The Ocean At The End Of The Lane
Milton Keynes Theatre
28th June 2023
Having enjoyed a pre-Covid run at the National Theatre and a successful West End stint in 2021, ‘The Ocean At The End Of Lane’ has now been brought back to life as a national tour which has been casting its spell over the audiences. The offbeat fantasy plays at the Milton Keynes Theatre this week before continuing its tour, and the play is set for a London residency later in the year. There seems to be no stopping its momentum, driven by excellent word of mouth for its unique story and striking visuals, and its reputation as a memorable piece of theatre is richly deserved.
Based on the novel by Neil Gaiman (he of “Stardust” and “American Gods” fame), to begin to explain its plot feels almost impossible. The daringly original story centres around a nameless man returning to his childhood home and unearthing previously unknown secrets from the past. Travelling back to the 80s, events turn more fantastical the more he unearths, bringing him into a world full of otherworldly dangers while also dealing with a troubled home life and personal tragedy.
Stunningly directed by Katy Rudd, ‘The Ocean At The End Of The Lane’ is a powerful, haunting, captivating play that engages the brain and the heart in equal measure. The themes are unmistakably Gaiman with his signature dark tone, and the show feels almost like a fairytale for grown-ups, exploring the fine line between the mundane and the magical (which Gaiman is a master at). It asks where memory ends and imagination begins, and questioning what is reality and what really makes us who we are. There’s enough head scratching philosophy here to really set the mind spinning and give the audience plenty to contemplate.
Jherek Bischoff’s music combines beautifully with Paule Constable’s lighting design to create a haunting gothic quality that runs through the production, as does a backdrop of twisted brambles which ominously frame the stage with Fly Davis’ stark set design. Illusions are breath-taking and seamless, and slick choreography keeps the piece running at a great pace, also pulling off some brilliant misdirects thanks to Jamie Harrison’s clever illusions. The production conjures up some powerful imagery, from writhing black wraiths to hands emerging from bathtubs and dressing gown sleeves. The first appearance of “the flea” is masterfully delivered (puppet design by Samuel Wyer), and the predatory ‘hunger birds’ are the stuff of nightmares, particularly in their later appearance; it’s worth noting that although this show contains plenty of magic and escapist fantasy, this really isn’t a show for younger children.
Joel Horwood’s script is laced with humour that balances the dark undertones, with everyone on great form. Finty Williams (Old Mrs Hempstock) and Laurie Ogden (Sis) wring every laugh from every line with their delivery; Charlie Brooks also gives good villainess in a delicious turn as Ursula that brilliantly conveys sweetness with evil laying just beneath it. Millie Hikasa as Lettie has a wonderful vibrancy to her performance which gives her scenes a great likeability, and Daniel Cornish as Boy also gives a skilled performance and really makes the audience feel what he’s going through.
‘The Ocean At The End Of The Lane’ will speak differently to different people, which all good theatre should do, and is a rich, multi-layered, complex piece that could withstand multiple viewings and continue to yield new insights. It’s a show that evokes laughter, chills and tears within minutes of each other, with some wonderful breakneck changes in tone that keep you gripped and on the edge of your seat throughout. This is a powerful play that provides an invigorating alternative for those who want to be left thinking about a show long after it’s finished, rather than it being already forgotten by the time you’re on the train home, and even though you won’t be able to explain what happens to your friends, you’ll be insisting that they see it regardless.
‘The Ocean At The End Of The Lane’ runs at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 1st July 2023, before continuing its UK prior to a London residency later in the year.
Performance runtime 2 hours 40 minutes including interval.
