In BBC’s The Other Bennet Sister, we see the ‘monstrous’ depths of Mrs Bennet’s outrageous bravado – effortlessly executed by the inimitable Ruth Jones.
The Gavin and Stacey star, 59, is switching out Barry Island for Jane Austen’s Herefordshire as she steps back into the period drama world to portray English literature’s most determined mother (opposite Richard E. Grant as Mr Bennet).
In this unconventional Pride and Prejudice spin-off, the witty Lizzie (Poppy Gilbert) and beautiful Jane (Maddie Close) take a backseat as the overlooked fifth sister, Mary Bennet (Ella Bruccoleri), steps to the fore.
Although the 1813 novel (and its variation adaptations) is a staple of most people’s youth, the case couldn’t be more different for the Welsh actor, as she told Metro.
Much like her co-star Ella, Ruth shared she came to the beloved story ‘late’, in her ‘early 30s’, after doing the film Emma (1996), and, unlike Jane and Bingley, it wasn’t love at first sight.
‘I didn’t really know a lot about Jane Austen; she didn’t immediately grab me when I read Pride and Prejudice. I was about 10-15 pages in, and I thought it was just nonsense.
‘Then there was something – I wish I could remember what point it was – but I just thought: “Oh my gosh, her observation of human behaviour and human psychology is astonishing.”
‘Considering this was being written in the 18th century, it was so modern and so relatable. Then I was converted and [read more of her novels].’
Still, even familiar with Pride and Prejudice, Ruth’s version of Mrs Bennet takes on a (rather brutal) life of her own.
Resigned to her life as a spinster, Mary’s self-esteem is thoroughly beaten down by Mrs Bennet, who clearly believes she’s good for nothing beyond embarrassing the family at public events – leaving it to the rest of the world to remind Mary of her worth.
Of course, Ruth’s Gavin and Stacey co-star, Alison Steadman, played Mrs Bennet in the BBC’s 1995 version. Had they discussed their shared role yet?
‘I haven’t had a chance to,’ she replied.
‘We were at an event together, and it was a bit of a secret that I was gonna play Mrs. Bennet, but I did say: “Guess what, I’m playing Mrs. Bennet in this new adaptation,” and she was so happy for me.
‘She’s fabulous, Alison. Be interesting to see what she thinks of my Mrs Bennet. My Mrs Bennet is certainly more of a monster than Alison’s version was, for sure,’ she quipped.
In fact, there’s more than one scene in which, almost always uncalled for, Mrs Bennet delivers a scathing comment to our downtrodden lead.
‘It just used to make me laugh, because I knew when I was gonna have to, as Mrs. Bennet, say something awful to [her]. Just the look on [Mary’s] face of confusion,’ she reminisced about filming with a laugh.
Given the differences between the original story and this through-the-looking-glass take, Ruth acknowledged that winning fans over would be easier said than done.
‘The thing is, when there’s a remake of something, often people will be very attached to the original.
‘So in some ways, you’ve got to prove yourself even more. So I don’t think it’s an easy achievement because people love Pride and Prejudice. They may go the opposite [way].’
Discussing what it was like working with a TV legend like Ruth, our Jane and Lizzie shared that she was endearingly humble, especially when being dubbed a ‘national treasure’ by the cast.
‘She was really open with us about feeling vulnerable in the role because it’s so different from anything she’s done before.
‘I love that she was going: “This is new for me. I’m out of my depth”, but plunged in head first, offering such funny improvisations and great moments between Mrs Bennet and her daughters on set.
‘She was really brave, and incredibly kind,’ Poppy shared.
Maddie happily added: ‘She almost became another Bennet sister.’
Ultimately, the role allowed Ruth to flex her mastery over both comedy and drama, something she thoroughly enjoyed. Even if some fans have vocalised their hesitancy at this adaptation.
‘You can’t please everybody, and people enjoy complaining, don’t they?
‘Certainly, from my own perspective, I love characters that are extreme. I love really indulging in the melodrama of characters that are big and out there, so I had a great time,’ she praised.
The Other Bennet Sister episodes one to five are available to stream on BBC iPlayer now. Episodes six to 10 will air on Sunday, March 29.
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