This two-part scene is crucial to the development of both plot and the relationships between the key characters in His Dark Materials. It is the first encounter between Lyra, played by Anna Maxwell Martin, and the powerful and alluring Mrs Coulter (Patricia Hodge), someone whose importance we only fully understand later on. From the start there is an ambivalence in their relationship. Mrs Coulter, the sophisticated woman of the world, sets out to enlist the tomboyish Lyra on her expedition to the North. Lyra is at once attracted and suspicious, but Mrs Coulter knows what will work best. She offers peace with chocolate, before holding out the prospect of adventure in the Arctic, possibly even the chance to meet Lyra’s “Uncle” Lord Asriel. Despite herself, Lyra is hooked. The Master (Patrick Godfrey), who knows but cannot reveal what Mrs Coulter’s true motives are, is her reluctant accomplice. Contrast
the final performance of the scene with
the early rehearsal as Patricia Hodge as Mrs Coulter finds her way through the heart of what the scene is about.
No sooner has Mrs Coulter left than the Master seizes the opportunity to give Lyra a device which will play a key role in the plot:
the Alethiometer, an instrument for finding out the truth. The Master tries to convey its true importance but Lyra only partly understands. The Master’s own fears about Mrs Coulter, which he dared not voice in her presence, now come out in his urgent advice to keep the Alethiometer a secret from her. But like Mrs Coulter, he too has to overcome Lyra’s suspicions before he can be believed. Once again, you can see how the cast tackle
the scene in rehearsal. You can find more on the background to this scene in Design Props: the Alethiometer.
