Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell (BBC-2 2015, Bertie Carvel)

Based on Susanna Clarke’s epic fantasy novel seven part series Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell takes us into the 19th century – but not our 19th century but one where magic has all but been forgotten about and the once powerful magicians of the past – the most charismatic people of the day – are no more.

As the story begins the lives of the highly reclusive Mr Norrell (Eddie Marsan – thought to be the last great magician still living) and that of wealthy Jonathan Strange (Bertie Carvel) intertwine when Strange discovers he too has magical powers and embarks on a mission to prove that he is the greatest living magician.

Definitely not your run of the mill period piece what with talking statues in York Minster and attempts to reanimate the dead but costumes and production design are superb and the series carries much of the books highly eccentric flavour with it.

Cast: Bertie Carvel as Jonathan Strange; Eddie Marsan as Mr Norrell; Marc Warren as The Gentleman; Charlotte Riley as Arabella; Alice Englert as Lady Pole; Samuel West as Sir Walter Pole; Enzo Clienti as Childermass; Paul Kaye as Vinculus; Edward Hogg as Segundus; Arlyon Bakare as Stephen Black; Vincent Franklin as Drawlight; John Heffernan as Lascelles; Brian Pettifer as Honeyfoot; Vernon Dobtcheff as Laurence Strange; Robert Hands as Henry; Phoebe Nicholls as Mrs Wintertowne

Writer: Peter Harness / Producer: Nick Hirschkorn

UK / BBC-2 / 7×60 minute episodes / Broadcast May – June 2015