Based on the 2013 novel by Neil Gaiman, The Ocean at the End of the Lane is a play incorporating fantasy, horror, realism and sheer magical brilliance. Arriving in Stoke this is a cultural delight for all ages to savour and contemplate.

Steeped in supernatural perceptions and the vibrant imaginations and visceral memories of childhood, Gaiman’s play is a theatrical masterpiece which has the audience enthralled throughout. 

Ultimately it is a story of returning to times often suppressed in memory but never fully buried involving family and friends and locations. We witness the past and the personal with emotions laid bare and there are elements that will resonate with many. Family pain and dysfunction is a common phenomenon but then so is an incredible depth of love and caring which Gaiman incorporates with honesty and sensitivity.

Using the analogy of a pond as an ocean, the play returns to a time of childhood with the main character taken back in time to when he was twelve-years old - a time of adventure and transitioning spent in the company of his friend Lettie. Lettie lived with her old and wise grandmother who understood the ethereal world of monsters and chilling episodes and she often shared experiences of disturbing and menacing entities, and how knowledge and spirit could defeat them. 

The main narrative of the play is based around the consequences of adventure and exploration but also touches on the reality of bereavement, the eruption of violence and the shattering of innocence. Childhood survival alongside the sentiments of young love, escapism, wisdom and resilience are all key features of Gaiman’s work.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane is a masterpiece of a production with phenomenal choreography, an atmospheric and eerie musical score, outstanding acting and a stage set which is creatively and artistically magical. Although it weaves stories of sadness, loss, abuse and loneliness, the play is essentially about friendship, insight, knowledge and love and is pure physical and cerebral entertainment. An outstanding production not to be missed. 

5 Stars

Reviewed by Carol Lovatt at the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent on Tuesday 12 September. The Ocena At The End Of The Lane  continues to show at the Regent Theatre until Sat 16 September, it then shows at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tuesday 26  - Saturday 30 September.