Stuck without something to watch now Poldark has finished? Don't worry - the first trailer for the BBC’s new fantasy drama Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell has arrived, boasting more period costumes, a great cast, and tonnes spooky visuals, if not a semi-naked Aidan Turner.
The show is based on Susanna Clarke’s 2004 Hugo Award-winning novel of the same name, set in an alternative version of England, 1806, during the Napoleonic Wars. Belief in magic has faded out among the British people, but two new magical forces arrive in the form of Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell. But their dabbling in the dark arts has consequences…
With lavish production values, the trailer promises a quality new BBC drama with a mischievous tone and plenty of supernatural nasties.
The series stars Eddie Marsan as the reclusive Mr Norrell, and Bertie Carvel as the charming and arrogant Jonathan Strange. Carvel is a noted fan of Clarke’s novel, and has long wanted to portray Strange in an adaptation.
Poldark - in pictures
"I read the book some years ago and was totally enchanted," Carvel said. "I've been casting spells for the part of Strange ever since. It is a considerable surprise to find that some of them worked!"
The seven-part series is due to arrive on BBC One in May.
