Free Daily Podcast Summary
The Dark Is Rising: Daily Summaries Delivered
by BBC World Service
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
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- Dec 31, 202218 min
12. The Joining of the Signs
Twelfth Night. The Old Ones gather from across the centuries. The Signs are joined together by a blacksmith with rings of gold and, as the Old Ones bid him farewell, Will is full of anguish as he returns to his own time. Listen on headphones for 3D immersive sound. #TheDarkIsRisingWill Stanton: Noah Alexander John Smith/Paul Stanton/Mr Beaumont: Thomas Arnold Bus Conductor/Jamaican Old One/James Stanton: Danny Bailey Stephen Stanton: Simon Bubb Mrs Stanton/Mrs Pettigrew/Dr Armstrong: Amanda Hadingue The Walker/Hawkin: Toby Jones Narrator: Simon McBurney The Rider/Mr Mithothin/Mr Stanton/Farmer Dawson: Tim McMullan Merriman: Paul Rhys Maggie Barnes/Mary Stanton: Natasha Stone The Lady/Miss Greythorne: Harriet Walter Herne: Miles Yekinni The chorister: Vinay Singh Radio announcer: Samuel West Soundscape design: Gareth Fry Music: Josh Sneesby Original songs by Johnny Flynn, Luisa Gerstein and Héloïse Tunstall-Behrens Adapted for audio by Robert Macfarlane and Simon McBurney Dramaturg: James Yeatman Director: Simon McBurney Producers: Catherine Bailey and Tim Bell A Complicité and Catherine Bailey Production for BBC World Service Commissioned by Simon Pitts
- Dec 30, 202217 min
11. The Hunt Rides
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 the half-light. Listen on headphones for 3D immersive sound. #TheDarkIsRisingWill Stanton: Noah Alexander John Smith/Paul Stanton/Mr Beaumont: Thomas Arnold Bus Conductor/Jamaican Old One/James Stanton: Danny Bailey Stephen Stanton: Simon Bubb Mrs Stanton/Mrs Pettigrew/Dr Armstrong: Amanda Hadingue The Walker/Hawkin: Toby Jones Narrator: Simon McBurney The Rider/Mr Mithothin/Mr Stanton/Farmer Dawson: Tim McMullan Merriman: Paul Rhys Maggie Barnes/Mary Stanton: Natasha Stone The Lady/Miss Greythorne: Harriet Walter Herne: Miles Yekinni The chorister: Vinay Singh Radio announcer: Samuel West Soundscape design: Gareth Fry Music: Josh Sneesby Original songs by Johnny Flynn, Luisa Gerstein and Héloïse Tunstall-Behrens Adapted for audio by Robert Macfarlane and Simon McBurney Dramaturg: James Yeatman Director: Simon McBurney Producers: Catherine Bailey and Tim Bell A Complicité and Catherine Bailey Production for BBC World Service Commissioned by Simon Pitts
- Dec 29, 202218 min
10. The King of Fire and Water
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 headphones for 3D immersive sound. #TheDarkIsRisingWill Stanton: Noah Alexander John Smith/Paul Stanton/Mr Beaumont: Thomas Arnold Bus Conductor/Jamaican Old One/James Stanton: Danny Bailey Stephen Stanton: Simon Bubb Mrs Stanton/Mrs Pettigrew/Dr Armstrong: Amanda Hadingue The Walker/Hawkin: Toby Jones Narrator: Simon McBurney The Rider/Mr Mithothin/Mr Stanton/Farmer Dawson: Tim McMullan Merriman: Paul Rhys Maggie Barnes/Mary Stanton: Natasha Stone The Lady/Miss Greythorne: Harriet Walter Herne: Miles Yekinni The chorister: Vinay Singh Radio announcer: Samuel West Soundscape design: Gareth Fry Music: Josh Sneesby Original songs by Johnny Flynn, Luisa Gerstein and Héloïse Tunstall-Behrens Adapted for audio by Robert Macfarlane and Simon McBurney Dramaturg: James Yeatman Director: Simon McBurney Producers: Catherine Bailey and Tim Bell A Complicité and Catherine Bailey Production for BBC World Service Commissioned by Simon Pitts
- Dec 28, 202218 min
9. Hawk in the Dark
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 discovers the awful truth of The Walker’s identity. Listen on headphones for 3D immersive sound. #TheDarkIsRisingWill Stanton: Noah Alexander John Smith/Paul Stanton/Mr Beaumont: Thomas Arnold Bus Conductor/Jamaican Old One/James Stanton: Danny Bailey Stephen Stanton: Simon Bubb Mrs Stanton/Mrs Pettigrew/Dr Armstrong: Amanda Hadingue The Walker/Hawkin: Toby Jones Narrator: Simon McBurney The Rider/Mr Mithothin/Mr Stanton/Farmer Dawson: Tim McMullan Merriman: Paul Rhys Maggie Barnes/Mary Stanton: Natasha Stone The Lady/Miss Greythorne: Harriet Walter Herne: Miles Yekinni The chorister: Vinay Singh Radio announcer: Samuel West Soundscape design: Gareth Fry Music: Josh Sneesby Original songs by Johnny Flynn, Luisa Gerstein and Héloïse Tunstall-Behrens Adapted for audio by Robert Macfarlane and Simon McBurney Dramaturg: James Yeatman Director: Simon McBurney Producers: Catherine Bailey and Tim Bell A Complicité and Catherine Bailey Production for BBC World Service Commissioned by Simon Pitts
- Dec 27, 202217 min
8. The Coming of the Cold
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 immersive sound. #TheDarkIsRisingWill Stanton: Noah Alexander John Smith/Paul Stanton/Mr Beaumont: Thomas Arnold Bus Conductor/Jamaican Old One/James Stanton: Danny Bailey Stephen Stanton: Simon Bubb Mrs Stanton/Mrs Pettigrew/Dr Armstrong: Amanda Hadingue The Walker/Hawkin: Toby Jones Narrator: Simon McBurney The Rider/Mr Mithothin/Mr Stanton/Farmer Dawson: Tim McMullan Merriman: Paul Rhys Maggie Barnes/Mary Stanton: Natasha Stone The Lady/Miss Greythorne: Harriet Walter Herne: Miles Yekinni The chorister: Vinay Singh Radio announcer: Samuel West Soundscape design: Gareth Fry Music: Josh Sneesby Original songs by Johnny Flynn, Luisa Gerstein and Héloïse Tunstall-Behrens Adapted for audio by Robert Macfarlane and Simon McBurney Dramaturg: James Yeatman Director: Simon McBurney Producers: Catherine Bailey and Tim Bell A Complicité and Catherine Bailey Production for BBC World Service Commissioned by Simon Pitts
- Dec 26, 202217 min
7. The Besieging
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 immersive sound. #TheDarkIsRisingWill Stanton: Noah Alexander John Smith/Paul Stanton/Mr Beaumont: Thomas Arnold Bus Conductor/Jamaican Old One/James Stanton: Danny Bailey Stephen Stanton: Simon Bubb Mrs Stanton/Mrs Pettigrew/Dr Armstrong: Amanda Hadingue The Walker/Hawkin: Toby Jones Narrator: Simon McBurney The Rider/Mr Mithothin/Mr Stanton/Farmer Dawson: Tim McMullan Merriman: Paul Rhys Maggie Barnes/Mary Stanton: Natasha Stone The Lady/Miss Greythorne: Harriet Walter Herne: Miles Yekinni The chorister: Vinay Singh Radio announcer: Samuel West Soundscape design: Gareth Fry Music: Josh Sneesby Original songs by Johnny Flynn, Luisa Gerstein and Héloïse Tunstall-Behrens Adapted for audio by Robert Macfarlane and Simon McBurney Dramaturg: James Yeatman Director: Simon McBurney Producers: Catherine Bailey and Tim Bell A Complicité and Catherine Bailey Production for BBC World Service Commissioned by Simon Pitts
- Dec 25, 202217 min
6. The Opening of the Present
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 Rider can strike. But at home on Christmas morning there is a knock at the door. Listen on headphones for 3D immersive sound. #TheDarkIsRisingWill Stanton: Noah Alexander John Smith/Paul Stanton/Mr Beaumont: Thomas Arnold Bus Conductor/Jamaican Old One/James Stanton: Danny Bailey Stephen Stanton: Simon Bubb Mrs Stanton/Mrs Pettigrew/Dr Armstrong: Amanda Hadingue The Walker/Hawkin: Toby Jones Narrator: Simon McBurney The Rider/Mr Mithothin/Mr Stanton/Farmer Dawson: Tim McMullan Merriman: Paul Rhys Maggie Barnes/Mary Stanton: Natasha Stone The Lady/Miss Greythorne: Harriet Walter Herne: Miles Yekinni The chorister: Vinay Singh Radio announcer: Samuel West Soundscape design: Gareth Fry Music: Josh Sneesby Original songs by Johnny Flynn, Luisa Gerstein and Héloïse Tunstall-Behrens Adapted for audio by Robert Macfarlane and Simon McBurney Dramaturg: James Yeatman Director: Simon McBurney Producers: Catherine Bailey and Tim Bell A Complicité and Catherine Bailey Production for BBC World Service Commissioned by Simon Pitts
- Dec 24, 202217 min
5. The Book of Gramarye
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. Listen on headphones for 3D immersive sound. #TheDarkIsRisingWill Stanton: Noah Alexander John Smith/Paul Stanton/Mr Beaumont: Thomas Arnold Bus Conductor/Jamaican Old One/James Stanton: Danny Bailey Stephen Stanton: Simon Bubb Mrs Stanton/Mrs Pettigrew/Dr Armstrong: Amanda Hadingue The Walker/Hawkin: Toby Jones Narrator: Simon McBurney The Rider/Mr Mithothin/Mr Stanton/Farmer Dawson: Tim McMullan Merriman: Paul Rhys Maggie Barnes/Mary Stanton: Natasha Stone The Lady/Miss Greythorne: Harriet Walter Herne: Miles Yekinni The chorister: Vinay Singh Radio announcer: Samuel West Soundscape design: Gareth Fry Music: Josh Sneesby Original songs by Johnny Flynn, Luisa Gerstein and Héloïse Tunstall-Behrens Adapted for audio by Robert Macfarlane and Simon McBurney Dramaturg: James Yeatman Director: Simon McBurney Producers: Catherine Bailey and Tim Bell A Complicité and Catherine Bailey Production for BBC World Service Commissioned by Simon Pitts
Get The Dark Is Rising summaries in your inbox
Free AI-powered daily recaps. Key takeaways, quotes, and mentions — in a 5-minute read.
Get Free Summaries →Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
You Might Also Like
Listeners also like.
The Road of Shadows
A man who sees creatures hiding among humans helps a woman find her missing sister in a remote town.
In Dark Corners
Alex Renton investigates hidden aspects of British society as a journalist, broadcaster, and historian.
Children of the Stones
A girl and her father uncover a sinister ancient power in a village surrounded by a mysterious stone circle.
A Voice From Darkness
A parapsychologist takes calls from people experiencing supernatural phenomena on a late-night radio show.
After Dark: Myths, Misdeeds & the Paranormal
Explores historical mysteries, paranormal events, and dark folklore through stories of hauntings, conspiracies, and unexplained phenomena.
World of Secrets
Investigative reports from the BBC uncovering global crimes and hidden truths, one story at a time.
The Lovecraft Investigations
An investigation into witchcraft, the occult, and secret government operations based on H.P. Lovecraft's works.
Dark History
Reveals dark, overlooked historical events like tyrannical rulers and corporate crimes that were omitted from mainstream education.
Scary Stories Told in the Dark — A Horror Fiction Anthology Series
A horror fiction anthology featuring chilling tales from independent authors, narrated by storyteller Malcolm Blackwood.
Beyond the Dark
Immersive sci-fi tales set in cyberpunk cities, wastelands, and alien planets, each with original music.
The Coming Storm
A journalist investigates the roots and rise of American conspiracy theories, from Cold War paranoia to modern claims of a Deep State.
Witch
A modern exploration of witchcraft through history, folklore, and contemporary practice.
Customized Recaps
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Straight to Your Inbox
Get key takeaways from The Dark Is Rising in a 5-minute read.
Save Hours Every Week
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's The Dark Is Rising daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of The Dark Is Rising as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the The Dark Is Rising podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official The Dark Is Rising product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by BBC World Service.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does The Dark Is Rising release new episodes?
The Dark Is Rising publishes daily. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does The Dark Is Rising cover?
The Dark Is Rising covers topics including Fiction, Drama. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Start getting The Dark Is Rising summaries tomorrow morning.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.