Florence Hoath as Elsie Wright

Elizabeth Earl as Frances Griffiths

Paul McGann as Arthur Wright

Peter O'Toole as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Harvey Keitel as Harry Houdini

Phoebe Nicholls as Polly Wright

Bill Nighy as Edward Gardner

Tim McInnerny as John Ferret, a Reporter

Joseph May as Houdini's Assistant

Peter Mullan as Sergeant Farmer

Anna Chancellor as Peter Pan

Lara Morgan as Jean Doyle

Adam Franks as Adrian Doyle

Guy Witcher as Denis Doyle

Peter Wight as Newspaper Editor

Anton Lesser as Wounded Corporal

Bob Peck as Harry Briggs

Lynn Farleigh as Mrs. Thornton, the Teacher

David Calder as Harold Snelling

Anthony Calf as Geoffrey Hodson

Benjamin Whitrow as Mr. Binley

Barbara Hicks as City Woman

Paul Popplewell as Second Soldier

Ina Clough as Lady Calling to Fairies

Tom Sturridge as Hab, a Fairy

Tom Georgeson as Reporter

Anna Brecon as Elabigathe, a Fairy

Bill Stewart as Chess MC

Mel Gibson as Frances' Father (uncredited)