Get to Know Mr Norrell: An Inside Look at Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
Debi Moore
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Heading our way on BBC America on June 13th is the seven-part mini-series “Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell,” adapted by Peter Harness from Susanna Clarke’s bestselling novel; and up now we have an introduction to the character of Mr Norrell, played by Eddie Marsan. Not only can he be ghastly, but you’ll feel great sympathy for him as well. Just our kind of guy!
Toby Haynes directs, and Bertie Carvel takes on the role of Jonathan Strange. Other cast members include Alice Englert, Marc Warren, Samuel West, and Charlotte Riley.
Synopsis:
1806. England is beleaguered by the long war with Napoleon, and centuries have passed since practical magicians faded into the nation’s past. However, scholars of this glorious history discover that one remains — the reclusive and skillful Mr Norrell (Marsan). His displays of magic soon thrill the nation. In London, he raises the beautiful Lady Pole (Englert) from the dead and summons an army of ghostly ships to terrify the French.
Soon the cautious and fussy Norrell is challenged by the emergence of another magician: the brilliant novice Jonathan Strange (Carvel). While trying to secure his beloved Arabella’s (Riley) hand in marriage, he meets a vagabond, the magician of Threadneedle Street, Vinculus (Paul Kaye, “Game of Thrones”), who tells him he is destined to be a great magician. Young, handsome, and daring, Strange is the very antithesis of Norrell. A dangerous battle ensues between the two great men. Their obsessions and secret dabblings with the dark arts will cause more trouble than they can imagine.
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