WHEN author mark Haddon’s award-winning novel ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’ was published in 2003 he remarked that he regretted the phrase ‘Asperger Syndrome’ appearing on the cover.

His concern was that the 15-year-old protagonist of the book, Christopher Boone, does not describe himself as having the condition but instead refers to himself as ‘someone who has behavioural problems’.

Indeed, there are few of us in this world who don’t suffer behavioural problems and this life-affirming tale of a young man confronting his fears to solve a mystery that hounds him speaks to something in all of us.

Appearing at the Liverpool Empire Theatre this week, the National Theatre’s production of ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’ has captured the hearts and minds of theatre-goers across the globe, with simultaneous productions currently running at the Gielgud Theatre in London’s West End and at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on Broadway.

It follows the adventures of young sleuth Christopher whose many anxieties, including a fear of being touched, the colour yellow, strangers and unfamiliar toilets, are challenged when he embarks on a quest to solve the mystery of a neighbour’s murdered dog.

His determination to seek justice for Wellington the pooch, who is mercilessly skewered by a pitchfork at the opening of the play, eventually leads him to London where he also confronts memories of the past and a chaotic world he has so far been sheltered from.

Joshua Jenkins is a delight as Christopher, a character who seeks solace in mathematical equations and whose endearing naivety is bolstered by an astute mind that distills and dismantles everything around him with meticulous precision.

 Jenkins presents an entirely believable Christopher in all his quirks and mannerisms; his matter-of-fact delivery is paired with such fluidity of movement I was convinced he was a professional dancer that had ventured in to acting.

Bunny Christie and Scott Finn’s sensational, inventive set design is the perfect blank canvas upon which all of Christopher’s thoughts, feelings, dreams and experiences are projected.

A black box that lights up with mathematical equations, galaxies, train tracks and twinkling lights it is an exciting and versatile space that sparkles and fades according to the moment; much like the mind of Christopher himself.

The supporting cast is equally excellent, particularly Stuart Laing as Christopher’s father Ed and Geraldine Alexander as his warm and supportive life coach, Siobhan, who presents Christopher’s written account of his adventures as a play-within-a-play.

A real life rat and adorable Labrador puppy, both of whom appear in the second half, are the icing on the cake for this heartwarming, affecting production which had the audience beaming with joy by the time the curtain came down.

With its soul-stirring story, spectacular visuals and a strong ensemble performance, every element of ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’ adds up to a perfect night out.

Just make sure you hang round for the final bit of mathematical magic at the end.

Five stars out of five

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is playing at Liverpool Empire Theatre until Saturday July 25. For more information visit www.atgtickets.com/liverpool or call the Liverpool Empire Theatre box office on 0844 871 3017.