Casting has been announced for the West End transfer of the National Theatre’s critically acclaimed production of The Ocean at the End of the Lane, which will extend its run at the Duke of York’s Theatre until 23 April 2022.

The 16-strong cast includes Ruby Ablett, James Bamford (Boy), Emma Bown, Charlie Cameron, Jeff D’Sangalang, Kieran Garland, Siubhan Harrison (Ginnie Hempstock), Miranda Heath, Penny Layden (Old Mrs Hempstock), Tom Mackley, Charleen Qwaye, Grace Hogg-Robinson (Sis), Laura Rogers (Ursula), Nicolas Tennant (Dad), Nia Towle (Lettie Hempstock) and Peter Twose.

Based on the best-selling novel by Neil Gaiman, adapted for the stage by Joel Horwood and directed by Katy Rudd, The Ocean at the End of the Lane starts previewing on 23 October.

Returning to his childhood home, a man finds himself standing beside the duck pond of the old Sussex farmhouse where he used to play. He’s transported to his 12th birthday, spring half term. When his dad was struggling to make ends meet and his friend Lettie claimed it wasn’t a pond, but an ocean… 

Plunged into a magical world, the children’s survival depends on their ability to reckon with dark, ancient forces that threaten to destroy everything around them. 

The Ocean at the End of the Lane features set design by Fly Davis, costume and puppet design by Samuel Wyer, movement direction by Steven Hoggett, composition by Jherek Bischoff, lighting by Paule Constable, sound by Ian Dickinson, magic and illusions direction and design by Jamie Harrison, and puppetry direction by Finn Caldwell. 

Tickets can be booked here for performances until 13 February and will be available to book for the final 10 weeks from 7 October (or for American Express cardholders from 5 October).