His Dark Materials Parts 1&2 - National Theatre Dec 2004

Genre Drama
Opened 8 Dec 2004
Written: based on the novels by Philip Pullman, adapted by Nicholas Wright
Directed: Nicholas Hytner with Matt Wilde
Cast: David Harewod (Lord Asriel) , Lesley Manville (Mrs Coulter) , Michael Legge (Will), Elaine Symons (Lyra ), John Carlisle (Lord Boreal), Adjoa Andoh (Serafina Pekkala),
Synopsis: Philip Pullman's three cult novels have been adapted for the stage into two big plays. HIS DARK MATERIALS takes us on a journey through worlds familiar and unknown. For Lyra and Will, its two central characters, it's a coming of age and a transforming spiritual experience. Their quest demands a savage struggle against the most dangerous of enemies. They encounter fantastical creatures in parallel worlds - rebellious angels, soul-eating spectres, child-cathing Gobblers and the armoured bears and witch-clans of the Arctic. Finally, before reaching, perhaps, the republic of heaven, they must visit the land of the dead.

What the critics had to say.....

External links to full reviews from popular press
The Guardian
The Stage
The Times
Daily Telegraph

Production photo by Catherine Ashmore