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Millie Hikasa on performing in The Ocean At the End of the Lane
The stage version of The Ocean at the End of the Lane began its life at the National Theatre back in 2019. Based on a best-selling book by Neil Gaiman, this incredible adaptation won multiple awards, and is now touring the UK and Ireland with a brand new cast. We were excited to find out more about it from Millie Hikasa, who is playing the character of Lettie Hempstock.
Hi Millie. Thanks so much for taking time to chat with us. You only graduated from Arts Ed quite recently, so this tour seems a fantastic opportunity for you – taking a leading role and working with established actors like Finty Williams, Trevor Fox and Charlie Brooks. How does it feel?
I feel really privileged to be working with such an incredible company, and for my second job out of drama school it’s an absolute honour to be playing the role of Lettie eight shows a week.
Can you describe Lettie’s part in the story?
Lettie befriends and becomes the best friend of the Boy, and she takes him on this magical adventure journey (with a few out-of-this-world obstacles on the way) but ultimately it’s a journey of discovery and growth for the two of them simultaneously.
The Hempstocks and Ursula are incredibly strong women. Does this feel like a play that redefines roles to you?
Yes, The Hempstocks and Ursula are incredibly strong women and to be acting amongst such strong willed and brilliant women is so empowering. A lot of school groups come and watch the show and I think for young girls and women to see this portrayal of these characters is truly inspiring.
Can you tell us a bit about how the ensemble work together, and the incredible puppetry in the show?
The ensemble truly are the beating heart of this show. They are the most incredible group of people and really create and set the atmosphere. They are so slick and without them, the movement, the show wouldn’t be what it is! Same goes for the puppetry, the ensemble brings everything they touch alive with such ease and it really is just magical.
What about special effects? Is there some magic to be had?
I’m sworn to secrecy about the magic and illusions, but what I will say is that I have never seen magic be done like this within a theatre production before. It’s epic and even months in, I still get shocked by how it’s done!
The production is a varied and spellbinding crossover of fantasy and reality, with dark and funny parts. Which is your favourite bit?
There are a lot of thrilling scenes in the show but I think my favourite scene has to be the one we call ‘Ocean Puppets’. It’s a captivating and tender moment of connection in the show, a moment that finally allows the Boy and Lettie to play and enjoy their friendship.
The original production of Ocean in the Dorfman at the National was genuinely one of the most thrilling works I have ever seen on stage, so I’m really excited to see it again. How have the audience responses been to this touring version?
The audience responses have been so wonderful. The play deals with universal and relatable themes, I’ve found that audience members can have very unique experiences and take a lot of different things away from it that are personal to them. I think this is testament to the incredible imagination behind Neil Gaiman’s work
And what about you? It’s a very emotional story in places – how do you feel when you come off stage?
I feel every emotion under the sun when I come off stage, exhausted, excited, thrilled. It really is an emotional story and it touches the heart but to be able to tell this story eight shows a week to a new audience is the most exciting thing for me and the thing that drives me the most.
Enormous thanks to Millie for telling us all about this exciting production. The Ocean at the End of the Lane plays at New Wimbledon Theatre from Tue 11 April – Sat 15 April 2023. Further information and bookings here.
It then continues its tour around the UK and Ireland. All tour dates and tickets can be found via the below link.
