REVIEW
✭✭✭✭✭ 5/5
NATIONAL THEATRE’S CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED
THE OCEAN AT THE END OF THE LANE
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend
from the 8 – 12 August 2023
southendtheatres.org.uk
AND WILL THEN RETURN TO LONDON’S WEST END
FROM 11 OCTOBER 2023
FOR STRICTLY LIMITED 7-WEEK RUN
✭✭✭✭✭ 5/5
NATIONAL THEATRE’S CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED
THE OCEAN AT THE END OF THE LANE
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend
from the 8 – 12 August 2023
southendtheatres.org.uk
AND WILL THEN RETURN TO LONDON’S WEST END
FROM 11 OCTOBER 2023
FOR STRICTLY LIMITED 7-WEEK RUN
If you wish to immerse yourself in a vibrant world of magic and mystery, you could go by tradition and wander through an eccentric professor’s wardrobe, tumble down a rabbit hole or wait for the next cyclone to whizz by. Alternatively, you could just purchase a ticket for ‘The Ocean at the end of the Lane,’ which is currently playing at The Cliffs Pavilion.
This was a truly incandescent piece of theatre. From the mind of renowned fantasy author Neil Gaiman (Coraline, Stardust) comes a thrilling adventure full of heart and heroism which takes you to both the lightest and darkest parts of your imagination. The play is a masterclass of storytelling, employing elements of puppetry, ensemble work, movement and illusions to launch the tale from the page to the stage.
The majority of the narrative takes place in the form of a memory. A man in mourning reflects upon his boyhood days in the humble countryside. However, the peace and harmony of the rural landscape is completely shattered when a mythical beast, bent on carnage and mayhem, crosses over from their demonic realm and into ours. As is often the case with these stories, the true danger can only be seen through the innocent, uncorrupted eyes of the youth. The hero, referred to only as ‘Boy’, embarks upon a race against time to save his family from tremendous peril and repair the ripped fabric between the colliding worlds.
A powerful story must be told by an exceptional cast and this production does not disappoint. Keir Ogilvy gives an enthusiastic and endearing performance as the aforementioned Boy. The well-read, compassionate, science enthusiast, is easy to route for in his coming of age moments. Ogilvy perfectly captured the awkwardness and frustration of childhood that comes from a longing to be understood and heard. Millie Hikasa plays the role of Lettie, portraying the best friend we all wanted to grow up with; a loyal, plucky adventurer, with a expert understanding of the paranormal. I would comfortably follow her through any Hellish dimension. Her portrayal was playful, feisty and highly entertaining. Charlie Brooks gives a delightfully fiendish performance in the part of Ursula, the antagonist of the piece. Brooks is well known for her on screen villainy, playing the likes of the devious Janine in Eastenders. Free from the screen, however, Brooks is at liberty to truly wreak carnage and chaos in a tormented world at her mercy. The demon’s true, wretched form, spawned by astonishing puppetry, is a grotesque abomination of pure nightmare fuel.
It is worth noting that every performer was a professional at projection, each able to fill the enormous Cliffs Pavilion with the imperative dialogue without the use of microphones.
The lighting constantly reflected the ever-changing moods of the piece, from comforting auburns to fiery explosions to icy shades of the macabre. Both the lighting and set worked in unison to project a compelling and otherworldly atmosphere. The production is accompanied by a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, inviting you to leave the world you know behind and embrace a new, enchanted one.
I definitely felt ‘Stranger Things’ vibes while watching this production, which would certainly resonate with modern audiences who are fans of the Netflix sensation.
As the curtain fell, the performers were rewarded with a well deserved standing ovation. Even my companion, a staunch disciple of musical theatre, was raving about the show as we returned to reality.
If you are keen to experience a unique style of theatre, enjoy tales of good versus evil, or simply have a flare for the fantasy genre, I strongly suggest you dive right in to ‘The Ocean At The End Of The Lane,’ playing all week at our theatre on the edge of the seafront.
Review: Jonny Buxton
This was a truly incandescent piece of theatre. From the mind of renowned fantasy author Neil Gaiman (Coraline, Stardust) comes a thrilling adventure full of heart and heroism which takes you to both the lightest and darkest parts of your imagination. The play is a masterclass of storytelling, employing elements of puppetry, ensemble work, movement and illusions to launch the tale from the page to the stage.
The majority of the narrative takes place in the form of a memory. A man in mourning reflects upon his boyhood days in the humble countryside. However, the peace and harmony of the rural landscape is completely shattered when a mythical beast, bent on carnage and mayhem, crosses over from their demonic realm and into ours. As is often the case with these stories, the true danger can only be seen through the innocent, uncorrupted eyes of the youth. The hero, referred to only as ‘Boy’, embarks upon a race against time to save his family from tremendous peril and repair the ripped fabric between the colliding worlds.
A powerful story must be told by an exceptional cast and this production does not disappoint. Keir Ogilvy gives an enthusiastic and endearing performance as the aforementioned Boy. The well-read, compassionate, science enthusiast, is easy to route for in his coming of age moments. Ogilvy perfectly captured the awkwardness and frustration of childhood that comes from a longing to be understood and heard. Millie Hikasa plays the role of Lettie, portraying the best friend we all wanted to grow up with; a loyal, plucky adventurer, with a expert understanding of the paranormal. I would comfortably follow her through any Hellish dimension. Her portrayal was playful, feisty and highly entertaining. Charlie Brooks gives a delightfully fiendish performance in the part of Ursula, the antagonist of the piece. Brooks is well known for her on screen villainy, playing the likes of the devious Janine in Eastenders. Free from the screen, however, Brooks is at liberty to truly wreak carnage and chaos in a tormented world at her mercy. The demon’s true, wretched form, spawned by astonishing puppetry, is a grotesque abomination of pure nightmare fuel.
It is worth noting that every performer was a professional at projection, each able to fill the enormous Cliffs Pavilion with the imperative dialogue without the use of microphones.
The lighting constantly reflected the ever-changing moods of the piece, from comforting auburns to fiery explosions to icy shades of the macabre. Both the lighting and set worked in unison to project a compelling and otherworldly atmosphere. The production is accompanied by a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack, inviting you to leave the world you know behind and embrace a new, enchanted one.
I definitely felt ‘Stranger Things’ vibes while watching this production, which would certainly resonate with modern audiences who are fans of the Netflix sensation.
As the curtain fell, the performers were rewarded with a well deserved standing ovation. Even my companion, a staunch disciple of musical theatre, was raving about the show as we returned to reality.
If you are keen to experience a unique style of theatre, enjoy tales of good versus evil, or simply have a flare for the fantasy genre, I strongly suggest you dive right in to ‘The Ocean At The End Of The Lane,’ playing all week at our theatre on the edge of the seafront.
Review: Jonny Buxton
Following a highly acclaimed tour across the UK and Ireland, the National Theatre’s smash-hit production of The Ocean at the End of the Lane will return to London’s West End for a strictly limited 7-week run this autumn. Based on a best-selling novel by Neil Gaiman, adapted by Joel Horwood and directed by Katy Rudd, this thrilling adventure of fantasy, myth and friendship, will play at the Noël Coward Theatre from 11 October until 25 November 2023. Tickets go on sale on 7 June available via oceanonstage.com.
This first major stage adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s work blends magic with memory in a tour-de-force of storytelling that takes audiences on an epic journey to a childhood once forgotten and the darkness that lurks at the very edge of it. Currently on tour, visiting 29 towns and cities across the UK and Ireland, the full cast will transfer with the show into London’s West End.
This year marks 10 years since Neil Gaiman’s best-selling novel, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, was first published. The novel won Book of the Year at 2013 National Book Awards and has sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane production received its world premiere at the National Theatre in 2019. It made its West End debut at the Duke of York’s Theatre in 2021.
Writer Neil Gaiman said, "10 years since my novel was first published The Ocean at the End of the Lane won lots of awards and people loved it, then the National Theatre turned it into the most amazing play. I am thrilled, overjoyed and absolutely delighted that this glorious adaptation of my book is going to be returning to the West End on St Martin's Lane. It makes audiences laugh and cry and wonder. If you wanted to see it, now is your chance."
National Theatre Director, Rufus Norris said: “Audiences across the UK and Ireland have been immensely enjoying this beautiful story from Neil Gaiman’s incredible imagination for the last seven months. We are so pleased that this magical production of The Ocean at the End of the Lane, first created by Joel Horwood, Katy Rudd and their formidable creative team for our Dorfman Theatre, continues its wonderful journey, delighting audiences of all ages.”
The 17-strong ensemble cast are: Charlie Brooks (Ursula), Daniel Cornish (alternate Boy), Trevor Fox (Dad), Emma-Jane Goodwin (ensemble/understudy), Paolo Guidi (ensemble), Millie Hikasa (Lettie Hempstock), Lewis Howard (ensemble/understudy), Kemi-Bo Jacobs (Ginnie Hempstock), Jasmeen James (ensemble/understudy), Ronnie Lee (ensemble), Aimee McGoldrick (ensemble), Laurie Ogden (Sis), Keir Ogilvy (Boy), Domonic Ramsden (ensemble), Joe Rawlinson-Hunt (ensemble/understudy), Risha Silvera (ensemble/understudy) and Finty Williams (Old Mrs Hempstock).
The award-winning creative team includes set designer, Fly Davis; costume and puppet designer, Samuel Wyer; movement director, Steven Hoggett; composer, Jherek Bischoff; lighting designer, Paule Constable; sound designer, Ian Dickinson; magic and illusions director and designer, Jamie Harrison; puppetry director, Finn Caldwell and casting director, Naomi Downham. The associate creative team includes associate director, Sophie Dillon Moniram; associate set designer, Tim Blazdell; associate movement director, Jess Williams; associate lighting designers, Rob Casey (for Ammonite) and Tom Turner; associate sound designer, Chris Reid; associate magic and illusions director, John Bulleid; and associate puppetry director, Gareth Aled.
Neil Gaiman is known for his graphic novels, including The Sandman series (a major new Netflix series which in its first 10 days was watched for over 198 million hours by audiences around the world); his novels for adults and children including Stardust, Coraline, and The Graveyard Book; and multiple film and television projects including Good Omens (season 2 is due to appear on Amazon Prime from 28 July) and Anansi Boys.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane is currently on a 39-week UK and Ireland Tour until 7 October before it transfers to the Noël Coward Theatre. Tickets are available via oceanonstage.com. Assisted performances are available at every venue.
West End Box Office: Noël Coward Theatre (a Delfont Mackintosh Theatre), 85 - 88 St Martin’s Lane, London, WC2N 4AP
Dates: 11 October - 25 November 2023 (full tour schedule below)
Booking Options: Book via nationaltheatre.org.uk
Book via oceanonstage.com / call 0344 482 5151
(lines open Monday to Saturday 10am – 7:30pm)
For details about how to purchase in person, please visit
noelcowardtheatre.co.uk
Assisted Performances*:
BSL Interpreted Performance
Thursday 19 October at 2:30pm
Audio Described Performance
Saturday 21 October at 2:30pm
Captioned Performance
Thursday 16 November at 7:30pm
*Assisted performances are available at every tour venue. Check individual venue websites for information and booking details.
Suggested Age Recommendation: 12+
Follow on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at: @OceanOnStage
This first major stage adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s work blends magic with memory in a tour-de-force of storytelling that takes audiences on an epic journey to a childhood once forgotten and the darkness that lurks at the very edge of it. Currently on tour, visiting 29 towns and cities across the UK and Ireland, the full cast will transfer with the show into London’s West End.
This year marks 10 years since Neil Gaiman’s best-selling novel, The Ocean at the End of the Lane, was first published. The novel won Book of the Year at 2013 National Book Awards and has sold over 1.5 million copies worldwide.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane production received its world premiere at the National Theatre in 2019. It made its West End debut at the Duke of York’s Theatre in 2021.
Writer Neil Gaiman said, "10 years since my novel was first published The Ocean at the End of the Lane won lots of awards and people loved it, then the National Theatre turned it into the most amazing play. I am thrilled, overjoyed and absolutely delighted that this glorious adaptation of my book is going to be returning to the West End on St Martin's Lane. It makes audiences laugh and cry and wonder. If you wanted to see it, now is your chance."
National Theatre Director, Rufus Norris said: “Audiences across the UK and Ireland have been immensely enjoying this beautiful story from Neil Gaiman’s incredible imagination for the last seven months. We are so pleased that this magical production of The Ocean at the End of the Lane, first created by Joel Horwood, Katy Rudd and their formidable creative team for our Dorfman Theatre, continues its wonderful journey, delighting audiences of all ages.”
The 17-strong ensemble cast are: Charlie Brooks (Ursula), Daniel Cornish (alternate Boy), Trevor Fox (Dad), Emma-Jane Goodwin (ensemble/understudy), Paolo Guidi (ensemble), Millie Hikasa (Lettie Hempstock), Lewis Howard (ensemble/understudy), Kemi-Bo Jacobs (Ginnie Hempstock), Jasmeen James (ensemble/understudy), Ronnie Lee (ensemble), Aimee McGoldrick (ensemble), Laurie Ogden (Sis), Keir Ogilvy (Boy), Domonic Ramsden (ensemble), Joe Rawlinson-Hunt (ensemble/understudy), Risha Silvera (ensemble/understudy) and Finty Williams (Old Mrs Hempstock).
The award-winning creative team includes set designer, Fly Davis; costume and puppet designer, Samuel Wyer; movement director, Steven Hoggett; composer, Jherek Bischoff; lighting designer, Paule Constable; sound designer, Ian Dickinson; magic and illusions director and designer, Jamie Harrison; puppetry director, Finn Caldwell and casting director, Naomi Downham. The associate creative team includes associate director, Sophie Dillon Moniram; associate set designer, Tim Blazdell; associate movement director, Jess Williams; associate lighting designers, Rob Casey (for Ammonite) and Tom Turner; associate sound designer, Chris Reid; associate magic and illusions director, John Bulleid; and associate puppetry director, Gareth Aled.
Neil Gaiman is known for his graphic novels, including The Sandman series (a major new Netflix series which in its first 10 days was watched for over 198 million hours by audiences around the world); his novels for adults and children including Stardust, Coraline, and The Graveyard Book; and multiple film and television projects including Good Omens (season 2 is due to appear on Amazon Prime from 28 July) and Anansi Boys.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane is currently on a 39-week UK and Ireland Tour until 7 October before it transfers to the Noël Coward Theatre. Tickets are available via oceanonstage.com. Assisted performances are available at every venue.
West End Box Office: Noël Coward Theatre (a Delfont Mackintosh Theatre), 85 - 88 St Martin’s Lane, London, WC2N 4AP
Dates: 11 October - 25 November 2023 (full tour schedule below)
Booking Options: Book via nationaltheatre.org.uk
Book via oceanonstage.com / call 0344 482 5151
(lines open Monday to Saturday 10am – 7:30pm)
For details about how to purchase in person, please visit
noelcowardtheatre.co.uk
Assisted Performances*:
BSL Interpreted Performance
Thursday 19 October at 2:30pm
Audio Described Performance
Saturday 21 October at 2:30pm
Captioned Performance
Thursday 16 November at 7:30pm
*Assisted performances are available at every tour venue. Check individual venue websites for information and booking details.
Suggested Age Recommendation: 12+
Follow on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at: @OceanOnStage
Full Tour Dates:
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend 8 – 12 August
southendtheatres.org.uk
Bristol Hippodrome 15 – 19 August
atgtickets.com/bristol-hippodrome
His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen 22 – 26 August
aberdeenperformingarts.com
King’s Theatre, Glasgow* 29 August – 2 September
atgtickets.com/kings-theatre-glasgow
Norwich Theatre Royal 5 – 9 September
norwichtheatre.org
Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent 12 – 16 September
atgtickets.com/regent-theatre
Hall for Cornwall, Truro 19 – 23 September
hallforcornwall.co.uk
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre 26 – 30 September
grandtheatre.co.uk
The Lowry, Salford 4 – 7 October
thelowry.com
Noël Coward Theatre 11 October – 25 November
noelcowardtheatre.co.uk
*Charlie Brooks is currently not scheduled to perform at these venues.
Cliffs Pavilion, Southend 8 – 12 August
southendtheatres.org.uk
Bristol Hippodrome 15 – 19 August
atgtickets.com/bristol-hippodrome
His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen 22 – 26 August
aberdeenperformingarts.com
King’s Theatre, Glasgow* 29 August – 2 September
atgtickets.com/kings-theatre-glasgow
Norwich Theatre Royal 5 – 9 September
norwichtheatre.org
Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent 12 – 16 September
atgtickets.com/regent-theatre
Hall for Cornwall, Truro 19 – 23 September
hallforcornwall.co.uk
Wolverhampton Grand Theatre 26 – 30 September
grandtheatre.co.uk
The Lowry, Salford 4 – 7 October
thelowry.com
Noël Coward Theatre 11 October – 25 November
noelcowardtheatre.co.uk
*Charlie Brooks is currently not scheduled to perform at these venues.