The Ocean At The End Of The Lane At Nottingham Theatre Royal Review

Reviewed by Louise Edwards

Neil Gaiman’s much-claimed book, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, has been adapted to a National Theatre production, and this week shows in Nottingham’s Theatre Royal on a nationwide tour.

Directed by award winning theatre director, Katy Rudd, the stage is set like a enchanted forest enclave. The opening scene is the funeral of Dad and we meet the grown up Boy (both played by the magnificent Trevor Fox). He is back in his childhood home where he has a chance encounter with Old Mrs Hempstock (played by the awesome Finty Williams). Both actors have an incredible stage presence and voice projection! Boy is recalling vague childhood memories that Old Mrs Hempstock seems to know all about though he can’t remember them quite as well as her. He stares at the duckpond remembering it was an ocean when he was young.

The action then flashes back to the 1980s and Boy as a child (played by the fantastic Keir Ogilvy) and his sister played by Laurie Ogden at home. Dad has a soft Geordie accent and single-handedly brings up the children after their mother’s death; juggling and struggling. Emotions are running high and we learn the siblings are sharing a bedroom as Boy’s room is being let out to a lodger to bring in extra money. It is Boy’s 12th birthday, the first since his mother died and tragedy has hit the family as the lodger is found dead from suicide. Boy loves books and is particularly enthralled by Narnia. His books are like his own comfort blanket which he can escape to.

Enter Lettie Hemstock (played by Milie HIkasa) a child full of energy and imagination who captures Boy’s attention with her tales of oceans and supernatural. She lives with her mother Ginnie (played by Kemi-Bo Jacons) and Old Mrs Hempstock. This magical trio have secrets and talents more than any mere mortal. She offers a friendship to Boy on a different level.

The next lodger to move in, is the evil Ursula (played by the best baddie of soapland, Charlie Brooks). Boy does not trust her and is not taken in with her charm that seem to have lured in his Dad and sis. She has another side to her which results in a spellbounding spectacle.

As well as having some hard hitting scenes and touching on emotive subjects the performance is still full of humour (Dad repeatedly burning the toast) and memories that will touch the audience. Gaiman’s writing is inspirational and magical. The plot twists and turns and the timing is perfection with the talented cast and supporting ensemble moving seamlessly around each other with precise choreography.

This fairy tale for adults is fantasy and memories combined in a kaleidoscope. The set design by Fly Davis, the costume and puppets designed by Samuel Wyer and magic and illusions by Jamie Harrison. The performance is a sensory delight that will stay with you.

Running time is around two and a half hours with a twenty-minute interval.

Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £17.50 (booking fees may apply).
The Ocean at the End of the Lane is at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham until Saturday 17 June 2023, for more information or to book tickets visit https://trch.co.uk/whats-on/ocean-at-the-end-of-the-lane/ or call the box office on 0115 989 5555.
Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall, Theatre Square, Nottingham, NG1 5ND