Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time

I wasn't entirely sure of this if I am honest, simply because I saw the National Theatre Live version last year and despite it being a cinema link up I was blown away. It seemed unlikely that the show at the Lyceum could have the same impact.

But in spite of the set and the script not being a surprise I still adored it. The choreography is beyond words and that coupled with superb acting and innovative projection conveyed a real feeling of the sensory overload autism can bring.

The play is about a fifteen year old boy with autism who discovers the murder of his neighbour's dog and sets about solving the crime. Although of course it is really about human relationships, disability and connection. Half way through I was desperate to hug my children at the thought of not being able to.

The cast must be mentioned - Joshua Jenkins was stunning as Christopher and the supporting cast were all memorable and comedic. Their energy, timing and focus was incredible.

But the set designers have to share the limelight. This show is nothing like you have seen before. Unless you've seen it before. But even if you have, go again.

Brilliant.

Ten Years

I don't often put photos on blogger. Largely because I'm wordier than I am visual as you'll probably know by now. But this is a special occasion because it's been ten years since I married him you see. Which is a bit irrelevant in many ways, because I've known him since we were about 12 on and off and we have been stuck with each other properly for 17 years, but a celebration's a celebration...

So in a nutshell it was ten years ago on stage at the Lyceum. We were lucky because the play was "Suddenly Last Summer" and the set was a Victorian greenhouse. The following week it was "Slamdunk the Hip Hop Musical".

My two oldest friends were there - one in a box (not literally) with a reading and one behind the camera. Our best friends kept us sane.

There were lovely people.  Friends and family.

There was a bear - because I told my cousin he could wear what he liked for the wedding and he took it literally.

There was a ridiculously quiet registrar who needed a career change.

There were a few too many of us crammed into a small restaurant.

There was cake and laughter.

There was dancing, too much alcohol and an excess of hair grips.

There was a terrible hotel afterwards.

There was a hangover.

It was a blast. Here's to the rest of forever.