It's certainly not going to be the traditional sort of Christmas show taking over Salford's Lowry theatre for the next four weeks in the festive run-in. Ocean at The End of the Lane has won huge acclaim during its run on theatreland's West End and it heads up north to enthrall audiences from Monday.
And enthrall is indeed the word - reviews of the show from its West End run described it as "astonishing" and "terrifying" in equal measure. The Guardian's reviewer even wrote: "I can’t remember the last time I cowered so low for so long in a theatre seat."
So yes, it might not sound like a "conventional family show" but Neil Gaiman's novel brought to life on the stage is set to challenge and delight audiences aged 12 and over in the coming weeks. We are told to think of it as "terrifying" in as much as an episode of Doctor Who might be - with fantasy and perception merging magically on stage.
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In terms of what to expect of the drama itself at The Lowry, the show starts as we follow a man returning to his childhood home, and finding himself beside the pond of the Sussex farmhouse where he used to play. He's transported back to his 12th birthday where his remarkable friend Lettie claims it wasn't a pond - but an ocean - a place where everything is possible.
The magical and fantastical production from the National Theatre won five star reviews from theatre critics on its debut run, with The Times hailing it "theatrical magic", while The Telegraph said it represents: "theatre at its best". So it appears audiences here are in for a treat.
For the epic four week run at The Lowry there will also be a splash of showbiz stardust as well - with ex-EastEnders star Charlie Brooks taking on one of the leading roles as Ursula. She joins Keir Ogilvy as "Boy", Trevor Fox as "Dad", Laurie Ogden as "Sis", Millie Hikasa as Lettie Hempstock, Kemi-Bo Jacobs as Ginnie Hempstock and Finty Williams as Old Mrs Hempstock.
Author Neil Gaiman, who is known for his graphic novels including The Sandman series, won the Book of the Year Award in 2013 for Ocean at the End of the Lane and it has sold some 1.2mn copies worldwide. He admits he was in tears when he saw the first full run through of his work transformed to the stage.
As for his favourite moments in the production? He says: " There is something astounding about the moment when they enter the ocean. That completely fascinates me.
"And you’re going to see miracles made out of bits of rubbish and old plastic bags and nightmarish birds beyond your imagination. It still takes me by surprise every time I watch."
Having the play head out on tour to Salford has particular meaning for Neil, from the years when he worked as a journalist here. He says: " Salford I always remember fondly. As a twenty-three-year-old journalist I came to Salford to interview John Cooper Clarke. He was the first person I ever interviewed.”
The Ocean at the End of the Lane is at The Lowry, Salford, from Monday 12 December 2022 - Sunday 8 January 2023. Recommended for ages 12+ Tickets from thelowry.com
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