REVIEW | Ocean at the End of the Lane

★★★★★

Reviewer - EMMIE

*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review.

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CONTENT NOTE WARNINGS: Ocean at the End of the Lane contains high intensity lighting, strobe lighting, smoke and haze effects, pyrotechnics, loud sound and blackouts. There are ear defenders providing by the National Theatre at the theatre if you require them or have forgotten your own. The production does contain references to or staging of death/suicide, domestic violence, loss and grief.

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Adapted for the stage by National Theatre, Neil Gaiman’s best-selling novel, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, is a striking masterpiece heading across the country on a UK tour. Originally staged at the National, followed by a delayed West End transfer; audiences are in for a treat from this bold production that oozes depth and intensity from the beginning.

Gaiman’s complex story around memory and how the past does not feel too far away has been adapted for the stage by Joel Horwood. Horwood has worked with director Katy Rudd to deliver something which feels elaborate but still manages to capture the finer details in impressive style.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane follows a young boy who is experiencing family struggles. His mother recently passed away, and he has a challenging relationship with his father and sister. Boy seeks consolation in books, in adventures and fantasies. They offer him the answers and cues that the human world cannot - CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien and Lewis Carol become integral threads in this story. However, things change when along comes Lettie. She sweeps him off on an adventure into a magical world where they must fight to protect themselves from ancient forces which threaten to destroy everything he holds dear.

It’s important to know going in though, that with this being one of Neil Gaiman’s works, there is minimal hand-holding or explanation as to the events surrounding the cast. Very much intentional, it gives the audience the same feeling of helplessness and confusion as our protagonist, having found themselves swept up in the same maelstrom of magic and wonder. The magic in the story very much stays as such, magic. Something unexplainable and incomprehensible and frankly joyous to behold. However, it is Lettie’s character, played beautifully by Millie Hikasa that becomes the guide for both the Boy and the audience to discover what is unfolding together.

What makes this production particularly entrancing is Fly Davis’ set design. Audiences are instantly immersed in this beautiful exploration through both the past and present with innovative use of the stage that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Doors become portals and plugholes, mouths and wounds become other specific spaces that emphasise the entire finishing product. Its a feast for the eyes. Massively supported by Jamie Harrison’s magic and illusions to help elevate the finishing touches. Delving deeper into this story, the writing perfectly captures grief and that overwhelming fear that your lost loved one is being replaced. A lot of people could relate to this character one or another and it brought a sense of reality.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane has a fantastic cast at its helm. Leicester’s very own Daniel Cornish is the beating heart of this show as Boy. There are a lot of complexities to his character which Cornish executes to its full potential. His relationship with his father, played by Trevor Fox, is particularly moving. Trevor Fox also plays an important part in being the opening and the closing of this story which wraps it up perfectly. Charlie Brooks swaps the streets of Albert Square for the countryside. Her portrayal of Ursula comes armed with bags of power behind it (although I am glad none of her encounters this time round ended up like previous ones during her time on Eastenders!). She does a superb job at shifting the narrative.

The element of this show that really gives its significance is the ensemble members. They appear on the stage numerous times to support the storytelling and are integral to the finer details.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane is a sharp and striking masterpiece and a definitive must-see in 2023 on tour!

Check out all of the information on the extensive UK & Ireland tour on their website.

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