SMArt Theatre, Solihull School. 14 October 2025.
Play by Simon Stephens. Directed by K Stafford.
In this play, which is based on the bestselling novel by Mark Haddon, we meet 15 year old Christopher Boone. Christopher is a neurodivergent teenager who, on finding his neighbour’s dog speared to death with a garden fork, decides to investigate the murder.
Christopher struggles with everyday life, and the play explores his struggles as he progresses through his investigation, while also uncovering secrets in his own family.
The set was simple with lighting effects being used to create the different spaces. There was very clever use of ever-changing strip lights which were used as doors, as waves, to highlight the corpse, to surround a whiteboard, and for many other purposes. These were wielded with professional aplomb by the ensemble cast. We also had a strobe light effect when Christopher had meltdowns. This, along with projections on 3 large screens, really added to the atmosphere.
Taking inspiration from the original production, the company used thrust staging to bring us right into the action, and it really did. The cast were right up against our legs at times.
Christopher is played to perfection by Beatrice Anton. Her mannerisms were spot on. It can be really difficult to play this sort of character without being over the top but she was absolutely believable as the neurodivergent boy. Aaryana Khurana gave a lovely, understated performance as Siobhan. Tilly McGee was excellent as Christopher’s mum, Judy. Her performance was terrific, especially in the scene when Chris was reading the letter from his mum. As he got worked up, so did she. This was so well done. Sam Christopher was brilliant as Ed, the dad. He was perfect for this role and his maturity shone through. In the scene where Ed hits Chris, I stopped breathing. He gave an amazing performance as the despairing dad, pushed over the edge, and I was honestly terrified.
The large ensemble cast was amazing. They were confident in their use of the stage and worked really well together. It didn’t matter whether they were ‘on the tube’, where their train movements were entirely believable, or acting as doors and furniture, they were always exactly where they needed to be and each one of them brought something amazing to the play. It’s not possible to mention every one of them but I loved Hayden Ball, who brought a nice comic touch as Mr Shears, and Martina Green, who was absolutely fabulous as Mrs Alexander.
I was surprised by the maturity these young people brought to this play. Characters such as Christopher Boone could easily come across as caricatures but this was so well done. The direction was absolutely amazing and I enjoyed every minute.
This is the first time I’ve seen this play but I can’t imagine it being any better. This is the cream of youth drama. Well done Solihull School.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to cuddle the dog. And make sure all the gardening tools are locked away!
Reviewed by Lesley L
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