THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME

Based on the best-selling novel by Mark Haddon
Adapted by Simon Stephens

ABOUT THE PLAY:

Since premiering in 2012, this extraordinary play has become a global theatrical phenomenon. Winner of both the Olivier Award and the Tony Awards for Best Play, as well as many others, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time has become one of the most beloved and popular plays of the modern era.

Christopher, fifteen years old, stands beside Mrs Shears’ 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. He 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. But Christopher’s detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a frightening journey that turns his world upside-down.

CAST:
Christopher (at certain performances) – Wajanoah Donohoe

Christopher (at certain performances) – Ethan Wiggin

Siobhan – Leah Peel Griffiths

Ed – Richard Manning

Judy – Claire White

Ensemble – Travis Beardsley

Ensemble – Callum Doherty

Ensemble – Peter Fock

Ensemble – Meg Hyam

Ensemble – Anthony Mayne

Ensemble – Tracy Noble

with a special appearance from Phineas Baldock

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Director/Designer – Chris Baldock

Assistant Director – Stephanie Evans

Stage Manager – Rhiley Winnett

Lighting Design – Rhiley Winnett and Chris Baldock

Projections Design – Matt Kizer

Music Composer – Matt Friedman

Projection Realisation & Operation – Rhiley Winnett

Costumes and Props – Chis Baldock and cast

Autism Lived Experience Consultants – Jacob Alfonso and Jennyfer Lawrence Taylor

Rehearsal Prompt – Liz St Clair Long

FOR MOCKINGBIRD THEATRICS:

Artistic Director – Chris Baldock

Technical Manager – Rhiley Winnett

Publicity, Graphics and Photography – Chris Baldock

Associate Directors – Zac Bridgman, Steph Evans, Céline Oudin

Patron: Liz St Clair Long

THANKS TO:

Chips Jin, Claire Noack, Belconnen Arts Centre staff, City News & Helen Musa, ABC Radio Canberra, Stun Magazine, Stage Whispers, Canberra Critics Circle

PLEASE NOTE:

This production contains:

• High-level coarse and ableist language
• Violent behavior including depictions of violence
• References to and depictions of domestic violence, self injury, meltdowns, sensory overload, screaming, loud noises and moments of visual intensity to reflect parts of the autistic experience
• Dynamic sound and lights.

*The approximate running time is 2 hours and 25 minutes including a 20 minute interval.

REVIEWS:

https://ccc-canberracriticscircle.blogspot.com/2025/03/the-curious-incident-of-dog-in-night.html?m=1

https://ccc-canberracriticscircle.blogspot.com/2025/03/the-curious-incident-of-dog-in-night_22.html?m=1

https://ccc-canberracriticscircle.blogspot.com/2025/03/the-curious-incident-of-dog-in-night_29.html?m=1

https://ccc-canberracriticscircle.blogspot.com/2025/04/the-curious-incident-of-dog-in-night.html?m=1

https://citynews.com.au/2025/the-impact-of-a-compelling-curious-incident/

https://www.stagewhispers.com.au/reviews/curious-incident-dog-night-time-6

 PHOTOS OF CAST AT BOTTOM OF PAGE – SCROLL DOWN

Wajanoah Donohoe – Christopher

Wajanoah is an Indonesian-Australian Actor who has recently returned to Canberra from their home in Jakarta. Wajanoah is very excited to be playing Christopher in Mockingbird’s production. Wajanoah’s most recent credit was as Jamie in Happy Meals Happy Kids (Sunny Productions, 2024). Wajanoah has also participated in several productions at the Jakarta Intercultural School, including The Baker in Into the Woods (2022), Reverend Hale in The Crucible (2023), and Wayne Hopkins in Puffs (2023). Wajanoah is part of Canberra Youth Theatre’s Year 10-12 Ensemble. Off the stage, Wajanoah enjoys visual arts, especially ink illustration, and writing. Wajanoah will also be appearing in Narrabundah College’s Treasure Island production later this year. Wajanoah aspires to make theatre a lifetime endeavour and is looking forward to applying to acting schools across the country at the end of this year. Wajanoah would like to thank his dog for motivating him through the rehearsal process. 

 

Ethan Wiggin – Christopher

Ethan is an emerging artist, recently located to Canberra from Perth. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is Ethan’s debut in Canberra’s independent theatre space. Ethan’s other credits include Michael in Picnic at Hanging Rock (Canberra College), The Accused in A Bucket Full Of Fire (Canberra College), Unhappy Person in Audience in I Hate Shakespeare (Rockingham Montessori Perth), Ensemble in Oliver! (Laughing Horse Perth), Rat in Dick Whittington (Community Theatre Perth), Philosophy Master in The Would-Be Gentleman (John Curtin College), Ensemble in 15 Reasons Not to Be in a Play” (John Curtin College) and Sound Engineer for Snow Angel (Canberra College). Ethan’s upcoming shows include Haemon in Antigone (Canberra College) and Jeremy in You Can’t Tell Anyone (Canberra College).

 

Leah Peel Griffiths – Siobhan

Leah is a neurodivergent queer artist who has recently relocated to Canberra. Over the past decade, Leah has worked on honing her craft, blending formal studies in Theatre/Media at Charles Sturt University and Musical Theatre at Brent Street with extensive practical experience both on stage and behind the scenes.  

Notable credits include The Witch in Into The Woods (Sydney Youth Musical Theatre), Lilli Vanessi in Kiss Me Kate (Brent Street), Belle in Beauty & The Beast (Orange Theatre Company), and The SQUIP in Be More Chill (North Shore Theatre Company). Leah’s repertoire also encompasses puppetry work for Jurassic World: The Exhibition (Superluna Live), Avenue Q (Notable Theatre Company) and The Nature Of Things for Elighten 2025 (Erth, Canberra Youth Theatre). Beyond her performative achievements, Leah is also carving her path as a playwright and director.  

As a member of the neurodivergent community and a devoted advocate for the power of live theatre, Leah is thrilled to be a part of the re-telling of Curious Incident and its immersive nature.

 

Richard Manning – Ed

Richard has been involved in various creative endeavours over a number of years. He has played guitar in Rock, Blues and Jazz bands, including The Blamey Street Big Band and 70s funk band Turner’s Antidote. He has also played guitar in a number of musicals, such as Cats (ANU), Spring Awakening (Phoenix Players), Godspell and Hello Dolly (Queanbeyan Players).

Richard spent much of his working life as a drama teacher at Canberra schools, having directed Year 10 and 12 students in plays as diverse as Royal Hunt of the Sun, A Clockwork Orange, Blackrock, The Golden Age and Dust.

Since retiring in 2018 he has performed above stage as Clyde Cameron in A Deadly Game of Marbles at Old Parliament House; Capulet in Romeo and Juliet (Canberra REP); Ray in Ruben Guthrie (Wander Theatre), where his performance earned an Ovations nomination; Alan in Rosieville (Canberra Youth Theatre); Lord Burleigh in Mary Stuart (Chaika Theatre); Steve in August – Osage County (Free Rain Theatre); and now as Ed.

Now let’s talk about golf……..!

 

Claire White – Judy

Claire is excited to make her acting debut as Judy in this production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Claire began performing at a young age with the Canberra Youth Theatre and Canberra Youth Ballet, where she studied ballet and jazz. Claire also has a background in swing dancing, having performed with the ‘Jumptown Canberra’ performance troupe in the vintage lindy hop and charleston dance styles. Returning to acting as an adult, Claire trained with Chris Baldock at the Mockingbird Acting School, performing monologues and scene work in local showcases. Claire will also feature in the upcoming Snatches: Moments From 100 Years of Women’s Lives production with Mockingbird Theatre Company’s Mockingbird Too initiative.

 

Meg Hyam – Ensemble

Meg is thrilled to be making her return to the acting world after a departure of nearly 20 years. Meg has recently begun re-exploring creative pursuits such as writing and is a current student with Chris Baldock at Mockingbird Theatre Company and Acting Studio. 

In 2006, Meg performed with the Derbyshire Shakespeare Theatre Company whilst living in Derby, England. She had a number of small roles in Julius Caesar and played Lady Capulet in Romeo and Juliet.

By day, Meg works as a Psychologist, predominantly with adolescents and young adults, which was part of the appeal of this wonderful story of a courageous teen who is on the Autism spectrum. 

 

Callum Doherty – Ensemble

Callum is an actor, former Mockingbird student and fashion icon. He has been described by critics as “the wild-haired young man” (McKone 2025), “trying too hard to be funny” (Power 2023), and “disconcerting” (Tolhurst 2017).

Select performance credits include The Forsaken (ACT Hub); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Echo Theatre); This Changes Everything (Echo Theatre); The Inheritance (Everyman Theatre); Away (Canberra REP); The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] (Canberra REP); Fully Committed (Mockingbird Theatre Company); Third Storey (N.U.T.S.); Rosieville (Canberra Youth Theatre); How to Vote! (Canberra Youth Theatre); Jasper Jones (Budding Theatre); The Full Monty (SUPA Productions); Strictly Ballroom (Canberra Philharmonic Society); The Addams Family (The Q); The Music Man (Queanbeyan Players); and Mary Poppins (Free Rain Theatre).

Callum was the Assistant Director of both Puffs and God of Carnage at Echo Theatre and has also performed through the Canberra Comedy Festival and Starlight Children’s Foundation. He won an Ovations Award for Outstanding Lead Performance for The Complete Works… and is a five-time CAT Award loser.

 

Tracy Noble – Ensemble

Tracy is thrilled to be performing with Mockingbird Theatre, having worked with Chris Baldock on stage as well as within his acting studio. Tracy has worked continually on Canberra stages, having last been seen in ACT HUB’s August – Osage County, for which she was nominated for an Ovation Award. Other recent performances include the revival of The Importance of Being Ernest, Holding the Man, and Hayfever, (ACT HUB).  2024 saw Tracy make her Mill Theatre debut as the understudy for the successful run of The Shoe-Horn Sonata and playing the Presiding Judge in Terror.  Other Canberra credits include CYT’s How To Vote, Echo Theatre’s, Ruthless at The Q, The Last Five Years in Belconnen, Canberra REP’s Romeo & Juliet and Absurd Person Singular, Free Rain Theatre’s Mamma Mia! & Shrek, Assassins for Everyman Theatre, Budding Theatre’s Pride and Prejudice, and Strictly Ballroom with Philo.  Tracy has performed leading roles over her many years on stage, including Steel Magnolias, The Witches of Eastwick, The Little Mermaid, Chess, Oklahoma!, Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, A Little Night Music, and Passion.  Other professional credits include South Pacific, Phantom, Singin’ in the Rain, Carousel, Oliver!, and A Chorus Line.  Performances of William Shakespeare’s works include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Macbeth, The Merchant of Venice, and most recently as The Nurse in Romeo & Juliet. 

 

Travis Beardsley – Ensemble

Travis is a dedicated actor who has been with Mockingbird Theatre Company and Acting Studio for the past 18 months. He is proud to be working with the (amazing) director, Christopher Baldock on The Curious Incident of The Dog in The Night-Time. He looks forward to continued chances to grow as a thespian through more challenging roles and opportunities. 

Travis has been described as a natural-born actor. He has performed as the Mad Hatter in a local musical at the Albury Performing Arts Studio, as well as school plays, such as ‘Lucas Patchett’ in Orange Sky Company. Travis completed year 12 at Daramalan College, where he focused on digital film and media production. This is where his passion for acting became apparent.

 

Peter Fock – Ensemble

Peter has been treading the boards around Canberra for about 30 years. In that time, he has played roles ranging from Jack-in-the-box to Machiavelli, by Shakespeare and local playwrights (notably the extraordinarily gifted Rachel Hogan), from 10-minute plays to hour-long monologues, for theatre and screen. He has been nominated for and won awards. He was most recently Harry in Away (Canberra REP), and prior to that, Alfred Doolittle in Pygmalion (Tempo). He explored English accents in those roles, and in Curious Incident, he gets another go (or 3).

Peter is delighted to work with Mockingbird Theatrics and Chris Baldock in this production. The attention to detail has tested Peter’s talents and rewarded his desire for quality theatre in Canberra. He thinks we are lucky to have productions, companies and creative people of this calibre here. He’s proud to be a part of it and grateful for your support.

 

Anthony Mayne – Ensemble

Anthony plays Mr Shears and is a member of the ensemble cast.

A busy 24 months has seen Anthony perform in a number of roles, including Peter in Ruben Guthrie at ACTHub by N.U.T.S., Jerry in Lend Me a Soprano, Mark in What’s On Your Mind,  Dave in Strip Poker and Alistair in Move Over Mrs Markham with the Moruya Red Door Theatre Company and two roles in Almost Maine with the Batemans Bay Players.  During this time, he managed to receive 3 CAT nominations for Best Lead Male though maintains his duck batting average when it comes to awards.

Anthony was a founding member of the Moruya Red Door Theatre Company on the South Coast where he has Produced 14 plays and appeared in one or two of them.  Be it treading the boards with SPAT, Box Hill Theatre Melbourne or in Canberra, his favourite role to date has been as the Queen of Hearts with Blue Cow Theatre Sydney…though the opportunity to work with Mockingbird in this production might see Mr Shears get the chocolates. 

 

CREW:

Chris Baldock – Director/Designer

Please find more information about Chris HERE.

Steph Evans – Assistant Director

Steph is a proud Wiradjuri woman and emerging director, having re-ignited her love for theatre after moving to ANU three years ago. Curious Incident is Steph’s first play outside of ANU, and she has enjoyed the opportunity to work Mockingbird. Later this year, Steph is looking forward to assistant directing Mockingbird’s Meteor Shower and The Wolves, as well as making her independent directorial debut with Consent, produced under the  Mockingbird Too banner. 

Steph’s directing credits at ANU include Rumors by Neil Simon (2023), Then I’ll Be Brief (2023 & 2024) and Sloshed: Romeo & Juliet (2024).

Other ANU credits include Stage Manager: When the Rain Stops Falling (2022), Bakkhai (2022) and Much Ado About Nothing (2023); Producer/Production Manager: Little Women (2022), Then I’ll Be Brief (2022) and The Taming of the Shrew (2023); Assistant Stage Manager: Dracula (2022); and Lighting Designer: Comedy of Errors (2024). Steph has also assisted with intimacy coordination of multiple shows.

Steph loves directing both farces and tragicomedies and hopes to continue directing in the years to come.

 

Rhiley Winnett – Technical & Stage Manager

Rhiley Winnett is an emerging professional Stage Manager across the Canberra region. They have been working as a professional Stage Manager since 2020 but have been an avid theatre maker and enthusiast since they were young. 

They have worked on a myriad of productions, including but not limited to: 

Wolf Lullaby (Echo Theatre, 2021), Dags (Canberra Youth Theatre, 2022), How to Vote! (Canberra Youth Theatre, 2022), You Can’t Tell Anyone (Canberra Youth Theatre, 2023), People You May Know (Lucid Theatre, 2023), I Have No Enemies (Bare Witness Theatre, 2024), and The Girl Who Glows (The Street Theatre, 2024).

Getting to work on The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time has been an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience, and Rhiley is so thankful for the chance to explore and implement new technical knowledge throughout the entire process. The entire team has been so incredibly supportive and adaptive, and Rhiley couldn’t ask for a better team for their first production with Mockingbird Theatre as their new Technical and Stage Manager.

This production acknowledges that it is being performed on stolen Ngunnawal and Ngambri lands. We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ cultures represent the oldest form of storytelling in Australia. It is an honour to continue this practice on their land. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging. We welcome all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people who join us today. 

Sovereignty was never ceded.