It’s always good to see The National Theatre in Belfast and once again they didn’t disappoint. It was well deserved standing ovations all round at the opening night of the thrilling, magical, fantasy, adventure – The Ocean At The Lane Of The Lane.
Running at Belfast’s Grand Opera House all week this spectacular show from the imagination of Neil Gaiman has to be this year’s must see production.
I don’t want to give away too much info about The Ocean At The End Of The Lane but it will take you on an epic journey to a childhood once forgotten and the darkness that lurks at the very edge of it.
So what’s it all about?? 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.
The acting is just so superb and there is such a chemistry between all of the actors on stage. I also have a new found respect for the ensemble cast members who definitely work as hard as everyone else on stage. Look out for Aimee McGoldrick, a young performer from Northern Ireland with a big future ahead of her.
Finty Williams is perfectly cast in the role of Old Mrs Hempstock. Finty is daughter of Dame Judi Dench and is a fabulous actress just like her Mum. Trevor Fox gives an incredible performance as Dad as does Keir Ogilvy in the role of Boy and Millie Hikasa as Lettie Hempstock. Understudy Jasmeen James was also wonderful as Ursula, a role usually played by Eastenders star Charlie Brooks who I would imagine brings a little touch of Janine Butcher to the part.
A big congratulations must go to Director Katy Rudd, Fly Davis who has created a stunning set and everyone involved in the lighting, special effects and the fabulous puppets.
There really is so much going on during this production that you will find it impossible to take your eyes of the stage during the two hour performance.
Also, before watching The Ocean At The End Of The Lane, I must admit I didn’t know a lot about Neil Gaiman’s work but I am definitely going to start to reading more stuff from Neil!
You would be crazy to miss The Ocean At The End Of The Lane which runs at Belfast’s Grand Opera House until Saturday. Book your tickets here https://www.goh.co.uk/whats-
By Robin Elliott