Time to shine

Unassuming Pride And Prejudice character Mary takes centre stage in this comedy-drama starring Ruth Jones and Richard E Grant

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Pride And Prejudice was all about witty Lizzy and beautiful Jane – now it's the turn of plain middle sister Mary to take the spotlight in The Other Bennet Sister.

This comedy-drama – based on Janice Hadlow's 2020 novel – gives Mary a main character makeover as she strives to overcome her mother's disappointment in her lack of superficial charm.

Mary is played by actress Ella Bruccoleri, while Richard E Grant takes on the role of the benign Mr Bennet and Ruth Jones embodies the hysterical Mrs Bennet.

"Mary's not a typical heroine," says Ella. "She is thrust into the spotlight and doesn't quite feel that that's her place. But that's what I like so much about her. She doesn't have to be the heroine, she just has to be a real, believable person."

The story is set in Jane Austen's Regency England, and the idea that women should be decorative and demure is a major theme. Ella says the obsession with women's appearance remains relevant 200 years on.