Theatre / The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, adapted by Simon Stephens, directed by Chris Baldock. At Belconnen Arts Centre until April 5. Reviewed by ARNE SJOSTEDT.

This was an immersive experience. From the first moment, with an artistic, animated set projected on the walls around the theatre and on the stage, you are inside the play.

This showed the world Christopher, the show’s lead character, looks out to. But also, the world he exists in.

This made the experience of sitting in the theatre compelling and impactful.

It also resulted in allowing director Chris Baldock a powerful level of control over the emotional experiences this play triggered in its audience. Intense and sometimes difficult to watch, yet with countless moments of magic and movement, the production was defined through the boundaries it created, and how it broke free of them.

From the first moment, there was a sense of being restricted, as you got to know Christopher, a boy restricted by his disabilities. To this end, Wajanoah Donohoe delivered a convincing and nuanced portrayal of the role, leading you through the trials and tribulations of Simon Stephens’ adaptation of Mark Haddon’s award-winning novel.

Together with the work of the committed and flexible supporting ensemble, this production succeeded in giving a gripping theatrical experience. Rather than feeling crushed by life’s limitations, the show concludes with uplifting sense of its possibilities.