The Ocean at the End of the Lane, the National Theatre’s critically acclaimed adaptation has arrived at Glasgow’s King’s Theatre as part of its 2023 UK tour. This is the first major stage adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s work, directed by Katy Rudd and adapted by Joel Horwood. English author Neil Gaiman has written more than 45 books, graphic novels, and short stories, and The Ocean at the End of the Lane is said to be the closest he has written to an autobiography.

The story begins with a man (Trevor Fox) who after his father’s funeral visits a pond that he has visited with a childhood friend Lettie, when he was 12-years old. While there he encounters her grandmother, Old Mrs Hempstock (Finty Williams), who sparks a trip down memory lane into the events of his 12th birthday. What follows is a terrifying, thrilling and emotional adventure that the audience is invited to join.

While among the highlights of this production are Keir Ogilvy (Boy), Millie Hikasa (Lettie Hempstock), Trevor Fox (Dad) and Jasmeen James (Ursula/Skarthatch), Finty Williams (Old Mrs. Hempstock) who are absolutely fantastic as some of the main characters, the whole ensemble however does an incredible job at bringing to life these multi-layered personalities – a talented and strong cast that doesn’t disappoint and instead enriches this already big production.

The success of this show lies in the seemingly effortless way in which it enters the world of a child’s imagination and explores childhood nightmares and horrors, but also celebrates its endless creativity and imagination. The special effects are astounding and make the unbelievable easily-believed, bringing in a sort of magic into the theatre. The ingenious use of the stage allows the audience truly to immerse in this retrospective exploration and feel the fear of the unknown. However, perhaps for adults, the true terror at its heart lies in recognising the sadness of the bereaved family, and their efforts to survive and learn how to live in the new normal in which they have found themselves. This balance between magic and real life makes for a perfect mix that has the potential of making the audience wipe away a tear or two.

The special effects are accompanied by an incredible soundtrack composed by Jherek Bischoff (which is available to stream on Spotify). This takes the production to the next level, giving it an epic, film-like feel. The Ocean at the End of the Lane manages to capture a very similar kind of magic to recently-popular fantasy tv shows such as Stranger Things or Witcher. This fantastically thrilling production succeeds at keeping the audience on the edge of its seats in anticipation of what is to come, until the very end – a show full of sadness, yearning, loneliness, hopefulness, friendship, love and adventure; a true rollercoaster ride.

With thanks to Joanna Zuchowska for this review.