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Eerie, mystifying and visually spectacular! The acclaimed National Theatre production of The Ocean at the End of the Lane exudes the bizarre and wonderful; a beautiful combination of story-telling, comedy and dark twists.
Based on the 2013 Neil Gaiman novel of the same name, the Ocean at the End of the Lane is a tale of magic, memory, loss and survival. Based on the memory of a 12-year-old boy, the story follows his journey of friendship with a young girl – a magical and courageous being. After the loss of the young boy’s lodger, a flea on the edge of their world tries to creep its way in. From here, the child’s world crashes down upon him; the flea taking over every aspect of his life. The only person he can turn to are his new friend Lettie and her kooky mother and grandmother. Together, they plot to save his family from the manipulation of the flea named Ursula – a heroic attempt with a touch of Gaiman’s renowned book and film ‘Coraline.’
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Firstly, this production radiates every imagining conceivable of a National Theatre production; a huge display of physical theatre, visionary set, optical illusions and puppetry so advanced it confuses reality. The pre-set stage was filled with dark, ghostly woodland features - deep layers of foliage bordered with tall, sparse trees and ghostly mist drowning upstage. The seamless set was flawless, taking us from farmland to kitchen, bedroom to ocean.
The puppetry and physical theatre were truly magical – action-packed, powerful and elegantly executed. The depiction of the fictional creatures captures the audience and stuns them into disbelief. Terrifying and nail-biting to say the least – this magnificent physicality was just jaw-dropping. Accompanied by a score of electro-hypnotic trance music, the tension builds throughout as if watching an epic motion picture.
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The boy’s new companion Lettie, played by Millie Hikasa, was a breath of fresh air; providing both comicality and stage presence beyond her years. Finty Williams stole the show with her portrayal of Old Mrs Hempstock, commanding the stage so effortlessly with her sharp wit and comic timing. The flea herself – played by Eastenders Charlie Brooks – was as disturbing and daunting as any villain should be. She oozed sex appeal with a menacing and chilling flare.The Ocean at the End of the Lane plays at the New Alexandra Theatre until Saturday 27th May and is a masterpiece of storytelling, not to be missed.
Review by Esther Neville
Rating: ★★★★
Seat: Stalls K27 | Price of Ticket: £43.00
