Bucks &amp; Oxon

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane.jpg" alt="Ocean at the end of the Lane National Theatre poster" class="wp-image-146476" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



On the face of it, this brand new touring National Theatre adaptation of fantasy writer Neil Gaimain’s novel The Ocean at the End of the Lane is bound to appeal to Stranger Things fans (something I imagine the designers of the promotional artwork were well aware of &#8211; it looks straight out of Eleven’s adventures in the Upside Down). There’s the same blend of Eighties nostalgia and pre-teen angst mixed with terrifying monsters trying to break into our safe little world &#8211; and the scarier monster of the things adults leave unsaid &#8211; all set to an eerie synth soundtrack. 



However, to leave it at that is to do this incredible piece of theatre a disservice. From its clever staging and sound design to the inventive use of puppetry and sleight-of-hand magic, The Ocean at the End of the Lane draws you in until you’re completely submerged within its depths. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="844" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-Keir-Ogilvy-Millie-Hikasa-Kemi-Bo-Jacobs-and-cast-photo-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg.jpg" alt="Millie Hikasa (Lettie), Keir Ogilvy (Boy) in The Ocean at the End of the Lane. c. Brinkhoff-Moegenburg.JPG" class="wp-image-146472" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-Keir-Ogilvy-Millie-Hikasa-Kemi-Bo-Jacobs-and-cast-photo-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-Keir-Ogilvy-Millie-Hikasa-Kemi-Bo-Jacobs-and-cast-photo-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-Keir-Ogilvy-Millie-Hikasa-Kemi-Bo-Jacobs-and-cast-photo-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg-1000x563.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-Keir-Ogilvy-Millie-Hikasa-Kemi-Bo-Jacobs-and-cast-photo-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg-400x225.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-Keir-Ogilvy-Millie-Hikasa-Kemi-Bo-Jacobs-and-cast-photo-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg-900x506.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption>Image: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg</figcaption></figure>



Based on Gaiman’s ‘auto-biofictional’ novel of the same name &#8211; which was voted Book of the Year in the British National Book Awards when it was published back in 2013 &#8211; Ocean tells the very human story of an unnamed middle-aged man drawn inexorably back to an old farmhouse from his childhood, where a lodger staying in his family home committed suicide. Once he returns, however, a freakily supernatural tale begins to unfold in a series of flashbacks, revolving around an other-worldly being attempting to cross over into our world, and the ageless Hempstock family of women keeping it &#8211; and other nasties &#8211; at bay. 



Although the fantasy element will appeal (of course) to Gaiman fans, as well as anyone who loves a little magical realism or touch of sci-fi to their fiction, don’t let it put you off &#8211; there’s a relatable heart to the play, all seen through the innocent eyes of the child protagonist (if you’ve ever hidden money troubles or grief from your children, bits of this will hit home). 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-Millie-Hikasa-Keir-Ogilvy-photo-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg-1000x563.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-146473" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-Millie-Hikasa-Keir-Ogilvy-photo-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg-1000x563.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-Millie-Hikasa-Keir-Ogilvy-photo-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-Millie-Hikasa-Keir-Ogilvy-photo-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg-400x225.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-Millie-Hikasa-Keir-Ogilvy-photo-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg-900x506.jpg 900w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-Millie-Hikasa-Keir-Ogilvy-photo-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Image: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg</figcaption></figure>



Keir Ogilvy does an amazing job as the nameless main character, embodying the character of bookish, lonely eleven-year-old so well that I wanted to scoop him up in a cuddle by the end of the show. Millie Hikasa as his (seemingly) young friend Lettie Hempstock is a total scene-stealer, with her broad West Country accent and unfailingly cheerful grin beaming from the stage. They have excellent chemistry, as does Lettie with her mother Ginnie (played by Kemi-Bo Jacobs) and her ancient grandmother, Old Mrs Hempstock, played by Finty Williams, who bears more than a passing resemblance to her mother Judi Dench in this role. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-Finty-Williams-Kemi-Bo-Jacobs-photoBrinkhoff-Moegenburg-1000x563.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-146469" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-Finty-Williams-Kemi-Bo-Jacobs-photoBrinkhoff-Moegenburg-1000x563.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-Finty-Williams-Kemi-Bo-Jacobs-photoBrinkhoff-Moegenburg-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-Finty-Williams-Kemi-Bo-Jacobs-photoBrinkhoff-Moegenburg-400x225.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-Finty-Williams-Kemi-Bo-Jacobs-photoBrinkhoff-Moegenburg-900x506.jpg 900w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-Finty-Williams-Kemi-Bo-Jacobs-photoBrinkhoff-Moegenburg.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Image: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg</figcaption></figure>



The cast big hitter here is EastEnders’ Charlie Brooks, who takes on the role of the menacing alien interloper Ursula in all her high-heeled, platinum-curled glory. For our performance we were lucky enough to see understudy Jasmeen James, who nailed the balance of sickly sweet and undeniably threatening, but I’d absolutely return to see Brooks.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1440" height="2560" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-Charlie-Brooks-Keir-Ogilvy-photo-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-146467" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-Charlie-Brooks-Keir-Ogilvy-photo-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg-scaled.jpg 1440w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-Charlie-Brooks-Keir-Ogilvy-photo-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg-450x800.jpg 450w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-Charlie-Brooks-Keir-Ogilvy-photo-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg-563x1000.jpg 563w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-Charlie-Brooks-Keir-Ogilvy-photo-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg-225x400.jpg 225w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-Charlie-Brooks-Keir-Ogilvy-photo-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg-864x1536.jpg 864w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-Charlie-Brooks-Keir-Ogilvy-photo-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg-1152x2048.jpg 1152w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-Charlie-Brooks-Keir-Ogilvy-photo-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg-295x525.jpg 295w" sizes="(max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /><figcaption>Image: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg</figcaption></figure>



Rounding out the small but perfectly-formed cast is Trevor Fox in the tricky role of Dad &#8211; terrifying and comedic in turns, with plenty of emotional heft that left me in tears more than once &#8211; and Laurie Ogden who plays straight as boy’s snotty, spoilt sister. The silent ensemble is also excellent: more than just moving the scenery, they almost act as another character, reacting to what’s unfolding onstage and creating tension by lingering on the edges of scenes one minute, and comforting characters in their arms the next.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/Finty-Williams-Old-Mrs-Hempstock-and-Trevor-Fox-Dad-in-The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane.-c.-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-146477" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/Finty-Williams-Old-Mrs-Hempstock-and-Trevor-Fox-Dad-in-The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane.-c.-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/Finty-Williams-Old-Mrs-Hempstock-and-Trevor-Fox-Dad-in-The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane.-c.-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/Finty-Williams-Old-Mrs-Hempstock-and-Trevor-Fox-Dad-in-The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane.-c.-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/Finty-Williams-Old-Mrs-Hempstock-and-Trevor-Fox-Dad-in-The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane.-c.-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/Finty-Williams-Old-Mrs-Hempstock-and-Trevor-Fox-Dad-in-The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane.-c.-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Image: Image: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg</figcaption></figure>



While it’s no shock that plenty of Gaiman’s works end up adapted for film and TV, it is surprising that this is the author’s first foray into theatre &#8211; courtesy of director Katy Rudd and adaptation by Joel Horwood &#8211; as his blend of real and imagined works perfectly in a stage setting. This is brought brilliantly to life by Puppetry Director Finn Caldwell, with puppets ranging from the gigantic Eldritch horror of Skarthach to the tiny glowing forms of the Boy and Lettie in the Ocean.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="844" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-Domonic-Ramsden-Keir-Oglivy-Aimee-McGolderick-Millie-Hikasa-photo-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-146468" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-Domonic-Ramsden-Keir-Oglivy-Aimee-McGolderick-Millie-Hikasa-photo-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-Domonic-Ramsden-Keir-Oglivy-Aimee-McGolderick-Millie-Hikasa-photo-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-Domonic-Ramsden-Keir-Oglivy-Aimee-McGolderick-Millie-Hikasa-photo-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg-1000x563.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-Domonic-Ramsden-Keir-Oglivy-Aimee-McGolderick-Millie-Hikasa-photo-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg-400x225.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-Domonic-Ramsden-Keir-Oglivy-Aimee-McGolderick-Millie-Hikasa-photo-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg-900x506.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption>Image: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg</figcaption></figure>



Jamie Harrison, the Magic and Illusions Director (what a title) who has previously worked on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child brings real-life magic into the mix to spine-tingling effect &#8211; the first time Ursula walked out of one door and instantly, impossibly reappeared on the other side of the stage, a frisson ran through the entire audience.&nbsp;



Set this against Fly Davis’s sparkling set design, atmospheric lighting from Paule Constable and stellar sound design and soundtrack from Ian Dickinson and Jherek Bischoff respectively, and you have a production that feels as immersive as film but still undeniably theatrical &#8211; a stirring, imaginative play that left me open-mouthed.&nbsp;Go see. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-the-cast-photo-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg-1000x563.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-146474" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-the-cast-photo-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg-1000x563.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-the-cast-photo-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-the-cast-photo-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg-400x225.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-the-cast-photo-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg-900x506.jpg 900w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/bucksoxon/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/The-Ocean-at-the-End-of-the-Lane-the-cast-photo-Brinkhoff-Moegenburg.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Image: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg</figcaption></figure>



THE MUDDY VERDICT



Good for:&nbsp;Sci-fi and fantasy fans &#8211; if you loved Gaiman’s previous adaptations such as American Gods, The Sandman and particularly Coraline, this will be right up your street. It’s cool and quirky enough for teens, and something a bit different for those who don’t consider themselves ’traditional’ theatre fans.&nbsp;



Not for:&nbsp;If you’d rather chew your own arm off than watch Stranger Things, then sit this one out. It’s also not for young kids &#8211; the recommended age is 12 and up, and due to a suicide early on that’s repeatedly referenced, as well as a couple of loud jumpscares and the threat of monsters that might eat your heart out, more sensitive children might want to give it a miss.&nbsp;



Catch ’The Ocean at the End of the Road&#8217; at New Theatre Oxford from Tues 20 to Sat 24 June.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-ocean-at-the-end-of-the-lane/new-theatre-oxford/">Buy tickets here</a>.

Review: The Ocean at the End of the Lane, New Theatre Oxford

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