YOUNGSTERS will breathe life into Philip Pullman's fantasy trilogy 'His Dark Materials' as they take to their school's stage for a production next month.

Pupils from Matthew Arnold School, in Botley, have been rehearsing for weeks ahead of their show, which will run from Monday, February 6 to Thursday, February 9.

Joining them on stage are daemon puppets which were shown in the original production that have been loaned to the school by the Birmingham Rep Theatre.

Amanda Northwood, co-director of the performance, said: "Since seeing this ground-breaking production at the National Theatre in 2004 I was determined that one day Matthew Arnold School would stage this remarkable version of Phillip Pullman’s stories.

"Little did I imagine that we would also have access to the amazing puppets seen on stage in London."

Sasha Jeffrey will be playing the heroine from novels written by the Oxfordshire-based author, Lyra, and said: "Being able to perform something set and written locally has allowed me to really connect with the play."

The students have also been perfecting their camera skills as they visited Balliol College to film some key scenes for the show.

Film company Electric Robin provided the equipment and time to help the young performers experience life on a film set.

LED screens will be used during the performance to project the films and actors will interact with their pre-recorded selves.

Kerry Wilkins, also directing, added: "We are so incredibly lucky that we have been able to utilise links within the professional theatre and TV world in order to give our students the best experience.

"Students have been extremely professional and have used this experience to take their performances to the next level."

Tickets to the performances are available via the school's reception: 01865 862232