The Dark Is Rising

The Dark Is Rising

By BBC World ServiceFictionDrama
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The Dark Is Rising episodes

  • 12. The Joining of the Signs

    Twelfth Night. The Old Ones gather from across the centuries. The Signs are joined together by a blacksmith with rings of gold and, as the Old Ones bid him farewell, Will is full of anguish as he returns to his own time. Listen on headphones for 3D immersive sound. #TheDarkIsRising

    Will Stanton: Noah Alexander

    John Smith/Paul Stanton/Mr Beaumont: Thomas Arnold
    Bus Conductor/Jamaican Old One/James Stanton: Danny Bailey
    Stephen Stanton: Simon Bubb
    Mrs Stanton/Mrs Pettigrew/Dr Armstrong: Amanda Hadingue
    The Walker/Hawkin: Toby Jones
    Narrator: Simon McBurney
    The Rider/Mr Mithothin/Mr Stanton/Farmer Dawson: Tim McMullan
    Merriman: Paul Rhys
    Maggie Barnes/Mary Stanton: Natasha Stone
    The Lady/Miss Greythorne: Harriet Walter
    Herne: Miles Yekinni
    The chorister: Vinay Singh
    Radio announcer: Samuel West
    Soundscape design: Gareth Fry
    Music: Josh Sneesby
    Original songs by Johnny Flynn, Luisa Gerstein and Héloïse Tunstall-Behrens
    Adapted for audio by Robert Macfarlane and Simon McBurney
    Dramaturg: James Yeatman
    Director: Simon McBurney
    Producers: Catherine Bailey and Tim Bell
    A Complicité and Catherine Bailey Production for BBC World Service
    Commissioned by Simon Pitts

    19 min
  • 11. The Hunt Rides

    Will is pursued by the tornado of the Dark and prepares for the final battle. He flies with Merriman on the great white horse to where Herne the ancient hunter is waiting. Herne summons his hounds – a pack of huge white animals ghostly in the half-light. Listen on headphones for 3D immersive sound. #TheDarkIsRising

    Will Stanton: Noah Alexander

    John Smith/Paul Stanton/Mr Beaumont: Thomas Arnold
    Bus Conductor/Jamaican Old One/James Stanton: Danny Bailey
    Stephen Stanton: Simon Bubb
    Mrs Stanton/Mrs Pettigrew/Dr Armstrong: Amanda Hadingue
    The Walker/Hawkin: Toby Jones
    Narrator: Simon McBurney
    The Rider/Mr Mithothin/Mr Stanton/Farmer Dawson: Tim McMullan
    Merriman: Paul Rhys
    Maggie Barnes/Mary Stanton: Natasha Stone
    The Lady/Miss Greythorne: Harriet Walter
    Herne: Miles Yekinni
    The chorister: Vinay Singh
    Radio announcer: Samuel West
    Soundscape design: Gareth Fry
    Music: Josh Sneesby
    Original songs by Johnny Flynn, Luisa Gerstein and Héloïse Tunstall-Behrens
    Adapted for audio by Robert Macfarlane and Simon McBurney
    Dramaturg: James Yeatman
    Director: Simon McBurney
    Producers: Catherine Bailey and Tim Bell
    A Complicité and Catherine Bailey Production for BBC World Service
    Commissioned by Simon Pitts

    18 min
  • 10. The King of Fire and Water

    Will’s sister is missing. He searches through driving rain and melting snow to find her, as a road becomes a river. The great white horse again comes to his aid and, when lightning strikes, a ship rises bearing a long-dead king. Listen on headphones for 3D immersive sound. #TheDarkIsRising

    Will Stanton: Noah Alexander

    John Smith/Paul Stanton/Mr Beaumont: Thomas Arnold
    Bus Conductor/Jamaican Old One/James Stanton: Danny Bailey
    Stephen Stanton: Simon Bubb
    Mrs Stanton/Mrs Pettigrew/Dr Armstrong: Amanda Hadingue
    The Walker/Hawkin: Toby Jones
    Narrator: Simon McBurney
    The Rider/Mr Mithothin/Mr Stanton/Farmer Dawson: Tim McMullan
    Merriman: Paul Rhys
    Maggie Barnes/Mary Stanton: Natasha Stone
    The Lady/Miss Greythorne: Harriet Walter
    Herne: Miles Yekinni
    The chorister: Vinay Singh
    Radio announcer: Samuel West
    Soundscape design: Gareth Fry
    Music: Josh Sneesby
    Original songs by Johnny Flynn, Luisa Gerstein and Héloïse Tunstall-Behrens
    Adapted for audio by Robert Macfarlane and Simon McBurney
    Dramaturg: James Yeatman
    Director: Simon McBurney
    Producers: Catherine Bailey and Tim Bell
    A Complicité and Catherine Bailey Production for BBC World Service
    Commissioned by Simon Pitts

    19 min
  • 9. Hawk in the Dark

    Will is terrified. The thunderous knocking on the door can only mean one thing – it is The Rider, ready to attack. The Walker has been emboldened by the Dark and summons ice candles which bring a terrible chill, even as they burn. Will discovers the awful truth of The Walker’s identity. Listen on headphones for 3D immersive sound. #TheDarkIsRising

    Will Stanton: Noah Alexander

    John Smith/Paul Stanton/Mr Beaumont: Thomas Arnold
    Bus Conductor/Jamaican Old One/James Stanton: Danny Bailey
    Stephen Stanton: Simon Bubb
    Mrs Stanton/Mrs Pettigrew/Dr Armstrong: Amanda Hadingue
    The Walker/Hawkin: Toby Jones
    Narrator: Simon McBurney
    The Rider/Mr Mithothin/Mr Stanton/Farmer Dawson: Tim McMullan
    Merriman: Paul Rhys
    Maggie Barnes/Mary Stanton: Natasha Stone
    The Lady/Miss Greythorne: Harriet Walter
    Herne: Miles Yekinni
    The chorister: Vinay Singh
    Radio announcer: Samuel West
    Soundscape design: Gareth Fry
    Music: Josh Sneesby
    Original songs by Johnny Flynn, Luisa Gerstein and Héloïse Tunstall-Behrens
    Adapted for audio by Robert Macfarlane and Simon McBurney
    Dramaturg: James Yeatman
    Director: Simon McBurney
    Producers: Catherine Bailey and Tim Bell
    A Complicité and Catherine Bailey Production for BBC World Service
    Commissioned by Simon Pitts

    19 min
  • 8. The Coming of the Cold

    The Dark grips the country in unnatural frost, as deepening snow traps people indoors. Will needs the Fifth Sign, the Sign of Fire. Meanwhile, the frozen man Will rescued from the snow says the Dark is calling. Listen on headphones for 3D immersive sound. #TheDarkIsRising

    Will Stanton: Noah Alexander

    John Smith/Paul Stanton/Mr Beaumont: Thomas Arnold
    Bus Conductor/Jamaican Old One/James Stanton: Danny Bailey
    Stephen Stanton: Simon Bubb
    Mrs Stanton/Mrs Pettigrew/Dr Armstrong: Amanda Hadingue
    The Walker/Hawkin: Toby Jones
    Narrator: Simon McBurney
    The Rider/Mr Mithothin/Mr Stanton/Farmer Dawson: Tim McMullan
    Merriman: Paul Rhys
    Maggie Barnes/Mary Stanton: Natasha Stone
    The Lady/Miss Greythorne: Harriet Walter
    Herne: Miles Yekinni
    The chorister: Vinay Singh
    Radio announcer: Samuel West
    Soundscape design: Gareth Fry
    Music: Josh Sneesby
    Original songs by Johnny Flynn, Luisa Gerstein and Héloïse Tunstall-Behrens
    Adapted for audio by Robert Macfarlane and Simon McBurney
    Dramaturg: James Yeatman
    Director: Simon McBurney
    Producers: Catherine Bailey and Tim Bell
    A Complicité and Catherine Bailey Production for BBC World Service
    Commissioned by Simon Pitts

    18 min
  • 7. The Besieging

    Christmas Day. The snowfall is intense as Will walks. The Dark has surrounded the church. Will fights back and discovers a Fourth Sign. On the journey home, a rook leads Will to a man freezing in the snow. Listen on headphones for 3D immersive sound. #TheDarkIsRising

    Will Stanton: Noah Alexander

    John Smith/Paul Stanton/Mr Beaumont: Thomas Arnold
    Bus Conductor/Jamaican Old One/James Stanton: Danny Bailey
    Stephen Stanton: Simon Bubb
    Mrs Stanton/Mrs Pettigrew/Dr Armstrong: Amanda Hadingue
    The Walker/Hawkin: Toby Jones
    Narrator: Simon McBurney
    The Rider/Mr Mithothin/Mr Stanton/Farmer Dawson: Tim McMullan
    Merriman: Paul Rhys
    Maggie Barnes/Mary Stanton: Natasha Stone
    The Lady/Miss Greythorne: Harriet Walter
    Herne: Miles Yekinni
    The chorister: Vinay Singh
    Radio announcer: Samuel West
    Soundscape design: Gareth Fry
    Music: Josh Sneesby
    Original songs by Johnny Flynn, Luisa Gerstein and Héloïse Tunstall-Behrens
    Adapted for audio by Robert Macfarlane and Simon McBurney
    Dramaturg: James Yeatman
    Director: Simon McBurney
    Producers: Catherine Bailey and Tim Bell
    A Complicité and Catherine Bailey Production for BBC World Service
    Commissioned by Simon Pitts

    18 min
  • 6. The Opening of the Present

    It is Christmas Eve 1875 and Hawkin turns to the Dark. Will hasn’t a moment to lose and goes back to his own time to find the Third Sign. His family sing carols, oblivious to danger, and Will is able to protect them with a spell before The Rider can strike. But at home on Christmas morning there is a knock at the door. Listen on headphones for 3D immersive sound. #TheDarkIsRising

    Will Stanton: Noah Alexander

    John Smith/Paul Stanton/Mr Beaumont: Thomas Arnold
    Bus Conductor/Jamaican Old One/James Stanton: Danny Bailey
    Stephen Stanton: Simon Bubb
    Mrs Stanton/Mrs Pettigrew/Dr Armstrong: Amanda Hadingue
    The Walker/Hawkin: Toby Jones
    Narrator: Simon McBurney
    The Rider/Mr Mithothin/Mr Stanton/Farmer Dawson: Tim McMullan
    Merriman: Paul Rhys
    Maggie Barnes/Mary Stanton: Natasha Stone
    The Lady/Miss Greythorne: Harriet Walter
    Herne: Miles Yekinni
    The chorister: Vinay Singh
    Radio announcer: Samuel West
    Soundscape design: Gareth Fry
    Music: Josh Sneesby
    Original songs by Johnny Flynn, Luisa Gerstein and Héloïse Tunstall-Behrens
    Adapted for audio by Robert Macfarlane and Simon McBurney
    Dramaturg: James Yeatman
    Director: Simon McBurney
    Producers: Catherine Bailey and Tim Bell
    A Complicité and Catherine Bailey Production for BBC World Service
    Commissioned by Simon Pitts

    18 min
  • 5. The Book of Gramarye

    It is Christmas Eve and Will has been transported to a different time, 1875. Hawkin risks his life to break a spell and free a tome of ancient knowledge. The book speaks of hidden things - of real magic, of rocks and trees and stars. Listen on headphones for 3D immersive sound. #TheDarkIsRising

    Will Stanton: Noah Alexander

    John Smith/Paul Stanton/Mr Beaumont: Thomas Arnold
    Bus Conductor/Jamaican Old One/James Stanton: Danny Bailey
    Stephen Stanton: Simon Bubb
    Mrs Stanton/Mrs Pettigrew/Dr Armstrong: Amanda Hadingue
    The Walker/Hawkin: Toby Jones
    Narrator: Simon McBurney
    The Rider/Mr Mithothin/Mr Stanton/Farmer Dawson: Tim McMullan
    Merriman: Paul Rhys
    Maggie Barnes/Mary Stanton: Natasha Stone
    The Lady/Miss Greythorne: Harriet Walter
    Herne: Miles Yekinni
    The chorister: Vinay Singh
    Radio announcer: Samuel West
    Soundscape design: Gareth Fry
    Music: Josh Sneesby
    Original songs by Johnny Flynn, Luisa Gerstein and Héloïse Tunstall-Behrens
    Adapted for audio by Robert Macfarlane and Simon McBurney
    Dramaturg: James Yeatman
    Director: Simon McBurney
    Producers: Catherine Bailey and Tim Bell
    A Complicité and Catherine Bailey Production for BBC World Service
    Commissioned by Simon Pitts

    18 min
  • 4. The Walker on the Old Way

    On an ancient path Will tries his powers for the first time and the Dark appears - in the form of a farm girl who casts a spell. He is powerless to resist as she takes the prized Signs, laughing. Listen on headphones for 3D immersive sound. #TheDarkIsRising

    Will Stanton: Noah Alexander

    John Smith/Paul Stanton/Mr Beaumont: Thomas Arnold
    Bus Conductor/Jamaican Old One/James Stanton: Danny Bailey
    Stephen Stanton: Simon Bubb
    Mrs Stanton/Mrs Pettigrew/Dr Armstrong: Amanda Hadingue
    The Walker/Hawkin: Toby Jones
    Narrator: Simon McBurney
    The Rider/Mr Mithothin/Mr Stanton/Farmer Dawson: Tim McMullan
    Merriman: Paul Rhys
    Maggie Barnes/Mary Stanton: Natasha Stone
    The Lady/Miss Greythorne: Harriet Walter
    Herne: Miles Yekinni
    The chorister: Vinay Singh
    Radio announcer: Samuel West
    Soundscape design: Gareth Fry
    Music: Josh Sneesby
    Original songs by Johnny Flynn, Luisa Gerstein and Héloïse Tunstall-Behrens
    Adapted for audio by Robert Macfarlane and Simon McBurney
    Dramaturg: James Yeatman
    Director: Simon McBurney
    Producers: Catherine Bailey and Tim Bell
    A Complicité and Catherine Bailey Production for BBC World Service
    Commissioned by Simon Pitts

    18 min
  • 3. The Sign-Seeker

    Will learns of his task: To find the six Signs of the Light before the Dark destroys them. He discovers an unexpected power and learns he is an Old One, whose duty is to fight the rising strength of the Dark across the centuries. Listen on headphones for 3D immersive sound. #TheDarkIsRising

    Will Stanton: Noah Alexander

    John Smith/Paul Stanton/Mr Beaumont: Thomas Arnold
    Bus Conductor/Jamaican Old One/James Stanton: Danny Bailey
    Stephen Stanton: Simon Bubb
    Mrs Stanton/Mrs Pettigrew/Dr Armstrong: Amanda Hadingue
    The Walker/Hawkin: Toby Jones
    Narrator: Simon McBurney
    The Rider/Mr Mithothin/Mr Stanton/Farmer Dawson: Tim McMullan
    Merriman: Paul Rhys
    Maggie Barnes/Mary Stanton: Natasha Stone
    The Lady/Miss Greythorne: Harriet Walter
    Herne: Miles Yekinni
    The chorister: Vinay Singh
    Radio announcer: Samuel West
    Soundscape design: Gareth Fry
    Music: Josh Sneesby
    Original songs by Johnny Flynn, Luisa Gerstein and Héloïse Tunstall-Behrens
    Adapted for audio by Robert Macfarlane and Simon McBurney
    Dramaturg: James Yeatman
    Director: Simon McBurney
    Producers: Catherine Bailey and Tim Bell
    A Complicité and Catherine Bailey Production for BBC World Service
    Commissioned by Simon Pitts

    19 min

About The Dark Is Rising

From the publisher's feed

A young boy’s time-travelling fight against ancient evil. When the Dark comes rising, who will hold it back? This dramatisation of Susan Cooper’s cult novel is a magical journey into the…

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