The Ocean At The End Of The Lane (UK Tour) – Review

The Ocean At The End Of The Lane (UK Tour): Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

25th July 2023

★★★★★

The National Theatre brings Neil Gaiman’s novel to life.

The National Theatre’s major new stage adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s bestselling novel The Ocean At The End Of The Lane is currently touring the UK and Ireland after a critically acclaimed run in London. The production is a thrilling adventure of fantasy, myth and friendship which takes audiences on an epic journey to a childhood once forgotten. The plot follows a young boy who accidentally brings an evil entity from another reality into his world, and he needs the help of three mysterious women to try to get rid of the threat.

The Ocean At The End Of The Lane is simply unlike any other production! It manages to combine comedy, heartbreak, adventure and fear in one outstanding show. It is like watching a high budget film onstage with Samuel Wyer’s horrifying puppetry bringing the story to life. The Ocean At The End Of The Lane utilises music by composer Jherek Bishcoff and sound by Ian Dickinson amazingly well. This music really adds to the production and creates the tension and atmosphere as well as moving the plot on. It is amazing how simple, inanimate objects such as a door can be used so well to create instant atmosphere and form ripples of fear amongst the audience with the music and sound only helping to cement this further.

The cast are incredible storytellers. Millie Hikasa’s Lettie is funny, powerful and charming whilst Keir Ogilvy is able to show every emotion with conviction. His energy as the Boy is excellent given that he is onstage almost throughout the show and the character is utterly convincing allowing the audience to quickly become invested in his story. Finty Williams’ power and wisdom as Old Hempstock is fantastic whilst Charlie Brooks manages to channel her inner wickedness to create a truly terrifying, chilling Ursula. This production is dark, scary and emotional and Laurie Ogden gives light relief as Sis, managing to capture the charm of being the younger, and perhaps annoying, little sister.

The choreography and movement by Steven Hoggett really helps add to the production. The cleverly designed movements are used for the transitions but also to move the story forward. All of the cast are in sync with each other and the movements are slick and smooth. The illusions, special effects and tricks are fantastic and once again the cast excel at ensuring these go to plan to create a truly magical experience. Fly Davies’ is cleverly designed set and the prop pieces are well constructed and help set the scene. The lighting by Paule Constable is simply excellent and truly helps bring this story to life.

The Ocean At The End Of The Lane is not for the faint hearted and there are some terrifying moments but the production is emotional, thrilling, compelling and has the ability to draw the audience in and leave them at the edge of their seats. The Ocean At The End Of The Lane is extremely unique, unlike any other show currently playing and it will certainly linger in your memory, and perhaps nightmares, for a long time.

The Ocean At The End Of The Lane is playing at the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury until the 29th July. For information and tickets click here.

Photo Credit: Pamela Raith and Brinkhoff Moegenburg