THE poster is unusual - the title is bizarre but it is one show that is being welcomed back with open arms by Merseyside audiences.

The National Theatre's production with the most curious title is on the road and is coming back to the Liverpool Empire.

The multi-award winning play is adapted from Mark Hadden's book about a boy with behavioural problems.

Playing the central role of Christopher Boone is Glaswegian star Scott Reid who received critical acclaim for his appearance in BBC1's Still Game.

The stage adaptation has really hit a chord with the public and having read the book and seen the stage version I am sure there will be many more converts.

Kash Bennet, National Theatre producer, said: "We were overwhelmed by the enthusiastic reception from audiences around the UK and Ireland when we toured in in 2014-15." 

This beautifully-crafted and inventive show is a genuine stunning must-see play.

More than 400,000 have enjoyed its incredible lighting and technical effects.

Oh and Toby the rat – but I'm not saying anything more about him.

The stage version received seven Olivier Awards in 2013, including best new play, best director, best design, best lighting design and best sound design and five Tony Awards on Broadway including Best Play.

Whilst on this 2017 extensive tour, The curious incident of the dog in the night-time will simultaneously continue its run at the Gielgud Theatre in London's West End and it is now on its first tour of the United States.

So what makes it such compelling theatre?

The show tells the story of 15-year-old Christopher Boone.

We first see him at standing beside Mrs Shears' dead dog Wellington, which has been speared with a garden fork.

It is seven minutes after midnight and he is under suspicion.

Christopher, who has 'an extraordinary brain' records each fact in a book he is writing to solve the mystery of who murdered the dog of the title.

And while he is exceptional at maths the teenager is ill-equipped to interpret everyday life.

He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road; he detests being touched and distrusts strangers. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes him on a frightening journey that upturns his world.

Author Mark Haddon is also an illustrator and screen-writer, who has written fifteen books for children and won two BAFTAs.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time won seventeen literary prizes including the Whitbread Award.

Be prepared for a theatrical experience that you won't forget.

I certainly haven't.

The show is at the Empire Theatre from next Tuesday, July 25 until Saturday July 29.

Tickets are from 0844 871 3017.

More details from www.curiousonstage.com