Holby City favourite to star in tour of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

The two actors are the first of the cast to be announced for the new touring production, inspired by the multi-million-selling novel by Mark Haddon and adapted for the stage by Simon Stephens. 

Charlie Brooks, best known for her long-running role as Janine Butcher in EastEnders, and Joe McFadden (Holby City, Heartbeat) will play the protagonist’s parents, Judy and Ed.

In addition to their TV credits, both actors have significant stage experience. Brooks starred in the UK tours of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The Play That I Wrote, and the National Theatre’s adaptation of The Ocean At The End Of The Lane. McFadden has toured the UK with several productions including The Shawshank Redemption, Rocky Horror Show, Priscilla - Queen of the Desert, and The House on Cold Hill. 

Brooks said: “I am 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 cannot wait for audiences to experience the heart, humour, and humanity at the centre of this remarkable play.”

McFadden added that he is “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.”

The eight-month tour opens in Birmingham on the 5th September before moving to venues including Milton Keynes, York, Glasgow and Southampton.

Tour dates

About The Curious Incident

The story follows Chris Boone, a teenager who comes under suspicion when a neighbour’s dog is suddenly killed. As Chris works to prove their innocence and find the culprit, secrets closer to home start to reveal themselves.

Chris will find their courage, family and understanding of the wider world tested in this powerful whodunnit and coming-of-age tale. 

Mark Haddon’s novel was adapted for the stage in 2012, at the National Theatre where it received widespread acclaim for its ground-breaking design, emotional storytelling and sensitive depiction of neurodiversity.

The production won seven Olivier Awards in 2013, followed by five Tony Awards after it opened on Broadway in 2014. It has since toured the world, been seen by over five million people globally and remains one of Britain’s most successful plays of the 21st century. 

Full casting for the new tour is expected to be announced later this year. Tickets for all 29 venues are on sale now.