Playwright Simon Stephens ... not only frames the action, but also sets up a rich tension between fiction's invention and the obsession with facts, forensics and systemised data that is a symptom of Christopher's autism ... this is a highly skilful adaptation -- Michael Billington Guardian 20120803 A curiously successful case of a hit novel turned into a play ... This is a profoundly moving play about adolescence, fractured families, mathematics, colours and lights -- Michael Coveney Independent 20121103 This adaptation by the acclaimed playwright Simon Stephens is intensely, innately theatrical; it is also funny and extremely moving -- Laura Thompson Daily Telegraph 20120803 Seeing an adaptation of a book that you have loved can inspire a certain nervousness but fans of A Curious Incident should have no such worry when going to see the National's faithful and imaginative adaptation. It is a triumph, capturing the depth and touching nature of the original text and adding theatrical sensibilities to great effect. Highly recommended. Londonist 20120805 As adaptations of much-loved fiction go, Simon Stephens' perky and imaginative version ... is an instant classic What's On Stage 20120803 Simon Stephens' clever adaptation of Mark Haddon's bestselling novel about a teenage boy with Asperger's syndrome is like a cute dog that leaps up and wants to lick you all over. There's no point in resisting - and there's no need ... The novel gets you inside Christopher's head, but the stage version does more, giving Christopher's internal response to the world an external manifestation. -- Lyn Gardner Guardian 20130313 This is a really superior stage adaptation. Instead of just transposing the book. Stephens has recreated it for the stage... It doesn't shirk the discomfort of being a child with special needs, but -as Christopher learns to believe in himself- it also quietly illustrates some of the excitement of living in your own world. -- Aleks Sierz Tribune 20130322 A bittersweet story told with verve and passion. -- Siobhan Murphy Metro 20130315
