DramaFeaturedLondonReview

The Ocean at the End of the Lane – New Wimbledon Theatre, London

Reviewer: Christine Stanton

Book: Neil Gaiman

Adaptor: Joel Horwood

Director: Katy Rudd

Joel Horwood’s adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s impeccably imaginative novel The Ocean At The End Of The Lane has seen well-deserved success at venues up and down the country, arriving this time at New Wimbledon Theatre before continuing the tour of this fantastically designed production.

Twelve-year-old Boy (Keir Ogilvy )is a bookworm, spending his days losing himself in enchanted worlds and fantastical storylines. His dad (Trevor Fox) loves him dearly, but struggles to show emotion and let his guard down after the passing of Boy’s mother a year ago. The trauma of losing a loved one has hit Boy hard, and so when he discovers the lodger has committed suicide at a farmhouse nearby it almost sends him into another spiral of grief and sadness; that is until Lettie (Millie Hikasa) introduces herself as a new friend, happy to take him under her wing and show him things he never dreamed possible.

It all starts with Lettie’s Ocean at the End of the Lane, or the local duck pond to those with a less creative outlook on life. Boy and Lettie discover that the lodger’s suicide attempt has accidentally awoken a mysterious spirit from another realm, one they must banish with a series of spells, rituals and bravery. But when the spirit infiltrates Boy’s life in the form of Ursula (Charlie Brooks), stronger action must be taken to stop the destructive, manipulative spirit from causing anymore harm to his loved ones.

Considering the themes of death, family dynamics and loss are so prevalent within the story, the childlike wonder of the production adds a gentle touch to what would otherwise be a serious and heavy atmosphere. The juxtaposition from the realism of pain and trauma merged with the fantasy elements of magic and imagination not only softens the storyline, but also transforms it into a wonderfully whimsical attack on the senses.

The design team made up of Fly Davis (Set Design), Samuel Wyer (Costume & Puppet Design) and Paule Constable (Lighting Design) are incredible. The audience are immediately transported into a realm of mystery and magic, transpiring the creativity of the script into the creativity of the production itself. Each scene transition is seamless, partly due to the impressive design and fluidity of the set and partly due to Katy Rudd’s flawless direction. The set adjustments are quick, elaborate and effortless, allowing the air of mysticism to remain intact throughout, without any interruptions to snap you out of the dream-like execution.

The wonderful creative team, are supported by an equally wonderful cast. Charlie Brooks, well-known for her villainous character of Janine on Eastenders, continues her villainous streak as Ursula, whose appearance in the first half is the catalyst for the rampant tension and drama that follows. She fabulously portrays the dark, sinister character, chilling the audience with her immaculate performance. Keir Ogilvy and Millie Hikasa display the childlike awe stupendously, endearingly exploring their emotions while simultaneously showcasing their playful innocence. Trevor Fox is a perfect casting choice for the Dad, who delivers some surprisingly touching scenes that tug on the heartstrings as he navigates the reality of being a single father. The ensemble cast are spectacularly synchronised within their variety of choreographed scenes, highlighting yet another creative element that both the cast and creative team excel in.

Whether you want to dip your toes into the water of theatre and experience a beautifully presented show, or dive right in at the deep end with an in-depth, intricately woven storyline, The Ocean at the End of the Lane suits all. This visually incredible, marvellously magical delight combines feelings and fantasy in an impressively well-thought-out production.

Runs until 15 April 2023 then continues to tour

The Reviews Hub Score

Marvellously Magical

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The Reviews Hub - London

The Reviews Hub London is under the acting editorship of Richard Maguire. The Reviews Hub was set up in 2007. Our mission is to provide the most in-depth, nationwide arts coverage online.

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