ADAPTED by Nicholas Wright from the novels of Philip Pullman, this was a challenging choice of play. It was also a challenge for members of the audience who had not read the award-winning books.

A working knowledge of Pullman’s acclaimed fantasy trilogy would have helped some of us. So, too, would clearer vocal delivery: while some of the young actors spoke with absolute clarity, others were lost in the acoustic.

If this should seem a negative start to a review, there were very many positives. This fast-moving production, directed by Kate Plumb with assistant director Eleanor Clare Taylor, looked fantastic throughout.

The simple but very effective set by Gemma Greaves was based round two crescent-shaped platforms from and on to which the hordes of young actors jumped and scrambled. This set adapted itself to many locations, and even found room for a hot-air balloon.

Best of all were the really quite brilliant puppets used to represent the demons that accompany some characters. Actors operating these puppets worked in a fluid rush as they slipped and slinked alongside their character.

Better even than that were the elaborate masks used to convey the polar bears, which at one point engaged in a terrifying fight.

Pullman’s story takes place in a modern and ‘other’ Oxford, and the two worlds are divided and only connect occasionally.

The story, as it emerged here to one who hadn’t read the books, was a fantastical and exciting quest in which an orphan girl had to fight evil; much mention was also made of magical dust.

As Lyra Belacqua, Anna Soden made for an enjoyably bolshie heroine, seemingly slight as a leaf and bold as a kick in the shins. She also spoke perfectly clearly. Clearest of them all, and relishing her evil turn, was Laura Soper as Mrs Coulter: every vocal inflection could be heard, and she conveyed her character with great force.

In a cast of 60, there are too many names to mention, naturally, but honours for clarity also go to Adam Kadow as Lord Boreal and James Osman as Lord Asriel.

This play was a ‘big ask’ for the young company, and they should feel pleased with the way they pulled off their theatrical adventure.

 

His Dark Materials (Part1), York Youth Theatre, York Theatre Royal. Today 2pm and 7pm.

Tickets: 01905 623568