The Magician's House
Four siblings uncover a magician's secrets in a Welsh-border valley.
The Magician's House is a quartet of children's fantasy books by William Corlett, adapted into two British television mini-series in 1999 directed by Paul Lynch. The series is notable for its blend of present-day and historical settings, with a rural backdrop that evokes the works of authors like Elizabeth Goudge, Alan Garner, and Susan Cooper. Jennifer Saunders and Stephen Fry voiced several animal characters in the television adaptation.
Quick Facts
- Genre
- Fantasy/Children's television
- Creator
- William Corlett (books)
- Director
- Paul Lynch
- Composer
- Ken Williams
- Starring
- Ian Richardson
- Neil Pearson
- Siân Phillips
- Katie Stuart
- Christopher Redman
- Olivia Coles
- Steven Webb
- Voices
- Jennifer Saunders
- Stephen Fry
- Gary Martin
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Language
- English
Facts from the source article.
Book 1: The Steps up the Chimney (1990)
The first book introduces the Constant siblings—William, Mary, and Alice—who arrive at Golden House for the Christmas holidays. The house, purchased by their uncle Jack and his partner Phoebe, is intended to become a hotel, but most of it is uninhabitable. The children dislike Phoebe, who is pregnant and shares a liberal outlook that contrasts with their traditional views; they are also surprised to learn that Jack and Phoebe are vegetarian. While exploring the house, the children discover hidden steps behind the main fireplace that lead to a secret room. There they meet Stephen Tyler, an Elizabethan alchemist from 400 years earlier who can travel through time. Tyler explains that his alchemical work is not about making gold but about something else he will reveal when the time is right, and he asks for the children's help. A map at the front of the book shows Golden House and its walled garden with a central dovecote.
Book 2: The Door in the Tree (1991)
The map in the second book shows a wider view of Golden Valley, including a wood trail through the centre, a standing stone, the start of a lake, a quarry on the left, and a small house with four fields on the right. The children return to Golden House for the Easter holidays. They find that the left path has become a dark, dangerous place where animals go to die, while the right path leads to a small farm owned by Meg Lewis, an elderly woman whose family once owned Golden House. The children discover a secret hideout in an old yew tree that aligns with the secret room in Golden House. The threat comes from modern-day badger baiters who travel across England taking badgers from their sets to force them to fight dogs. The Magician initially tells the children to stop helping the badgers and focus on his task, but they ignore him, and he leaves. Eventually, the baiters are stopped with help from the children, their animal friends, Meg, Jack, and the local police. It is then revealed that the Magician wanted the children to help the badgers all along, as his work involves maintaining the natural order of Golden Valley across all time periods.
Book 4: The Bridge in the Clouds (1992)
The map in the final book expands to show the entire valley and surrounding land, with annotations indicating ownership. When the children leave Golden Valley at the end of the summer holidays, Morden's negative influence grows stronger. Returning for the autumn half-term, they find the house a depressingly evil place. The Magician, now acknowledging his age and inability to protect the valley forever, explains that he has been teaching the children so they can pass on his knowledge and guide the newest Tyler, Stephanie. A large battle between good and evil ensues, with the valley's animals choosing sides. Multiple deaths occur, and Stephen Tyler is fatally injured, dying in his own time. A glimpse of the future shows Stephanie as a teenager still living at Golden House and exploring its secrets, with hints that she and a descendant of the Crawden family eventually become a couple and have children, potentially uniting the two warring families. The book ends in the children's time, with much work remaining before Stephen Tyler's wishes are fulfilled.
About the books
The central characters—William, Mary, and Alice Constant—were inspired by three real children who were friends and neighbours of William Corlett during his time living in Great Bardfield. Corlett infused elements of their personalities and experiences into the fictional siblings, lending authenticity to the characters. The books are dedicated to the Dyson family: The Steps up the Chimney to the Dyson family; The Door in the Tree to Alice Dyson, who is also the focus of that story; The Tunnel behind the Waterfall to William Dyson, with William as the central character; and The Bridge in the Clouds to Mary Dyson, centering on her. These dedications reflect Corlett's practice of blending real-life experiences with fantasy in his narratives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who stars in The Magician's House?
The Magician's House stars Ian Richardson, Neil Pearson, Siân Phillips, Katie Stuart, Christopher Redman, Olivia Coles and Steven Webb.
Which network aired The Magician's House?
The Magician's House aired on BBC 1.
How many episodes of The Magician's House are there?
The Magician's House has 12 episodes across 2 seasons.
When did The Magician's House first air?
The Magician's House first aired on 31 October 1999.
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