An EastEnders villain stars in The National Theatre's acclaimed fantasy drama The Ocean at the End of the Lane, which is heading to Norwich on tour.

The play, based on Neil Gaiman's novel, will be performed at Norwich Theatre Royal between September 5 and 9 2023 before returning to the West End this October.

This first major stage adaptation of Gaiman's work 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.

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The 17-strong ensemble cast stars Charlie Brooks, who is best known for playing legendary EastEnders villain Janine.

Norwich Evening News: Domonic Ramsden, Keir Oglivy (Boy), Aimee McGolderick and Millie Hikasa (Lettie) in The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Picture: Brinkhoff-MoegenburgDomonic Ramsden, Keir Oglivy (Boy), Aimee McGolderick and Millie Hikasa (Lettie) in The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Picture: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg (Image: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg)

The show has been adapted for the stage by Joel Horwood and it is directed by Katy Rudd.

The Ocean at the End Lane tells the story of a man who returns to his childhood home and finds himself standing beside the duck pond of the old farmhouse where he used to play.

He is transported to his 12th birthday when his remarkable friend, Lettie, claims it wasn't a pond but an ocean where everything is possible.

Norwich Evening News: Charlie Brooks (Ursula) and Keir Ogilvy (Boy) in The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Picture: Brinkhoff-MoegenburgCharlie Brooks (Ursula) and Keir Ogilvy (Boy) in The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Picture: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg (Image: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg)

Plunged into a mystical world, their survival depends on their ability to reckon with ancient forces that threaten to destroy everything around them.

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Neil Gaiman said: "There are moments of utter theatrical magic, but the things that demolish me emotionally are the moments of forgiveness or a hug between two characters."

Norwich Evening News: Millie Hikasa (Lettie), Keir Ogilvy (Boy) in The Ocean at the End of the Lane Picture: Brinkhoff-MoegenburgMillie Hikasa (Lettie), Keir Ogilvy (Boy) in The Ocean at the End of the Lane Picture: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg (Image: Brinkhoff-Moegenburg)

The visually stunning puppetry and special effects bring the inter-dimensional worlds and monsters to life. 

By becoming a Norwich Theatre Friend, you will receive half-price tickets to the first night of all drama performances, including The Ocean at the End of the Lane.

To book tickets visit norwichtheatre.org or call 01603 630000.

Pick up a copy of Thursday's paper to be in with a chance of winning tickets to the show.