Roe Reviews Theatre

The Criterion is another local theatre that creates the most beautiful pieces and this was no exception. Having it’s own mystery to solve 2 weeks before opening, this was a show that deserved every sold out evening it had

The plays tells the story of 15 year old Christopher Boone, a young neurodivergent teenager trying to follow his routines and get through his maths A Level exam coming soon. When he then finds his neighbours dog stabbed with a garden fork it’s up to him to solve the mystery and any others he finds along the way.

Chris Ingall dazzles again with a beautiful ensemble driven production with stand out performances all round (many of which Criterion first timers) including Charlie Maline taking on Boone two weeks out of opening night when the previous actor fell ill. Having previously played the role in Oxfordshire just 2 months earlier he blended flawlessly into this production and wowed everyone in the room

Other stand out performances go to the Boone family, father Ed (Dave Grove), lost mother Judy (Lilian McGrath) and Christopher’s teacher and confidant Siobhan (Anne Bevan) carrying the show and complex emotions with experience and empathy allowing the ensemble to be the backbone of Christopher’s journey through his story that he chooses to write as he goes along.

Amazing set design by Simon Sharpe allowed places to be changed in seconds with assistance from a central TV screen. Sound and lighting need to be shouted about too helping the audience discover what it is like to be inside Christopher’s mind and the everyday struggles he faces.