The National Theatre’s critically acclaimed adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s The Ocean at the End of the Lane plays at Milton Keynes Theatre this week.
Directed by Katy Rudd (Camp Siegfried) and adapted by Joel Horwood (Skins, I want My Hate Back).
Being a recent Gaiman convert and having read this astonishing fantasy just a few months ago, I was utterly intrigued to understand how it could possibly be translated to the stage when it depends so much on our imagination. However, this hugely ambitious theatrical work is beautifully and imaginatively achieved and takes the audience on an incredible journey, so true to the book.
A man visits his childhood home. Memories draw him back to a time when he was whisked away into a phantasmagorical world of dark beings and evil forces that weaved their way into his life. His friend, Lettie Hempstock, her mother, and grandmother (guardians against the forces in the universe) are caught in a battle to save him.
Lead roles were performed by Keir Ogilvy as ‘The Boy’ and Millie Hikasa as Lettie, both producing strikingperformances. Supporting cast included excellent performances from Charlie Brooks as Ursula, Finty Williams as Old Mrs Hempstock, Kemi Bo Jacobs as Ginnie Hempstock, Laurie Ogden as Sis, and Trevor Fox as Dad.
Captivatingly atmospheric, the audience is pulled in immediately with an incredibly distinctive set. Illusions, visual effects, sound effects and soundscapes, had the audience on the edge of their seats and believing the unbelievable.
The ensemble brings everything to life and forms the basis that knits the whole work together. From characters produced through puppetry, dream like sequences, evil forces, and the tumultuous sea, to the beautifully slick choreographed scene changes.
The dedication and discipline of the whole cast is astonishing, and it enables production to work on so many levels.
This was my kind of theatre, theatre at it’s very finest. I haven’t seen anything this good since The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night time – and guess what? That was the National Theatre too. No coincidence there then!
Playing until Saturday 1st July, this is an absolute must see, so do grab it while you can!
Shahnaz (Shiny) Hussain
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