Joseph Ayre will make his professional stage debut as multi Olivier Award-winning hit The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time’s Christopher Boone as part of its forthcoming cast shake-up.
Ayre will follow in the footsteps of actors including Olivier Award winner Luke Treadaway to take on the challenging and inspirational role of Christopher, a teenager with an extraordinary mind that leaves him ill-equipped to interpret everyday life.
When Christopher discovers his neighbour’s dog has been speared with a garden fork, it is seven minutes after midnight and Christopher is under suspicion. He records each fact in a book he is writing to solve the mystery of who murdered Wellington in a detective adventure that takes him outside of his comfort zone on a frightening journey that upturns his world.
First seen at the National Theatre, Simon Stephens’ adaptation of Mark Haddon’s best-selling novel won a record-breaking seven Olivier Awards in 2013, including the much coveted Best New Play prize.
Talking about his forthcoming debut in the play, recent East 15 Acting School graduate Ayre said: “I’m so excited about playing Christopher Boone in The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time and taking on the challenge of one of the most complex and interesting characters in the West End. This is my first acting job out of drama school and taking on this role with the National Theatre really is a dream come true for me.”
He’ll be joined in the cast from 20 June by fellow newcomers Jo Castleton, who will play his teacher Siobhan, Sarah Stanley, Amanda Posener, Ross Waiton, Matthew Trevannion, Gemma Knight Jones, David Nellist, Thomas Dennis, Charleen Qwaye, Philip Stewart and Matt Wilman.
Continuing in their roles are current cast members Nicholas Tennant, Jacqueline Clarke and Penelope McGhie.
The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time is currently booking at the Gielgud Theatre until 31 January.