Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until 8th July 2023
Reviewed by Emma Barnes and Gill Gardiner
5*****
The mystical adventure that is enticingly named ‘The Ocean at the End of the Lane’ arrived in Southampton last night. This is an acclaimed National Theatre stage adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s 2013 Book of the Year in the British National Book Awards.
Having loved the book I was very intrigued as to how the mood, the emotions and the images conjured up in the mind of a reader could possibly translate to the stage. The results were amazing, an outstanding production with elements of science-fiction, thriller, fantasy, which to my mind absolutely did justice to the book.
We knew that we were in for something rather special when we entered the theatre to see the beautiful Mayflower stage transformed into a mysterious forest scene. The staging placed the story firmly into the fantasy world from the start as we are immediately drawn into the story. A man revisits the scene of his childhood trauma and takes us into an adventure of pure escapism including the unleashing of ancient forces, monsters, friendship and magic.
This production really was a treat for the senses, forcing us to suspend any disbelief. Pure theatrical magic at play, the lighting, the sound, puppetry and especially the clever illusions all worked together impeccably to create a dark and magical world laced with childlike wonder. I find myself not wanting to include any spoilers in the review, however the door scene in particular had us on the very edge of our seats.
Charlie Brooks (famous for her role as Janine in Eastenders ) is excellently cast as the demonic Ursula, she does villain so very very convincingly.
This is a story that is guaranteed to remain in my thoughts. Never have I walked away from a performance so eager to watch it all over again for the opportunity to soak up more. Hauntingly memorable. There is magic waiting for you too at the Mayflower until the 8th July.