Last night I was invited along to the press night of The Ocean At the End Of the Lane, which is being performed at Norwich Theatre until Saturday 9th September, I was joined by my three eldest children who were all keen to watch it.
From the imagination of best-selling author Neil Gaiman (Coraline, Good Omens and The Sandman) and the producers of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and War Horse, it’s the National Theatre’s major new stage adaptation of The Ocean at the End of the Lane.
This thrilling adventure of fantasy, myth and friendship, is a five-star spectacular which blends magic with memory in a tour-de-force of storytelling that takes audiences on an epic journey to a childhood once forgotten and the darkness that lurks at the very edge of it.
Returning to his childhood home, a man finds himself standing beside the pond of the old Sussex farmhouse where he used to play. He’s transported to his 12th birthday when his remarkable friend Lettie claimed it wasn’t a pond, but an ocean – a place where everything is possible…
Plunged into a magical world, their survival depends on their ability to reckon with ancient forces that threaten to destroy everything around them.
This stunning adaptation brings to life a tale of fantasy in an incredibly immersive experience for book readers and newcomers alike.
Our Thoughts on The Ocean At the End of The Lane
The story focuses on a young boy and his meeting of the bold and magical Hempstock’s, a strange family that know and discuss things outside of the norms of reality which he quickly learns are very much a part of his world as well.
This meeting generates a heart wrenching dive into fear, betrayal and the unknown for the young boy as well as unearths the struggles with loss his own family is facing.
The reimagining of Neil Gaimans ‘fantastic fiction’ has allowed some of the most stunning and creative feats on stage which create some of the shows most memorable moments.
The creative team have seamlessly weaved together practical effects, lighting and sound to convey the eerie presence of the shows creepiest characters and moments.
The effects are shocking and impressive throughout the show, including characters teleporting across stage, feats of magic, mind bending tricks and immersive puppetry.
A standout moment is within the first half in which the boys new found friend Lettie fights off a magic creature desperate to enter our world, the creature is an impressive presence on stage through the ensembles seemingly effortless teamwork to bring to life the gigantic puppet whose shape manages to shift and change in front of your eyes on stage.
The fantastic stage and design are only matched by the incredible performances showcased by the cast.
Standout performances include Flinty Williams as Old Mrs Hempstock, who plays a seemingly timeless and otherworldly woman yet allows the character an incredible warmness which makes her a delight to see on stage.
Another incredible performance was from Trevor Fox as the dad, who portrays both a terrifying figure and a helpless man struggling with the loss of his wife and the burden of raising his children alone.
His most stellar scene was one of the dads final moments in the play, assumed by the boy to be the trick of a magical being to lure him out of safety, Fox perfectly portrays the struggling father desperate to connect and support his child.
While the entire cast was amazing, the central performance of the boy (Keir Ogilvy) and Lettie (Millie Hikasa) are what complete this impressive performance.
Perfectly playing fast friends stuck in the middle of a disastrous situation, the actors portray the helplessness, amazement and heartbreak the characters experience beautifully, making this a show you wouldn’t want to miss.
Charlie Brooks takes on the role of the Ursula the new housekeeper, with a few secrets! Definitely a change of character since we saw her in How The Other Half Loves although definitely a touch of her younger wicked ways in Eastenders were present!
The Ocean at The End of The Lane is at Norwich Theatre until 9th September, with a recommended age of 12+ which I totally agree with!
If you are not local, check out The Ocean At the End Of The Lane website for future tour dates and locations.