The Times reports that Philip Pullman made a surprise cameo appearance at the Oxford Playhouse last night in a stage production of His Dark Materials. Pullman came on stage for ten minutes in the non-speaking role of an Oxford scholar. “It was enormous fun. I really enjoyed the whole experience. Even though I didn’t have a huge part, I was rehearsed within an inch of my life. When they asked me to take part, I realised I had a burning ambition to be on the stage.” The audience was not told that Mr Pullman would take part and the only clue they had to his real identity was when his character was congratulated on his books.