Given that the 2013 novel on which it is based is by the legendary fantasy author Neil Gaiman (who boasts American Gods, Good Omens and Doctor Who among his writing credits), it should come as no surprise that Joel Horwood’s theatrical adaptation of The Ocean at the End of the Lane is a strange, magical and time-bending affair.

This National Theatre production at London’s Dorfman Theatre is directed by Katy Rudd, who has previously worked on the smash-hit show The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. Like that play, The Ocean at the End of the Lane is about an idiosyncratic boy who embarks on a journey of personal and emotional development. Samuel Blenkin – whom theatre buffs might recognise as Scorpius Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – plays the nameless twelve-year-old protagonist, but he’s too mature to convincingly play a pre-pubescent boy. But Scottish actress Marli Siu, who starred in the comedy musical Anna and the Apocalypse, excels as the boy’s friend Lettie Hempstock.

Unsurprisingly for a National Theatre production, Fly Davis’ staging is enchanting, and credit is also owed to costume and puppet designer Samuel Wyer and puppetry director Finn Caldwell. After a slow, reflective start – Justin Salinger plays both the boy’s father and the boy as a grown man, returning home for his father’s funeral – the play really bursts to life when the boundaries of reality begin to collapse and frightening creatures make their way into the world. One of these beings takes the form of Ursula Monkton (Pippa Nixon), who supplants the place of the boy’s deceased mother, causing a rift between him and his father.

The themes of the play are memory and childhood, and although it’s mostly family-friendly, some scenes are unsuitable for younger audience members. For example, the play essentially opens with a character committing suicide, and later on there’s even a mild sex scene of sorts. The Ocean at the End of the Lane is vivid, which is not a bad thing, but it might prove a bit much for young children. The second act in particular is rather loud and, at times, scary. However, if you enjoyed the book, or if you generally like the works of Neil Gaiman, then The Ocean at the End of the Lane will undoubtedly make for an entertaining and moving piece of theatre.

National Theatre, London, 3 December – 25 January

Chris Dobson
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