Curious hope for Autistic show

THE Creative Learning team at Sunderland Empire have successfully secured nearly £15,000 in funding from Arts Council England for an innovative collaborative summer learning project in Sunderland. The Grants for the Arts funding will link to and complement the arrival of the National Theatre's production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (August 11 to 15 ).

The multi award-winning production introduces the life and insights of Christopher Boone, a young person who sees the world differently. It's based on Mark Haddon’s award-winning novel, adapted by Simon Stephens and directed by Marianne Elliott. The Olivier and Tony award-winning production has been seen by more than 200,000 people during its run in the West End.

The summer programme includes a five-day intensive learning programme at Sunderland Empire with National Theatre Learning (including familiarisation and preparation for attendees with Autism).

Insight Session - Thursday, August 13 August, 11am. Get Curious participants will have the opportunity to learn about the production at an Insight Session, followed by tickets to see the show. Tickets £5pp. This is not a relaxed performance and parents/carers are advised to get in touch before attending.

Curious about devising – Monday August 17 to Friday, August 21 – is a five-day family learning programme ran by the National Theatre and Sunderland Empire. This includes Curious-themed workshops with the opportunity to meet other families. Places are limited so contact the Empire on 0191-5661056 or sunderlandeducation@theambassadors.com as soon as possible.

* Tickets to the Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time are available on 0844-871-3022 or ATGtickets.com/Sunderland

Viv Hardwick