I’m lost for words. This show was easily one of the best pieces of theatre I have seen in a long time. It was a completely mesmerising and a wildly creative way of telling Neil Gaiman’s beloved story. I am in awe at what the creative team have accomplished in bringing this fantasy novel to the stage.

Having its beginnings at the Dorfman Theatre, I’m sad I didn’t get to see this one at the National. But better late than never. At least I’m catching it before it closes the curtain on this run for good!

What is it about?

The play begins with a man returning to his hometown where he is drawn to the Hempstock farmhouse. We are taken back to his childhood as we begin to learn about the three generations of mysterious women who lived there.

When a dark, supernatural being breaks through into his world, Boy and his newfound friend Lettie Hempstock attempt to stop it from crossing the barrier between its world and theirs. Terrifyingly, the being manages to create a wormhole in Boy’s hand. The flea infiltrates Boy’s home and turns his family against him, isolating and imprisoning him.

Escaping to the Hempstock’s farmhouse, they are unable to detach the link that has been created between him and this supernatural being. Determined to make things right at any cost, Lettie creates a plan that will either succeed or cost them everything.

The art of theatre magic

The stage craft that has gone into making this play is absolutely mind-blowing. The direction from Katy Rudd uses the power of imagination to take the audience on an incredible journey for two and a half hours. Scene changes are both seamless and enchanting, with the beautiful movement direction from Steven Hoggett (known for his incredible work on The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child).

The flawlessly choreographed scenes are aided by the incredible lighting, sound effects, illusions and puppetry that truly immerses you into the story. It really felt like the creative team had made something which should have been impossible. And yet, they somehow staged it anyway. What they have offered with their work here is honestly on a whole other level of theatre magic.

The cast

James Bamford, who plays Boy, gives an emotional performance as he discovers a whole other world exists outside of his own. Nia Towle, as the fearless Lettie, powerfully displays the true meaning of loyalty and friendship.

Another true standout was Laura Rogers, giving an unnerving performance as the villainous flea, Ursula. Showcasing herself as a charming lady when in front of the boy’s family, behind closed doors she was truly terrifying.

Final thoughts

This play is, in a way, a beautiful exploration of friendship, family and grief. It’s such an inventive piece of theatre. It’s difficult to not be in awe at the imaginative creativity which has brought this thrilling fantasy to the stage. It truly embodied everything that I adore about live theatre.

As this show is in its last week in the West End, I implore you to do everything in your power to see it if you haven’t already! I struggle to adequately describe how visually remarkable this thrilling show is.

Have you seen The Ocean At The End of the Lane? What are your thoughts on this mesmerising production? Let me know in the comments!