The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time comes to Storyhouse next spring – and lead casting has now been announced for the smash hit murder mystery.

Charlie Brooks and Joe McFadden will head a talented cast in the multi-award-winning stage adaptation of Mark Haddon’s internationally celebrated novel which will captivate Chester audiences from Tuesday, 16 March – Saturday, 20 March 2027.

Tickets cost from £28.50 for Storyhouse Members.

Chris Boon is gifted with a brilliant mind for numbers but unsettled by the unpredictability of people and everyday life. When a neighbour’s dog is discovered killed, Chris comes under suspicion.

Determined to prove their innocence, Chris becomes both detective and suspect, drawn into a mystery that grows darker and more complex with every clue uncovered. And what begins as the search for a culprit soon reveals secrets closer to home, forcing Chris to confront truths that will touch their courage, family and understanding of trust, independence and the wider world.

Inventive, gripping and moving, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time combines the intrigue of a whodunit with a powerful coming-of-age story in an unforgettable theatrical event.

The production comes to Storyhouse as part of a nationwide tour.

Adapted by Simon Stephens, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time is presented by Melting Pot and the Birmingham Rep and directed by Ned Bennett (Equus, An Octeroon, Yen).

Charlie Brooks plays mum Judy. Charlie is best-known for her long-running role as Janine Butcher in EastEnders. Her stage credits include The Ocean at the End of the Lane (National Theatre), Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (UK tour), A Streetcar Named Desire (The Curve, Leicester), Beautiful Thing (West End and UK tour), All in a Row (Southwark Playhouse), Monogamy (Park Theatre),  How the Other Half Loves (UK tour), Our Country’s Good (Liverpool Playhouse) and The Play What I Wrote (UK tour).

Of her casting, Charlie Brooks says: “I’m thrilled to be part of this new production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, having been a huge fan of the book and Simon Stephens’ previous adaptation. Working alongside such a talented cast and creative team has been both inspiring and rewarding, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience the heart, humour and humanity at the centre of this extraordinary play.”

Joe McFadden will appear as dad Ed. Joe has enjoyed a long career on stage and on screen where his credits include The Crow Road, Sex, Chips and Rock and Roll, Heartbeat, Holby City and Strictly Come Dancing, which he won in 2017. His theatre credits include The Shawshank Redemption (UK tour), 2:22 A Ghost Story (Gielgud Theatre), The Mirror Crack’d (UK tour), The Rocky Horror Show (UK tour), Priscilla – Queen of the Desert (UK tour), Rent (Shaftesbury Avenue), Rainbow Kiss (The Royal Court), Torch Song Trilogy (Menier Chocolate Factory), How to Succeed in Business Without Even Trying and She Loves Me (both Chichester Festival Theatre) and The Missing (National Theatre Scotland).

Joe McFadden says: “I loved The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time when I first read it, and I was completely blown away by the stage production in the West End, so I’m absolutely thrilled to be playing Ed in this new tour and can’t wait to bring this brilliant, moving and uplifting story to audiences across the UK alongside such a fantastic cast.”

Further casting is yet to be announced.