The thrilling first volume in Philip Pullman's latest trilogy, The Book of Dust, is coming to the stage, making its world premiere at London's Bridge Theatre. Follow two courageous young people who go on the run in order to protect a very special child. The Book of Dust - La Belle Sauvage tickets will be available on London Theatre soon.
Readers were first introduced to Philip Pullman's extraordinary fantasy world in his original trilogy, His Dark Materials. His Dark Materials is set in a multiverse with one strand that's essentially our own reality, and others that add striking elements like armoured polar bears, zeppelins, an all-powerful religious force called the Magisterium, and animal-like creatures which are manifestations of a person's inner self, called daemons. Pullman also grapples with religious, philosophical and scientific ideas.
His first novel, Northern Lights, was published in 1995, followed by The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass. All the novels followed the adventures of Lyra Belacqua and Will Parry, and, due to the series' worldwide success, have been adapted for film, TV and stage. Now, Nicholas Hytner — who directed the National Theatre's version in 2003, starring Anna Maxwell Martin, Dominic Cooper, Timothy Dalton and Patricia Hodge — gives us The Book of Dust - La Belle Sauvage play, adapted by Bryony Lavery.
This prequel, which was published in 2017, takes place 12 years before Northern Lights. Malcolm and Alice protect a baby Lyra from evil forces by escaping from Oxford in Malcolm's canoe during a flood, aiming to get her to her father, Lord Asriel. Those who know Pullman's world will find plenty of links and revelations, but it's also a terrific standalone yarn, so don't miss The Book of Dust - La Belle Sauvage London premiere.
Pullman's novel definitely poses some adaptation challenges, since the action mainly takes place on water, and has to move between real locations and mystical ones. But Hytner has already successfully brought this world to theatre, and his modern venue is ideal for creating a spry, flexible production. The Book of Dust - La Belle Sauvage and the Bridge Theatre should be a perfect match.
So, whether you're a Pullman superfan or just curious to see how this rich story will play out on stage, make sure you plan your trip and book early, as this is bound to be a popular one. Tickets to The Book of Dust - La Belle Sauvage will be available soon.
By: Phillip Pullman, adapted by Bryony Lavery
Songs by: Grant Olding
Director: Nicholas Hytner, Emily Burns and James Cousins
Cast list: Julie Atherton, Holly Atkins, Wendy Mae Brown, Pip Carter, Samuel Creasey, Ella Dacres, Ayesha Dharker, Heather Forster, Naomi Frederick, Richard James-Neale, John Light, Dearbhla Molloy, Tomi Ogbaro, Sid Sagar, Nick Sampson and Sky Yang
Design: Bob Crowley
Lighting: Jon Clark
Choreography: James Cousins
Sound: Paul Arditti
Location: Fringe/Off West End
Railway station: London Bridge or Waterloo
Bus numbers: (Tower Bridge - Stop L) 42, 78, 343
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