The National Theatre has revealed its first large-scale tour since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane production will tour 29 venues over a 40-week run across the UK and Ireland, including five Theatre Nation partners.
Adapted by Joel Horwood from the novel by British author Neil Gaiman, the production will be directed by Katy Rudd. After a delay because of the pandemic, the play was transferred from the Dorfman Theatre to Duke of York’s Theatre in the West End. It closed in May this year after a six-month run.
The creative team is also made up of movement director Steven Hoggett, with composition by Jherek Bischoff, lighting design by Paule Constable, sound design by Ian Dickinson for Autograph, magic and illusions direction and design by Jamie Harrison and puppetry direction by Finn Caldwell.
The Open at the End of the Lane will open on December 12 at the Lowry in Salford and will end at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre on September 30 next year.
Other stops include New Victoria Theatre in Woking; Leicester Curve; Theatre Royal Plymouth; Theatre Royal Bath; Grand Opera House in Belfast; Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin; Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff; King’s Theatre, Glasgow and more.
National Theatre director Rufus Norris said: “We are delighted to be returning to nationwide touring with this spellbinding production of Neil Gaiman’s hit fantasy novel. Joel Horwood, Katy Rudd and their formidable creative team have created such a special show that appeals to all ages and beautifully showcases the magic of live performance.
“Before the pandemic over 50% of the National Theatre’s audience was seeing our work outside the capital, and so it is a pleasure to share this much-loved story with theatres and audiences across the UK and Ireland and to reconnect with them once again through live theatre.”