Olivier-award winning production, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, is set to make its Buckinghamshire debut when it comes to the Aylesbury Waterside next week. 

The award-winning play, starring Joshua Jenkins and Geraldine Alexander, tells the story of 15-year-old Christopher Boone as he goes on a quest to solve a mystery. Intent on discovering who murdered Wellington, his neighbour Mrs Shears’ dog, he records each fact he uncovers in a book. 

But Christopher is unlike most other teenagers; he has an extraordinary brain, and is exceptional at maths but struggles to interpret everyday life -   he has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road; he detests being touched and distrusts strangers, but his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a frightening journey that turns his world upside down.

Actress, Geraldine Alexander, takes on the role of Siobhan, Christopher’s school teacher, in the play that she describes as ‘extraordinary’.

“I think lots of people in the audience will have read the book written by Mark Haddon. It’s a fantastic story and to be involved in this project is very exciting.

“With Mark Haddon, director Marianne Elliott and playwright Simon Stephens, you just couldn’t get a better combination of people working on a project together.”

Geraldine admits she was excited to take part in the production because she loves the book. 

“I read the book to my daughter as a child and we both loved it so much. I'm such a fan of Mark Haddon.

“The play is so great because I think everyone brings a little piece of their own life to the show. Christopher seems to be a hero to a lot of people. Everyone has been through a family break up, so the storyline is very relevant and relatable.

“I’m just totally astonished at the audience reactions to the show, it has been amazing.

“Performing has always been a passion of mine; it’s just something I've always done. I do get very nervous going on stage, but I love my character, she’s wonderful.”

Geraldine, who has starred in the likes of Taggart and Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple, admires her character, Siobhan and the friendship she has with Christopher.

“Siobhan is a really good teacher and she really gets Christopher. She’s very imaginative and she’s an enabler. She’s very good at unlacing Christopher.

“There is a point when Christopher and I are looking at the stars together and I love that part. It’s a moment of calm in a very hectic show.”

Christopher is played by Joshua Jenkins, who made his National Theatre debut with the challenging role.

Geraldine said: “Playing Christopher is a very hard role to take on, but I think it is good experience for young actors. It’s such a fantastic opportunity. It is lucky that he is young because he can adapt really well to the role.”

The show, which is currently at the Theatre Royal Plymouth before heading to Aylesbury on 17 March and Geraldine is enjoying the tour so far.

“Touring is quite demanding but all of the cast get on very well. We all warm up together in the morning. Touring is very hard work but I really enjoy it

“The audience is what makes theatre. They are different every night but the reaction the show gets is amazing. You just don’t get that instant reaction or the interaction from the audience when you’re filming a television show.

“And I'm really looking forward to heading to Aylesbury. I've got family nearby and my partner lives just outside Wycombe, so I'm very much looking forward to coming to visit the area again.”

Geraldine is adamant that despite the sometimes difficult issues dealt with throughout the show, audiences will leave the theatre in high spirits.

“I wish I hadn’t seen the show so I could watch it again. There really is nothing else like it, it’s a really great story and the way it is told is extraordinary.

“You leave the theatre having learnt more about what it is like to be different but it gives you hope. It’s very uplifting. It’s about humanity and it’s fun and very moving.

“It is just everything theatre should be.”

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time comes to the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre from 17 to 21 March. Tickets range from £11.90 to £37.90, available online at www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury or by calling the box office on 0844 871 7607.