Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield – until Saturday 20 May 2023
Reviewed by Carol Crann
5*****
The Ocean at the End of the Lane tells the story of a man returning home for his father’s funeral and revisiting the farm where he used to play as a child. There he is transported back in time to his birthday and his friendship with an amazing young lady called Lettie, played brilliantly by Millie Hikasa, who quickly gives you a taste of what is to come throughout the evening, delighting the audience with her humour, love, fear and hope.
Lettie explains to the young boy (Keir Ogilvy) that the duckpond is The Ocean, and as a result their immediate world becomes a very different place. The three generations of her family – Ginnie Hempstock, her Mum (Kemi-Bo Jacobs) and her Grandmother Old Mrs Hempstock (Finty Williams) – combine to try and defeat the common enemy, and are all portrayed as eccentric but fiercely independent and powerful women desperate to protect those they love.
Before the show even opens the set looks impressive, with an other-worldly feel that could only hint at what was about to come. As props are added by an ensemble dressed in black and adding to the performance – it quickly becomes a magical domain.
It didn’t take long for the audience to get caught up in the tale, and brilliant costumes – especially for the creatures from the edge – you’re left unsure of what you’re actually looking at, giving a palpable increase in tension.
The choreography was amazing, with incredible special effects often taking the audience by surprise, leaving us gasping in shock or horror. Charlie Brooks as Ursula is impressive as you watch the impact she has on the lives of this normal family, and we see how she wins over Sis (Laurie Ogden) and Dad (Trevor Fox) by playing to their perceived needs. Little do they know, though, that she’s corrupting the way they behave as she tries to wreak havoc on the boy’s life.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane truly is one of the best shows I have seen in a while, and it feels like a real collision of genres. Sci-fi combines with horror. Fantasy, magic and storytelling are all part of the narrative, and there is a fascinating utilisation of many theatrical styles.
With a unique, strong and characterful technique of dance you see the ensemble support the main cast in creating an impression of movement to music that is quite clearly created specifically for this show.
The use of lighting is also key to the ambience and atmosphere of the different scenes, even using a total lack of light to further increase the tension. Using numerous doors portray different realities is a stroke of genius, especially when you see the frames change colour as their significance alters, and the terrific use of puppetry offers an opportunity to create otherwise impossible scenes and draw the audience into the action on stage.
I thoroughly enjoyed this performance and strongly recommend you go and see it at the Lyceum if you get the chance. I really can’t imagine you being disappointed.