The cast and crew of the upcoming BBC drama The Other Bennet Sister share why Jane Austen's characters remain relatable today, especially as her 250th birthday approaches. Centering on the overlooked middle Bennet sister Mary, the series explores her journey of self-discovery in a follow-up to Pride and Prejudice. Actors highlight themes of anxiety, family dynamics, and societal expectations that resonate with modern audiences.
Overview of The Other Bennet Sister
The Other Bennet Sister is an upcoming BBC drama based on Janice Hadlow's novel of the same name. It shifts focus from the more prominent Bennet sisters in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice to Mary, the anxious and awkward middle sibling. In the story, Mary takes on the role of governess to the Gardiner family, continuing the narrative after the events of the original novel where she is remembered for her uncomfortable piano performance at a ball.
Screenwriter Sarah Quintrell, who adapted the novel, discovered Austen's works as a teenager and found deep connections to the characters despite initial doubts. 'I came to [Jane] Austen as a kid from Croydon, in my teens, thinking that she couldn't possibly have anything to say to me,' Quintrell recalls. She emphasizes how Mary's struggles to find her place in the world will appeal to contemporary viewers.
Cast Insights on Relatability
Ella Bruccoleri, portraying teenage Mary, describes her character as an 'atypical period drama heroine' lacking the usual poise of Regency protagonists. The actress notes Mary's emotional journey involves detaching from her overbearing mother, Mrs. Bennet, and seeking self-validation.
Maddie Close, playing Jane Bennet, praises the series for depicting Mary's coming-of-age and path to self-acceptance, which she sees as vital for young people navigating social media. Grace Hogg-Robinson (Lydia Bennet) adds that many feel like the 'forgotten' sibling, making Mary particularly relatable. Poppy Gilbert (Lizzy Bennet) relates personally to Mary's experiences of constant comparison, while Molly Wright (Kitty Bennet) highlights Austen's progressive views on marriage and feminism.
Costume designer Sian Jenkins visually tracks Mary's growth through evolving wardrobe colors, from muted tones to vibrant greens and reds, despite maternal criticism.
Why Austen Endures
As Jane Austen's 250th birthday arrives, the team underscores her timeless commentary on relationships and society. Hogg-Robinson points to modern trends like TikTok discussions of Mr. Darcy's changes in behavior, echoing Austen's insights from over two centuries ago. Quintrell hopes the series invites broader audiences to engage with Austen's world, proving its accessibility regardless of background.
The drama promises intimate sibling moments beyond formal settings, like casual family interactions. The Other Bennet Sister is set to air soon on the BBC.
