Ruth Jones: From Austen Skeptic to Mrs. Bennet in Bold New Adaptation
In a surprising revelation, acclaimed Welsh actor Ruth Jones has confessed that she initially found Jane Austen's seminal work Pride and Prejudice to be "nonsense" before experiencing a dramatic change of heart. The Gavin and Stacey star, now 59, is trading Barry Island for the rolling hills of Herefordshire as she takes on the iconic role of Mrs. Bennet in the BBC's innovative new series The Other Bennet Sister.
A Late-Blooming Appreciation for Austen
Unlike the countless readers who discover Austen in their youth, Jones came to the beloved author's work relatively late in life. "I didn't really know a lot about Jane Austen; she didn't immediately grab me when I read Pride and Prejudice," Jones explained in a recent interview. "I was about 10-15 pages in, and I thought it was just nonsense."
However, a transformative moment occurred during her reading. "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,'" she recalled. "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]."
Reimagining a Classic Character
In The Other Bennet Sister, the spotlight shifts from the familiar heroines Lizzie Bennet (played by Poppy Gilbert) and Jane Bennet (Maddie Close) to focus on the often-overlooked middle sister, Mary Bennet (Ella Bruccoleri). Jones's portrayal of Mrs. Bennet takes the character in a decidedly darker direction than previous adaptations.
"My Mrs Bennet is certainly more of a monster than Alison's version was, for sure," Jones quipped, referencing Alison Steadman's beloved 1995 BBC portrayal. The two actors, who worked together on Gavin and Stacey, recently discussed the role at an event. "She was so happy for me," Jones shared about Steadman's reaction to her casting.
Navigating Fan Expectations and Creative Freedom
Jones acknowledges that adapting such a cherished classic comes with significant challenges. "The thing is, when there's a remake of something, often people will be very attached to the original," she noted. "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]."
Despite potential fan resistance, Jones embraced the opportunity to explore Mrs. Bennet's more extreme qualities. "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 said, adding philosophically: "You can't please everybody, and people enjoy complaining, don't they?"
Collaborative Spirit on Set
Co-stars Poppy Gilbert and Maddie Close praised Jones's approach to the role and her collaborative spirit on set. "She was really open with us about feeling vulnerable in the role because it's so different from anything she's done before," Gilbert shared. "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."
Close added warmly: "She almost became another Bennet sister," highlighting the familial atmosphere Jones helped cultivate during production.
A Role That Bridges Comedy and Drama
The part allowed Jones to showcase her versatility, seamlessly blending comedic timing with dramatic depth. She particularly enjoyed the dynamic between her character and the downtrodden Mary Bennet. "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," Jones reminisced about filming with evident amusement.
This unconventional adaptation presents Mrs. Bennet as particularly brutal toward Mary, whose self-esteem suffers under her mother's constant criticism. The series explores how Mary navigates this challenging family dynamic while discovering her own worth beyond her mother's harsh assessment.
The Other Bennet Sister represents both a departure from traditional Austen adaptations and a homecoming of sorts for Jones, who returns to period drama after her early film work in Emma (1996). The series promises to offer fresh perspectives on familiar characters while staying true to Austen's sharp observations of human nature that ultimately won over even this initially skeptical actor.
