The Ocean at the End of the Lane on tour
based on the novel by Neil Gaiman, adapted by Joel Horwood
Booking and details
Age guidance: 12+ yrs.
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.
Performed 12 December 2022 — 7 October 2023 in the UK & Ireland Tour.
Reviews
‘Spellbinding. Theatre at its best.’
Daily Telegraph
‘There’s nothing around to beat this thrillingly imaginative show.’
Mail on Sunday
‘Theatrical magic. A mesmerising adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s hit novel.’
Sunday Times
‘Shows like this don’t come around very often.’
Time Out
‘This knockout production is theatre at its best.’
Independent
‘Astonishing. An extraordinary piece of theatre.’
Lancashire Telegraph
‘It will seriously blow your mind.’
Manchester Evening News
Suitability
This production contains the following effects; high intensity lighting and strobe, haze and smoke, pyrotechnics, loud sound, and blackouts.
The production contains moments that some people may find frightening, including references to death. For more information, read our Content warning pdf or contact your local theatre.
Supporters
Theatre Nation Partnerships is generously supported by Arts Council England’s Strategic Touring Fund and Garfield Weston Foundation.
Gallery
Production images
Videos
Education resource
This learning resource is designed to support students and their teachers in responding to The Ocean at the End of Lane in various ways. The pack includes opportunities to engage with the production for the live production element of GCSE and/or A Level Drama & Theatre. This learning resource also provides information about the production, and ways in which it can inform and inspire devised or scripted work in schools and colleges.
Cast
Production Team
Author
Neil Gaiman
Adaptor
Joel Horwood
Director
Katy Rudd
Set Designer
Fly Davis
Costume and Puppet Designer
Samuel Wyer
Movement Director
Steven Hoggett
Composer
Jherek Bischoff
Lighting Designer
Paule Constable
Sound Designer
Ian Dickinson for Autograph
Magic and Illusions Director and Designer
Jamie Harrison
Puppetry
Finn Caldwell
Casting Director
Naomi Downham
Associate Director
Sophie Dillon Moniram
Associate Set Designer and Draftsperson
Tim Blazdell
Associate Movement Director
Jess Williams
Lighting Associate
Rob Casey
Lighting Associate and LX Programmer
Tom Turner
Sound Associate
Christopher Reid
Magic and Illusions Associate
John Bulleid
Associate Puppetry Director
Gareth Aled
Voice and Dialect Coach
Kate Godfrey
Resident Director
Eleri B. Jones
Flying Effects
John Maddox for Suspended Illusions Ltd.
Illustration by Nicolas Delort
Photos of UK & Ireland Tour cast by Brinkhoff/Mögenburg