The Dark Is Rising podcast artwork
Fiction

The Dark Is Rising

by BBC World Service
DramaFiction

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About the show

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 supernatural.

Latest episodes

  • 11. The Hunt Rides

    December 30, 2022 · 17 min

    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…

  • 10. The King of Fire and Water

    December 29, 2022 · 18 min

    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…

  • 9. Hawk in the Dark

    December 28, 2022 · 18 min

    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…

  • 8. The Coming of the Cold

    December 27, 2022 · 17 min

    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…

  • 7. The Besieging

    December 26, 2022 · 17 min

    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…

  • 6. The Opening of the Present

    December 25, 2022 · 17 min

    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…

  • 5. The Book of Gramarye

    December 24, 2022 · 18 min

    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…

  • 4. The Walker on the Old Way

    December 23, 2022 · 18 min

    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…