“My name is Christopher Boone. I am fifteen years and three months and three days. I know all the countries and capital cities of the world and every prime number up to 7507…”

So begins Mid Powys Youth Theatre (MPYT)’s return to the Wyeside this autumn with their bold, bright, beautiful spin on a contemporary classic. ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time’, adapted from Mark Haddon’s beloved novel, sees the company’s trademark ensemble style on full display.

Artistic Director Ralph Bolland is delighted to be scaling up MPYT operations for the first time since 2018: “We’ve been busy since Covid with some brilliant little shows that delighted audiences and participants alike, but there’s no denying the place that MPYT at Wyeside holds in the hearts of our community.”

‘Curious Incident’ presents us with a neurodivergent murder-mystery, seen through the eyes of teenaged Christopher, navigating the harsh realities of a world that doesn’t always make sense.

MPYT remain committed to training young production artists in off-stage disciplines, creating vocational pathways across set design & props, sound & lighting; projection mapping and costume as well as co-ordinating and running the live performances. The project has offered professional mentoring in photography, graphic design, marketing, music tech and more.

Ralph says he is particularly pleased with the Professional Development opportunities MPYT has created for a handful of local, young artists. These ‘emergent professionals’, some ex-MPYTers among them, form a core part of the production team.

The project has been made possible by a range of funders including Arts Council Wales and The National Lottery Community Fund. With support from ACW, MPYT has been able to work with local artists and the wider community, and support local venues.

The show will take place from November 5-8 at Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells.