Students at a secondary academy in Doncaster have been treated to performances from the National Theatre at their school.

A specially staged version of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time was performed at ̨��swag Academy Adwick, based in Woodlands, as part of the National Theatre’s UK Schools Tour. The production is visiting twelve secondary schools across Doncaster.  

While at the academy, the touring company performed the production twice, with one performance for the year 8 students and the second music and dance students.

The 90-minute version of the play was performed in the academy’s main hall with the theatre company performing the play in the round. Following the performance there was a Q&A session for the students to speak with the members of the professional company.

Andy Scruby, Principal at ̨��swag Academy Adwick, said: “We were delighted to welcome the National Theatre to the academy. The performances were absolutely outstanding and I know they have inspired many of our students.

“At ̨��swag we believe in putting students first, to raise standards and transform lives. We do this by making sure we fully support our students to reach their potential, and this goes beyond the classroom with events like this being a perfect example of how we do this.

“We are thankful to the National Theatre for coming to ̨��swag Academy Adwick, and performing for and speaking with our students.”

The National Theatre Schools Tour is accompanied by a learning programme which includes professional development for teachers, led by the National Theatre and Curious Incident movement directors Frantic-Assembly.

Alice King-Farlow, Director of Learning at The National Theatre said, "The National Theatre is committed to increasing opportunities for students in Yorkshire to see live theatre.

“Simon Stephens' brilliant play The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a fantastic first experience of theatre and we know from last year's tour that seeing a live professional production in your own school hall can have real impact.

“We're delighted that more students across Yorkshire will experience the production in their school this year, and we're working closely with schools in the area to engage with new audiences and to build relationships between schools and their local theatre."

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time brings the Mark Haddon best-selling novel to life on stage. It has been adapted by two-time Olivier Award-winning playwright Simon Stephens and directed by Olivier and Tony Award 'winning director Marianne Elliott.

The novel has won more than 17 literary awards and is widely studied in schools, with Simon Stephens' adaptation currently a set text for GCSE English Literature.

Photo Credit: TheOtherRichard