Post by Imbannedeverywhere on Jul 14, 2015 9:13:12 GMT
The strange tale of duelling magicians in Georgian England cast a spell on actor Bertie Carvel long before he found himself playing one of them on television.
"I read it years and years ago when it was first published," he says of Susanna Clarke's novel Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, which has now been adapted into a seven-part television series.
"It sat on the shelf for a couple of years gloomily looking shunned and then I took it down one wet weekend and couldn't believe I'd not gone to it sooner. I just ate it up."
TV Guide is in stores every Thursday.
TV Guide is in stores every Thursday.
Bertie, best known for roles on stage in musicals such as Matilda, says being cast as Jonathan Strange was enough to make him believe in magic – even if it also brings with it pressure to live up to the expectations of the book's fans.
"It's a huge responsibility but I'd rather that than invest it to someone else to mash it up," he says.
The story begins in the early 1800s when magic in England is limited to theoretical debates in pubs – until Gilbert Norrell, a collector of books about the dark arts, takes England by storm.
However, when Norrell brings back to life the fiancee of a grieving politician it brings him into contact with Jonathan Strange, a wastrel who discovers he also has a hitherto undiscovered talent for magic.
The drama follows the pair as their relationship evolves from master and pupil to fierce rivals, whose talents play a key role in the Napoleonic wars.
"I read it years and years ago when it was first published," he says of Susanna Clarke's novel Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, which has now been adapted into a seven-part television series.
"It sat on the shelf for a couple of years gloomily looking shunned and then I took it down one wet weekend and couldn't believe I'd not gone to it sooner. I just ate it up."
TV Guide is in stores every Thursday.
TV Guide is in stores every Thursday.
Bertie, best known for roles on stage in musicals such as Matilda, says being cast as Jonathan Strange was enough to make him believe in magic – even if it also brings with it pressure to live up to the expectations of the book's fans.
"It's a huge responsibility but I'd rather that than invest it to someone else to mash it up," he says.
The story begins in the early 1800s when magic in England is limited to theoretical debates in pubs – until Gilbert Norrell, a collector of books about the dark arts, takes England by storm.
However, when Norrell brings back to life the fiancee of a grieving politician it brings him into contact with Jonathan Strange, a wastrel who discovers he also has a hitherto undiscovered talent for magic.
The drama follows the pair as their relationship evolves from master and pupil to fierce rivals, whose talents play a key role in the Napoleonic wars.
Sounds good, may have to give this a watch
www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/tv-radio/tv-guide/70210247/magical-new-show-jonathan-strange--mr-norrel-rewrites-history
watchseries.ag/serie/Jonathan-Strange-and-Mr-Norrell
