Charlie Brooks and Joe McFadden to Star In The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Adapted from The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by playwright Simon Stephens and Directed by Ned Bennett.

Charlie Brooks, best known for her long-running role as Janine Butcher in EastEnders, alongside theatre credits including The Ocean at the End of the Lane (National Theatre, UK Tour), will star alongside Joe McFadden, known for roles in The Crow Road, Holby City and Heartbeat, as well as winning Strictly Come Dancing in 2017. The pair will play protagonist Chris’ parents, Ed and Judy.

The production opens at Birmingham Rep in September before visiting Milton Keynes Theatre from Tue 6 Oct. Adapted by Simon Stephens from Mark Haddon’s best-selling novel, the production will be directed by Ned Bennett.

Chris Boone is gifted with an extraordinary mind for numbers but struggles with the unpredictability of people and everyday life. When a neighbour’s dog is found dead, Chris falls under suspicion. Determined to prove their innocence, Chris sets out to solve the mystery, becoming both detective and suspect as the truth becomes increasingly dark and complicated.

What starts as a search for answers soon uncovers secrets much closer to home, forcing Chris to confront truths that challenge their courage, relationships, and understanding of trust, independence and the world around them. Inventive, gripping and deeply moving, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time blends the intrigue of a whodunnit with a powerful coming-of-age story in an unforgettable theatrical experience.

Of her casting, Charlie Brooks says, “I am thrilled to be part of this new production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, having been a huge fan of the book and Simon Stephens’ previous adaptation. Working alongside such a talented cast and creative team has been both inspiring and rewarding, and I cannot wait for audiences to experience the heart, humour, and humanity at the centre of this remarkable play.”

Joe McFadden continues, “I loved The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time when I first read it, and I was completely blown away by the stage production in the West End so I’m absolutely thrilled to be playing Ed in this new tour and can’t wait to bring this brilliant, moving and uplifting story to audiences across the UK alongside such a fantastic cast.”

Director Ned Bennett concludes, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be directing this new production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Mark Haddon’s compassionate and extraordinary novel, and Simon Stephens’ moving, inventive, and imaginative adaptation, combine to create a complex play with remarkable emotional precision. I’m excited to be collaborating with this extraordinary cast and creative team - and to be working with the brilliant teams at Melting Pot and the Birmingham Rep.”

Joe McFadden’s theatre credits include The Shawshank Redemption (UK Tour), 2:22 A Ghost Story (Gielgud Theatre), Rocky Horror Show (UK Tour), Priscilla – Queen of the Desert (UK Tour) and Rent (Shaftesbury Theatre). Television credits include Holby City, Heartbeat, Casualty, The Crow Road and Taggart.

Charlie Brooks’ theatre credits include Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (UK Tour), The Ocean At The End Of The Lane (National Theatre), Beautiful Thing (Arts Theatre, West End) and A Streetcar Named Desire (Curve Theatre). Her television work includes EastEnders, Bleak House, Robin Hood, Casualty and The Demon Headmaster.

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.

“Crowd-Pleasing, Life-Affirming And Unmissable” – The Times

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time premiered at the National Theatre in 2012, receiving widespread acclaim for its groundbreaking staging, emotional storytelling and sensitive portrayal of neurodiversity. Since then, it has become one of the most celebrated British plays of the 21st century, seen by more than five million people worldwide.

The production won seven Olivier Awards in 2013, including Best New Play for Simon Stephens’ adaptation, Best Director for Marianne Elliott and Best Actor for Luke Treadaway. Following its Broadway debut at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre in 2014, the play went on to win five Tony Awards in 2015, including Best Play.

Full casting and creative team are still to be announced.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is produced by Melting Pot and Birmingham Rep.

Performances run at Milton Keynes Theatre from Tue 6 – Sat 10 Oct 2026.