Arts & culture

Workshop's next play takes autism action beyond the final bow

By Jordon Mahar, director Wollongong Workshop Theatre's The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Published February 05, 2026

SUBS NOTE - By Jordan so needs to change to first person so he doesn't quote himself, to publish Thursday, needs new head pls

Christopher Boone finds his neighbour’s dog, Wellington, dead – impaled by a garden fork. Wrongly accused of the crime, 15-year-old Christopher decides to investigate the killing and document his findings in a book. What begins as a neighbourhood mystery quickly spirals into a life-changing journey, forcing Christopher out of his comfort zone and into a world that rarely speaks his language.

From February 20 to March 7, the Wollongong Workshop Theatre will bring Simon Stephens’ acclaimed adaptation of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time to the stage. But this time, the drama unfolding at the Gwynneville theatre carries a purpose that extends beyond the final curtain call.

This production is proudly supporting Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia), with $1 from each ticket sold going to raise funds for crucial programs, including early intervention and autism-specific schooling. This collaboration transforms the play’s themes of understanding and neurodiversity into direct support for the Illawarra community.

As the production team notes, for many neurodivergent individuals, navigating a world not designed for them isn’t a theatrical experience – it’s a daily reality. By attending this show, audiences are helping to ensure that every "Christopher" in the Illawarra community has the tools they need to navigate their own brilliant journeys.

The show opens on February 20 at Wollongong Workshop Theatre in Gwynneville. Photo: Belinda Balhatchet

The Workshop Theatre is known for its intimate, immersive atmosphere, and The Curious Incident is the perfect fit for the space. The creative team is utilising light, sound and movement to pull the audience directly into the action, inviting them to see the world through Christopher’s eyes – a lens that is as logical as it is beautiful.

The cast includes a combination of neurodiverse and neurotypical individuals, ensuring that this important piece has authentic representation.

I first experienced The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time in 2015 on Broadway in New York. Since then, I have seen it twice – in Melbourne and Sydney – and I have endeavoured to share this play and its important themes with my drama students in my role as secondary school teacher. It has been a dream of mine to bring this play to Wollongong audiences.

Nick Bolton, chair of Screen Illawarra, stars in the upcoming production of *The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time*. Photo: Belinda Balhatchet

This isn't just a night at the theatre – it’s a masterclass in empathy. The play reminds us that being different is not a deficit, but a different way of being brilliant.

With a limited run of three weeks, tickets are expected to move fast. Whether you are a fan of Mark Haddon’s original novel or simply want to support a landmark arts event that gives back to the community, this is a 2026 highlight you cannot afford to miss.

Don’t just watch the story – be part of the impact. Come to the Wollongong Workshop Theatre this February and help turn empathy into action.

Performance Details: