviews with the director and designers, we learn how projection, lighting and sound come together to create atmosphere in the production.
Creating Comedy and Tension. video
The cast and creative team explore how they created moments of comedy and tension in the play.
Ensemble Acting. video
The cast and creative team give us an insight into the use of ensemble acting, where a small group of actors play a large number of different parts.
Adapting a Novel for Theatre. video
Playwright Simon Stephens explains the strategies he used in adapting the story of Mark Haddon’s novel into a script for his production at the National Theatre.
What is Physical Theatre? video
Scott Graham from theatre company, Frantic Assembly, explains what physical theatre is, and how it was used to create the original National Theatre production.
Christopher and his Dad. video
An exploration of the relationship between Christopher Boone and his Dad, Ed Boone, using footage from the original National Theatre production of 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time'.
Christopher and his Mum. video
A look at the relationship between Christopher Boone and his Mum, Judy, through interviews with the actors and footage from the National Theatre production.
Christopher and Siobhan. video
A look at the relationship between the characters of Christopher Boone and his teacher, Siobhan, played by Niamh Cusack in the National Theatre production.
Themes. video
Playwright Simon Stephens explains the themes of the novel and play; family, love, honesty and truthfulness.
Who is Christopher Boone? video
An exploration of the character Christopher Boone, from the actor and director who originated the role in the National Theatre production of 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time'.
