Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, TV review: This drama set in Regency-era England is a real treat
Eddie Marsan (right) is the sort of character actor who improves everything he’s in, and is perfect as the miserly, reticent Mr Norrell
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Too posh for Poldark? This weekend was made for fans of more sophisticated period drama, with not only 1864 to get stuck into, but also the seven-part adaptation of Susanna Clark’s fantasy novel Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell on BBC1.
It’s set in a Regency-era England where sorcery is real, but long dormant, and it’s up to two rival magicians to revive the ancient art. The special effects are important (and good), but the most crucial element of this screen adaptation was always going to be casting.
Eddie Marsan is the sort of character actor who improves everything he’s in, and is perfect as the miserly, reticent Mr Norrell, while Bertie Carvel has all the genial energy necessary to do justice to the young pretender, Strange. A real treat.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments