The series was remade twenty years later with David Suchet as the voice of the Phoenix. Although the effects were better in the 90s version, the phoenix looked like a cross between Rod Hull’s Emu and Orville the duck.
A second-hand carpet is delivered to the Bastable household in London. The four Bastable children find a large egg rolled up in the carpet. When they accidentally knock it into the fire, it hatches, and a talking Phoenix emerges.
The new carpet, in fact, is a magic carpet and can take the children anywhere, and with it, they have some exotic adventures.
The Phoenix is a friend of the Psammead, whom the children already know, and his help is sometimes called upon.
In the final episode, the Phoenix decides it is time for him to begin his cycle again, going up in flames to arise from the ashes in two thousand years’ time. He lays an egg and immolates himself.
The Phoenix (voice)
David Suchet The Psammead (voice)
Francis Wright Anthea Bastable
Jessica Fox Cyril (“Squirrel”) Bastable
Ben Simpson Jane Bastable
Charlotte Chinn Robert Bastable
Ivan Berry Cook
Miriam Margolyes Eliza
Lesley Dunlop Mr Tonks
Christopher Biggins Mrs Bibble
Gemma Jones Burglar
Shaun Dingwall Lily
Jean Alexander Miss Peasmarsh
Miranda Pleasence Amelia
Nicola Redmond Father
Ian Keith Mother
Mary Waterhouse
