This took a while to write simply because I wasn’t sure how to put the words together after seeing The Ocean at the End of the Lane.
I am not affiliated with Neil Gaiman, The Alexandra or National Theatre.
Based on the book by Neil Gaiman, a boy finds himself at his childhood home reminiscing about a girl who convinced him a duck pond was an ocean. Neil Gaiman has quickly become one of my favourite authors in recent years. Since reading Norse Mythology around five years ago, I have devoured ever book of his that I have started reading. Coraline and Good Omens are my favourites. I am currently enjoying The Sandman audio dramas and I am convinced I would listen to Neil Gaiman read just about anything.
So, when I saw The Ocean at the End of the Lane advertised and read it was based on a Neil Gaiman book, I just knew I had to see it.
I am so glad I did.
It was so good I immediately bought the book it was based on from the merchandise stand in the theatre. I simply had to know all the details and the original story, I started reading it on the train home.
Set, Costuming and Choreography
From the moment I walked in to the theatre to take my seat, the backdrop and basic set set the tone, with eerie, twisted branches forming an arch that was sometimes beautifully lit.
The set design was somewhat simplistic, with the ensemble moving around pieces for scenes. At times the ensemble became part of the set, holding floating objects or becoming branches that block paths. Choreography only enhanced it. The way the ensemble interacted with the characters to give the set a strange life of its own was astounding.
Costuming was also amazing. It ranged from cosy to borderline horrifying with gothic creature outfits. The old-fashioned nature of some outfits added to the mysterious nature of the Hempstock family and why they had those outfits to begin with.
Puppetry and Stage Magic
Puppetry is such a difficult thing that requires so much practice. The puppets used in this show are good, but I feel like the Ensemble needs special mention for controlling the flea, a puppet made of rags and bits of rubbish that looked more terrifying than it had any right to be. There are also puppets of the boy and Lettie used in the ocean. The transitions between them and the puppets and back were seamless.
As well as puppetry, there was some stage magic. Using simply tricks to make coins appear and similar things are simple but they worked, as did the tricks and ways of sneakily moving performers seemingly off stage in seconds. However, my favourite trick was with Ursula tormenting the boy. Combining Ursula apparently teleporting from door to door (likely through the use of doubles who don’t show their face), with the music and the sheer terror portrayed by Keir Ogilvy, it produced an excellent and chilling scene.
The Music of The Ocean at the End of the Lane
I feel the music deserves a special, separate mention. It is vaguely reminiscent of Strange Things and ranged from dramatic to somewhat calm, all fitting perfectly with the actions. Created by Jherek Bischoff, it works with the choreography to instill exact emotions, whether aw, wonder or terror.
Performances
The Ocean at the End of the Lane is one of those shows where every person is giving their all. Keir Ogily as Boy is phenomenal in portraying emotions, from confusion to the mixed feelings of a young boy and the pain and fear that comes from several incidents that happen throughout the show. Millie Hikasa portrays a long-lived eleven year old girl somewhat perfectly, with her naivety clear compared to Mrs Hempstock and Old Mrs Hempstock. Charlie Brooks plays a terrifying villain that becomes strangely familiar in her actions and Trevor Fox’s switch between characters is truly impressive.
Again, the ensemble members of the show many not be playing characters with names but the show would not be the same with their performances, as well as the Sis, Mrs Hempstock and Old Mrs Hempstock. The brilliant performances in this show elevate it to near perfection.
I highly recommend The Ocean at the End of the Lane, if you don’t mind a bit of horror. I’d also advise people to look at the content warnings available to read through on the National Theatre’s website. The show does contain some dark and possibly distressing themes.
Still, the show is phenomenal and I would love to see it again. The music, set, costuming, choreography and performances come together to create something stunning.
For information on The Ocean at the End of the Lane on tour as well as content warnings, click here. If you’d like to read my most recent theatre review for Home, I’m Darling, click here.