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Writer's pictureMix Up Theatre (Stewart)

Theatre REVIEW: National Theatre: The Ocean at the End of the Lane - ★★★★★

Updated: Sep 1, 2023


From the imagination of Neil Gaiman, best-selling author of Coraline, Good Omens and The Sandman, comes the National Theatre’s major new stage adaptation of The Ocean at the End of the Lane.


This thrilling adventure of fantasy, myth and friendship, is a five-star spectacular which blends magic with memory in a tour-de-force of storytelling that takes audiences on an epic journey to a childhood once forgotten and the darkness that lurks at the very edge of it.

Returning to his childhood home, a man finds himself standing beside the pond of the old Sussex farmhouse where he used to play. He's transported to his 12th birthday when his remarkable friend Lettie claimed it wasn't a pond, but an ocean – a place where everything is possible...


Plunged into a magical world, their survival depends on their ability to reckon with ancient forces that threaten to destroy everything around them.

 

Where?


King's Theatre, Glasgow - until 2nd September - Part of UK Tour



MIX UP REVIEWS:


Daniel (Age 13) - ★★★★★

"This was a fantastic show.

The acting and characters were phenomenal and the story was interesting and compelling, the ending left you thinking and intrigued. My favourite character was the father because although at allot of points in the film he came of as angry or scary he really did try his best for his children. My favourite scene was the final one as it was done in a way that made it neither happy nor sad.

Overall this was a great show that I could recommend to most people especially those who enjoyed the TV show Stranger Things because the tone of this show felt similar."


Adam (Age 13) - ★★★★

"It was great! The acting was amazing, the props and scenes were so cool. The cast was great."


Stewart - ★★★★★

"It's Studio Ghibli meets Stranger Things in this phenomenal theatrical experience. The extent of the masterful puppetry, use of stage lighting, sound effects and music throws the audience right into the depths of this ocean of theatre magic.

Keir Ogilvy is outstanding in a physically and emotionally demanding role as the 12 year old boy who unwittingly wanders into a world of the unknown. He's at times awkward, funny, vulnerable and always an extremely likeable protagonist to lead us on this journey. The whole cast is fantastic with special shout outs to Trevor Fox as the Dad trying to do his best and a terrifying Charlie Brooks as the suspicious new woman in the house when things start going a bit Coraline. Also the supporting ensemble are skilled puppeteers and the choreography of the movement sequences is outstanding.

The show really is tapping into the Stranger Things zeitgeist with the sounds and look of the piece and will definitely appeal to any fan of that show. But the show remains it's own wonderful, beautiful creation and I'll definitely have a read of the Neil Gaiman's novel after this.

This really is an epic production not to be missed, book a ticket now!"






 



Make sure you have booked in for the latest DRAMA CLASSES at Mix Up Theatre throughout Scotland :)







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