A BIG white rat is proving a hit in an award-winning stage production which opens at a North-East theatre tonight (Tuesday, January 29).
Toby the rat is starring at Newcastle Theatre Royal in The National Theatre’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
The furry creature is appearing alongside Joshua Jenkins, who plays the central role of Christopher Boone.
In the play the 15-year-old central character stands beside Mrs Shears’ dead dog, which 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.
He has an extraordinary brain, and is exceptional at maths while ill-equipped to interpret everyday life, and his best friend is a white rat called Toby. 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 upturns his world.
The production adapted by Simon Stephens from Mark Haddon’s best-selling novel is also wowing audiences in London’s West End and on Broadway.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, which opened last night, will run at Newcastle Theatre Royal until Saturday, February 7. Evening shows are at 7.30pm with 2pm matinee on Thursday and at 2.30pm on Saturday.
Tickets are from £13 from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448-11-21-21 or select your own seat and book online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk
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