One of the literary sensations of the past quarter of a century, Philip Pullman has managed to keep His Dark Materials in the public eye, writes Lizz Brain. From the National Theatre stage production six years ago to the epic film The Golden Compass in 2007, the trilogy has enchanted children and adults almost as much as The Lord of the Rings.

Now Curve is preparing to open its own version with a mammoth community project featuring 90 local people who are not just performing, but have also been working alongside theatre professionals in marketing, set building, design and wardrobe.

Director Adel Al-Salloum says: "I read the book a number of years ago and I've always loved stories which have seen people submerge themselves for years.

"The National spent a long time working on it for the stage but I wanted to do something which could involve a lot of people.

"Some of the people involved in this are real academics about it, some love performing and others wanted to be part of a fun story.

"Everyone has got really involved in the social side of being part of a company, but it has been a big commitment.''

There are technical problems too with getting fantasy fiction on to the stage.

"It's easy, albeit expensive, to put an epic on screen'' says Adel. "But how do you deal with daemons and an armoured polar bear on stage?

"We do a lot with puppets, a lot of moving and using chairs to create a sense of space, but we always remember that the heart of the story is a girl trying to find her friend, and we just need to tell that story as best we can.

"I'm sure it's going to be a great show but, so far, what has really stood out is how involved people have become. The best work comes when those creating it have a close relationship with the people they are making it for.

"I've had a great time doing this, we all have, so now we need to make it a success.''

Info

His Dark Materials Part I runs at Curve from July 13 to 18. Details on 0116 2423595 or:

www.curveonline.co.uk