Across Brighton Fringe 2025, Ironworks Studios will be hosting a variety of theatre, music and variety acts. This includes a remarkable and amazingly-directed ensemble production of ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’, a murder-mystery like no other, from Henfield Theatre Company. Don’t miss out; this production is coming to Brighton Fringe for three days only: May 14, 15 and 16.
The Venue
Ironworks Studios is truly a hidden gem of a venue, just minutes from Brighton Station, unassumingly tucked away off Blackman Road. Inside, it is spacious, vibrant and comfortable, with a stylish café/bar area, serving a good range of drinks and snacks, and decked out in a range of colourful decor paying homage to Brighton’s culture. Expect wooden floors, sequin backdrops, and a giant rainbow baked bean can! Curious Incident is taking place in Studio A, a spacious 180-seat theatre, laid out for this production fully in the round, which created a powerfully immersive atmosphere.
The Vibe
The whole cast were friendly and welcoming, chatting with the audience before the production began. When it did, we were hooked from the beginning, with the dramatic revelation that Wellington the dog had been murdered with a garden fork. The subsequent investigation by 15-year-old neurodivergent Christopher Boone was masterfully portrayed by Ven Malyon (who identifies as autistic) whose performance was equal parts charming and heartbreaking. Malyon offered a touching and challenging insight into Christopher’s world, from his wonder at the universe and exceptional mathematical prowess, to his utter confusion at the metaphors and idioms that, to him, just don’t make sense.
Rebel Atkinson confidently portrayed the complexities of Christopher’s Father: sometimes tender, sometimes rageful and fiercely protective of his son. For me, particular acclaim must also go to Sarah Jenner-Jones, who offered a stunning portrayal of Christopher’s mother, as well as a range of expertly embodied characters, from the ‘little old lady’ Christopher interviews to the grumpy staff of the London Underground.
While the story itself is undoubtedly compelling, I feel that Henfield Theatre Company’s production itself was the stand-out element. The ensemble worked exceptionally well together, creating immersive vocal soundscapes ranging from the corridors of Christopher’s school to the busy streets of London. This perfectly captured the experience of sensory overwhelm, and, alongside some ingenious use of stage boxes, placed me firmly and convincingly inside each and every setting. Each ensemble member worked fluidly together, producing props seemingly out of thin air and switching characters at the drop (or donning) of a hat, each well-rounded and believable. This, paired with some inventive use of brandished torches and wooden miniature railway sets, guided us through the story in a mesmerising and captivating way.
The Verdict
Henfield Theatre Company’s production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is one of the most captivating and quality productions I have seen in the world of amateur theatre, and is absolutely not to be missed. Get yourself and your friends a ticket, and head on down to Ironworks Studios on May 15 and 16, with performances starting at 7.30pm.
Tickets: Brighton Fringe
Venue: Ironworks, 30 Cheapside, Brighton
