AN epic production will bring both performance and puppetry to the stage in a college adaptation of an award-winning West End hit.

Armoured polar bears, witches and spectres will feature in the dramatised fantasy His Dark Materials, which is to be brought to life by drama students at Northallerton College.

The play, adapted by Nicholas Wright from the novels of Philip Pullman, tells the story of a journey through unfamiliar worlds by two young people.

“This will be unlike any other production ever seen before at Northallerton College,” said head of drama Neil Stimson.

“It’s a play that is written in two parts but for our performances we will only be taking on the first part as it is an extremely ambitious production.

“Its absolutely wonderful to be able to take something that has been performed on the stage at the National Theatre and bring it to Northallerton College for people to enjoy, albeit on a much smaller scale.”

A cast of 24 students, from year ten to 13, have been rehearsing twice a week for six months. Performances will take place on March 25 and 26 in Northallerton College’s main hall.

Tickets are available from the college reception at £6, or £4 for concessions.