A NIGHT at the theatre in Oxford – to see a play about Swindon. Curious.

Well, this play isn’t about Swindon exactly, but our town has an important part to play in this dazzling stage adaptation that had the audience laughing, crying and, at the end, on their feet for a standing ovation.

Mark Haddon’s novel The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-time was a huge success when it was published 12 years ago and the author – along with many others – was doubtful it would translate to the stage. Sell out runs in the West End and Broadway plus numerous awards have convinced Haddon, who was at the New Theatre for this performance, otherwise.

He would certainly have been impressed with this show, not least with Joshua Jenkins, who tackles the difficult lead role with confidence and remarkable energy. Joshua plays Christopher Boone, a teenager with an asperger’s-like condition who lives in Swindon with his dad and embarks on his own investigation when a neighbour’s dog is killed.

We experience Christopher’s extraordinary adventure thanks to a strong supporting cast, a simple but effective set, lighting effects that look like they have been jointly created by Andy Warhol and Stephen Hawking, and Simon Stephens’ funny and moving script.

It’s a play that will blow your mind – but very much in a good way.

And a word of advice, for those who like those post-credit scenes in movies - don’t rush off after the curtain call.

STEPHEN WEBB