Full cast announced for bold new interpretation of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time at Sunderland Empire

Melting Pot and Birmingham Rep announce full 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. This century’s most popular murder, the company of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time will be led by Alex Keenan as ‘Chris Boone’, a role alternated by Imi Price.

Keenan and Price become the first women to portray Chris Boone, bringing a fresh perspective to one of contemporary theatre’s most iconic characters. This new interpretation honours the heart of the original story, inviting audiences to experience it through a new lens.

They join 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) who play Chris’ parents, ‘Ed’ and ‘Judy’.

Completing the cast are Bridgette Amofah as Siobhan;Alex Murdoch as Mrs Alexander / Posh Woman / Voice One; Matthew Bulgo as Roger (Mr Shears) / Duty Sergeant / Voice Two / Mr Wise / Man Behind Counter / Drunk One; Jerone Marsh Reid as Mr Thompson /Man with Socks / London Policeman / Voice Three; Carla Garratt as Punk Girl / No. 40 / Voice Five / Information; Tom Clegg asRev. Peters / Uncle Terry / Voice Four / Station Policeman / Station Guard and Robert Penny Voice Seven. Sera Mustafa Mrs Gascoyne / Woman on Train / Shopkeeper / Police Officer One / Voice 6 completes the company, who all perform as ‘Ensemble’.

Opening at Birmingham Rep on Saturday 5 September before embarking on a major UK tour, 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. The production’s Set & Costume Designer is Eleanor Bull, Lighting Designer; Laura Howard; Composer and Sound Designer, Giles Thomas; Video Designer, Hayley Egan; Movement Director, Jenni Jackson; Costume Supervisor, Izzy Pellow; Props Supervisor, Eve Hall; Casting Director, Abby Galvin, and the Associate Director is Anastasia Osei-Kuffour.

The tour will visit Sunderland Empire from Tuesday 2 – Saturday 6 February 2027.

Chris Boone is gifted with a brilliant mind for numbers but is unsettled by the unpredictability of people and everyday life. When a neighbour’s dog is discovered killed, Chris comes under suspicion. Determined to prove her 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 her 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.

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 and emotional storytelling. 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 is produced by Melting Pot and Birmingham Rep.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time plays at Sunderland Empire from Tuesday 2 – Saturday 6 February 2027. Tickets are available here.