The Sorcerer's Apprentice

The Sorcerer's Apprentice is a children's television programme that aired on BBC One. It was hosted by Barney Harwood, and saw 14 lucky scholars picked from auditions taking place across the UK. The successful applicants were then taken to magic school, where they were given 18 days of training by professional magicians. The programme ran for 21 episodes in July 2007. It was broadcast to co-ordinate with the release of the final Harry Potter book, and the fifth film. The Sorcerer was Max Somerset, and the two teachers were Sophie Evans and Tariq Knight. David Penn was a regular on The Sorcerer's Apprentice Extra, a follow-up programme broadcast the following day on BBC Two. He also starred in the second series. Series 2, which had a completely new look and followed 12 new children, started filming in August 2008 and began broadcasting on 25 January 2009 on BBC Two. Max Somerset returned as the Sorcerer along with the magic teachers Tariq Knight aka Mr Knight and Sophie Evans aka Miss Evans. Ortis Deley hosted for this 10 part series. Series 3 also finished filming in 2008. Series 3 finished filming in 2008 but has never been aired. The show has not been axed eithier so there is a possibility series 3 will be aired. However it is assumed that there will no longer be another series as the last broadcast of the second series was in 2008.

Directed by —, The Sorcerer's Apprentice leans on a strong ensemble — Barney Harwood, Ortis Deley — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The series landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 2007.