It’s a truth universally acknowledged that we’ve rarely met a BBC Jane Austen drama that we didn’t like. Over the years, we've had the big hitters like Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice and, more recently, Miss Austen. Now, there's a new one on the horizon, which goes by the name of The Other Bennet Sister and, dare we say it, it's the Jane Austen drama of dreams.
Starring the always brilliant Ruth Jones and Richard E. Grant, the upcoming series is based on the 2020 novel of the same name by Janice Hadlow and, to get you up to speed, the “other” Bennet sister being referred to is Mary, the middle daughter of the five Bennet sisters in Pride and Prejudice. The new drama will focus on the “prim and pious” Mary’s point of view and will show another side to one of literature's favourite gang of sisters.
According to the BBC's Head of Drama, Lindsay Salt, the 10-part series will be a “vibrant, witty and clever new take on Jane Austen's beloved world". Will it go into our most-loved Austen shows of all-time? We think so. Ahead of its arrival on our screens this weekend, here’s everything you need to know about The Other Bennet Sister, including the plot, cast and how to watch it.
What is The Other Bennet Sister about?
Janice Hadlow’s Regency-set novel focuses on the “plainest” Bennet sister of them all, Mary. But the book shows another side to her. Described as “an introvert in a family of extroverts; a constant disappointment to her mother who values beauty above all else; fearful of her father’s sharp tongue; with little in common with her siblings”, the novel questions: is it any wonder she turns to books for both company and guidance?
One by one, as in Pride and Prejudice, her sisters marry but Mary appears to be destined to remain single and live out her life at Longbourn forever, until she slowly discovers that perhaps there is hope for her, after all. As for the show, the series synopsis explains: “The Gardiners [Mary's aunt and uncle] take Mary under their wing as governess to their three children - Marianne George and Rebecca - introducing her to an exciting new social world that includes Mr Hayward, Mr Ryder, and Ann Baxter.”
Lindsay Salt, Director of BBC Drama, says of the series: “It's a joy to see cameras rolling on our vibrant, witty and clever new take on Jane Austen's beloved world. With a pitch perfect cast led by Ella, Ruth and Richard, The Other Bennet Sister will be an irresistible treat for viewers when it launches on the BBC next year.”
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Who's in the cast of The Other Bennet Sister?
Richard E. Grant, who previously starred in another Jane Austen adaptation, Persuasion, on Netflix in 2022, will play Mr Bennet, alongside Gavin & Stacey star Ruth Jones, who will be playing his wife, Mrs Bennet. As for the lead role of Mary, that goes to Ella Bruccoleri, perhaps best known for her role of Sister Frances in Call The Midwife. She’s also appeared in Bridgerton and Disney+’s Extraordinary. Indira Varma and Richard Coyle will play Mr and Mrs Gardiner, Mary’s worldly aunt and uncle; while Laurie Davidson and Dónal Finn will star as Mr. Ryder and Mr. Hayward, respectively.
The rest of the cast includes:
- Varada Sethu plays Ann Baxter
- Aaron Gill is John Sparrow
- Maddie Close is Jane Bennet
- Poppy Gilbert is Lizzy Bennet
- Molly Wright is Kitty Bennet
- Grace Hogg-Robinson is Lydia Bennet
- Tanya Reynolds is Caroline Bingley
- Anna Fenton-Garvey is Charlotte Lucas
- Ryan Sampson is Mr Collins
- Roisin Bhalla is Marianne Gardiner
- Reggie Absolom is George Gardiner
- Jasmine Sharp is Rebecca Gardiner
How can I watch The Other Bennet Sister?
The Other Bennet Sister will premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 8pm on Sunday 15th March. While you wait, you can catch up on another Jane Austen-inspired series, Miss Austen, on the BBC here.
