Based on the novel by Neil Gaiman, this stunning National Theatre production of The Ocean at the End of the Lane arrives in Birmingham this week.
Returning to visit a place from his childhood, the unnamed man finds a familiar face. As he talks to Old Mrs Hempstock, he starts to remember long forgotten and buried memories. Along with him, you are transported into his world as a 12-year-old, a world that is as familiar as it is fantastical.
There are strong performances throughout from the main characters and the ensemble. The ensemble is a large part of this production, they take the incidental roles, bring creatures to life, create the atmosphere with their movement and interaction with the lead characters and even move the pieces of set.
Keith Ogikvy portrayed the confusion and depth of different emotions of the 12-year-old Boy convincingly at all times. His best friend was Lettie Hempstock played by Millie Hikasa blending a down to earth farm girl and a girl wise beyond her years perfectly. During the play Trevor Fox goes from Son to Father and back again, capturing the complexities of emotion including anger, frustration and tenderness of a single father trying to do his best. The enthusiastic new lodger, Ursula (Charlie Brooks) brings another dimension to the story. With a quiet menace she has some moments that make the audience gasp. Her stage presence is used to great effect in this role.
Written by Gaiman as a personal story, this play focuses on a range of emotions that will touch each audience member differently, allowing them their own personal connection to the piece. It is both harsh and moving, fantastical and terrifying.
Magic and illusion are used to superb effect as cast and props appear from nowhere and disappear just as quickly. Against a backdrop of sparse trees simplistic indications of rooms are used to create each scene which stand out and leave your imagination to fill in the details. The trees come into their own in the dramatic moments when the lighting transforms them from dramatic to beautiful.
This production is what the stage is for, it is nothing short of spectacular. The effects created by the sound system vibrating the seats and echoing all around, the lights creating subtle moods then graphic images, the abstract movement, the minimal set and the puppetry all combine to immerse the audience into the story.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane is a trip into a magical realistic world that will let you escape for a couple of hours.
Until Saturday 27th May 2023, https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-ocean-at-the-end-of-the-lane/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham/
Reviewer: Annette Nuttall
Reviewed: 23rd May 2023
North West End UK Rating: