The Curious Incident's West End transfer a triumph

What you need to know
The National Theatre's hit production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time has transferred to the Apollo Theatre, West End. The play, based on Mark Haddon's bestselling novel, is adapted for the stage by Simon Stephens and directed by Marianne Elliott.

The Curious Incident tells the story of Christopher Boone, a 15-year-old maths prodigy with an Asperger's-like condition, who investigates the death of a neighbour's
dog only to find that it holds the key to his own family's secrets.

Luke Treadaway stars as Christopher. Until 31 August.

What the critics like
This "beautiful, ingenious and deeply-felt production" has transferred triumphantly to the West End, says Charles Spencer in the Daily Telegraph. "The show manages to be theatrical while remaining entirely true to the spirit of the book" and Luke Treadaway's performance is "astonishing".

It's an ingenious adaptation of a touching, eloquent story, says Henry Hitchins in the Evening Standard. Treadaway is "thrillingly good", says Hitchins, adding: "I don't think there's a better performance right now on the London stage".

This brilliant production finds the perfect balance between comedy and heartache, says Paul Taylor in The Independent. The National Theatre may have another Warhorse on their hands.

What they don't like
It seems like an amiable but slightly plodding show at first, says Dominic Maxwell inThe Times. But as things soon get faster, funnier and riskier "there's no mystery why this rich and dazzling play has moved to the West End". ·