| In 1913, young Richard Herncastle joins his Uncle Nick's magic act and is introduced to the enchanted world of the British music hall. Travelling from one city to the next, assisting at conjuring acts and disappearing acts, Richard comes to know romance, politics, and high adventure. The next year, in a true and terrifying vanishing act, the guns of August blast away that world forever. |
| Name | Character | Episodes |
|---|---|---|
| Colin Firth | Richard Herncastle | 7 |
| Laurence Olivier | Harry Burrard | 7 |
| Beatie Edney | Nancy Ellis | 7 |
| Pamela Stephenson | Lily Farris | 7 |
| Mike Edmonds | Barney | 7 |
| Gillian Bevan | Cissie Mapes | 7 |
| Jim Carter | Inspector Crabb | 7 |
| John Castle | Nick Ollanton | 7 |
| Brian Glover | Tommy Beamish | 7 |
| Patricia Quinn | Doris Tingley | 7 |
| Carmen du Sautoy | Julie Blane | 7 |
| Alfred Marks | Otto Mergen | 7 |
| Mick Walter | Philip Tewby (as Big Mick) | 7 |