WHAT can be more normal than going to a station to catch a train?

But for Christopher Boone, whose world revolves around order and routine, it's a deeply traumatic experience as he's thrust headlong into a world of paralysing chaos.

Before going to see The Curious Incident Of the Dog In The Night Time I knew very little about autism, the condition the Christopher character has.

It was a deeply educational and ultimately enlightening experience but at no point during the evening did you feel like you were being 'educated'.

This is a great story, a moving yet uplifting tale, well told. Christopher and his family are real people, whose fears and frustrations and high points are shared by everyone in the audience thanks to a fabulous script that's completely free of clichés.

It's not just his autism Christopher has to contend with. He's from a broken home and his dad has a ferocious temper.

I have seen some great performances in 25 years of theatre reviewing but as Christopher, Joshua Jenkins is totally captivating, making you care deeply about what happens to him and making you ache for a happy ending.

For people with experience of autism- he has a type called Asperger Syndrome - this magnificent piece of acting may be a little too close to home.

While Jenkins' performance is the stuff awards are made of, he receives first rate support from the rest of the cast in Marianne Elliott's beautifully staged production, a production that had in some parts, a magical, fairytale quality about it.

Stuart Lang and Gina Issac are really impressive as Christopher's parents, Ed and Judy, struggling to cope with their son's challenging behavioural problems.

It's not only the acting that caught the attention during the play based on Mark Haddon's novel. Bunny Christie's stark, versatile and surprise filled set is also worth a mention.

Now here's the bad news - this National Theatre production has finished its run at The Lowry and is now embarking on a national tour. It's in Stoke in February and trust me, it's well worth the petrol money or the train fare.

Make sure you don't miss this modern day classic. It is difficult viewing at times but you're sure to leave the theatre full of inspiration and hope.

- The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night Time is at The Regent in Stoke from February 9 to 14.

RICK BOWEN