We can all learn a lot

As amateur performers we should strive to improve our skills by watching as much professional theatre as possible, as well as being constantly on the lookout for new productions which may be available to us in the future.

Last weekend I saw the Olivier award winning play, The Curious Incident of the Dog In The Night-Time, in London's West End. Based on the 2003 book by Mark Haddon, it has caused quite a stir since it opened at The National Theatre, before transferring to the Apollo Theatre earlier this year.

Christopher is a 15-year-old Asperger Syndrome sufferer, who attends a school for young people with special needs, in order to assist in curbing his poor social skills and improve his considerable behavioural problems.

His mind is systematic and mathematical and so when a neighbour's dog is killed, Christopher applies his exceptional thinking in order to solve the crime. However, he also unwittingly begins to unravel the social relationships which exist in his local community and indeed within his own family.

Niamh Cusack, one of our best loved actresses, is exquisite as Christopher's teacher, Siobhan. The very special relationship between the pair naturally unfolds as she and Christopher, portrayed to perfection by Johnny Gibbon even though this complex and emotional role marks his professional acting debut, build an understanding and trust throughout the piece.

Christopher's character is loveable, but infuriating and you feel every frustration the other characters portray. His behaviour eventually results in the breakdown of his parents' marriage and the mayhem that ensues makes you realise just how fragile our everyday routines are and how easily human weakness can surface and destroy all that we hold dear.

The staging of the production is extraordinary. There are minimal props and simple costuming, but the special effects and lighting are astonishing, giving the whole play an almost child-like, enchanted quality, created using the most modern technology available.

The Curious Incident is a moving, poignant look into the world of Asperger Syndrome as well as being hugely entertaining and an incredible example of dramatic performance.

I am sure that one day in the future the rights will be released for amateurs and that when they are, the popularity of this amazing play will soar.

It rendered me speechless and that is very unusual! Well worth a visit.

Closer to home, The Lollipop Theatre School, who perform at The Arena Theatre in Wolverhampton is presenting Summer Holiday on August 15-16.

Described as a classic celebration of the great British summertime, this is the group's summer school project and runs daily from 5-16 August at St Dominic's School for Girls in Brewood from 9am-4pm.

It's a feel good musical following a band of teenagers on their adventures across Europe in a double-decker London bus. Summer Holiday has a host of upbeat, high energy tunes and dance routines, including Move It, Living Doll, The Young Ones and of course the title tune. It is the perfect vehicle for young performers.

For tickets priced at just £10 each, contact the box office on 01902 321321 or visit www.lolliopoptheatreschool.co.uk

Central Youth Theatre, who pride themselves on their drama, is presenting Burnt By The Sun also at The Arena Theatre on August 13.

Set in 1936, this is the tale of revolutionary hero, Colonel Kotov, whose idyllic summer vacation with his family is interrupted when a face from his past suddenly appears. It soon becomes apparent that the horrifying reach of Stalin's rule is about to re-enter his life.

It is worth mentioning that this is the only performance prior to Burnt By The Sun being performed at the World Festival, so it is an opportunity not to be missed.

For tickets, price at £10 call the box office on 01902 321321 or visit www.wlv.ac.uk

Finally this week, why not take advantage of this wonderful summer weather and attend an open air performance for a change? One of the best open air companies is Theatre Ingestre who perform at Ingestre Stables in Staffordshire and this year their production is Lerner and Loewe's spellbinding love story, Camelot, which the group will perform from August 14-17.

Set amid the Knights of the Round Table, Camelot is the tale of the love triangle which allegedly existed between King Arthur, Queen Guinevere and Sir Lancelot. It opened on Broadway in 1960, winning won four Tony awards, but is probably best remembered for 1967 film version starring Richard Burton, Vanessa Redgrave and France Nero.

Camelot boasts a host of memorable tunes including What Do The Simple Folk Do? How To Handle a Woman and If Ever I Would Leave You. It's the stuff legends are made of.

For tickets, priced at £14 each, contact 01889 271165 or visit www.ingestre.com

That's all for this week. Break a leg!