Theatre Review: The Ocean at the End of the Lane, Wales Millennium Centre

Brinkoff-Moegenburg

Summary:

Rating: ★★★★★

Running dates: 30 May - 3 June

Where to see it: Wales Millennium Centre 

Duration: 2 hours 35 minutes (including 20 minute interval) 

Keywords: Drama, Fantasy, Friendship

Brinkoff-Moegenburg

Review:

Absolutely Brilliant! I never thought a theatre production could feel so similar to a TV programme.

Adapted from the best selling novel by Neil Gaiman by Joel Horwood and directed by Katy Rudd, this is a thrilling story about a young boy being plunged into a magical world where anything is possible by befriending a young witch and her family. While this newly discovered world has many joys, it also has dark evils which our protagonist and his new friend Lettie battle. Within this captivating story the play explores themes of friendship and family beautifully.  

The design and lighting really transported you into their world. At one point, we see our protagonist being tormented by Ursula, the villain who has travelled to the protagonist's world through a wormhole she created in his hand. The scene where the protagonist is being tormented by Ursula makes use of flashing lights to create the illusion that she is teleporting while also creating a tense atmosphere. At this point I was truly sitting on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next and whether something was going to jump out at me. 

This sense of tension was also created by the beautifully choreographed stage transitions. The ensemble transitioned so smoothly they became part of the show. Through clever choreography and set props they managed to create a realistic ‘Stranger Things demogorgon-esque’  creature which battled with Lettie so convincingly I thought I was watching an episode of Stranger Things. 

They also created the illusion that we were under water in one scene using puppetry and fabric waves. This created some amazing visuals which will stay with me for some time. 

Every actor gave an amazing performance, which was really captivating and you felt connected to their characters on stage. The performances they gave made it incredibly easy to get lost in their performance, and the level of storytelling was fantastic. 

Overall, the performance was amazing and I would highly recommend going and watching the play while it’s in Cardiff or on its tour around the UK. It was such an incredible and captivating performance.

Standout moment: The scene where they enter the ocean and use puppetry and fabric to create the illusion of being under water. 

See if: You love fantasy and want to lose yourself in a drama for a couple of hours. 

Similar Plays: Into the Woods, The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe

Last impression: Amazing storytelling and a captivating performance.

Written by Cerian Millin