Emma Thompson is returning to the world of Sense and Sensibility in a new Audible Original, Becoming Meg Dashwood, launching exclusively on 6 October this year.
Thompson, who executive produces and stars in the audio drama, said: “I am very thrilled and proud to have been a part of bringing Audible and Rebecca Humphries’ extraordinary drama to life.
“Their vision for the youngest Dashwood sister takes us from Austen’s world into the more hidden parts of women’s lives, parts that were not written about at the time, at least not openly.
“I think Austen would have been fascinated and delighted with the language and with the story, and gladdened by the desire to take one of her characters and give her a future and a big, unexpected voice.”
The story picks up where Sense and Sensibility left off, this time focusing on Margaret Dashwood as she finds herself in Covent Garden and Soho, surrounded by bold women and new ideas. Written by actor and author Rebecca Humphries, the drama imagines a future for Margaret that is free of social expectation and full of discovery.
Humphries, making her audio drama debut, said: “My first thought, when Audible asked for a take on Margaret Dashwood, was: Jane and Cassandra Austen never married. What if Margaret didn’t want to either?
“The only way to honour Jane Austen was to do what she did: take the love story and push it somewhere new. This one’s about liberation, class, queerness, and all the things that on Jane’s 250th birthday we are still fighting to say out loud.
“Audible have assembled a true dream cast. I cannot wait for the world to hear them.”
The cast includes Emmy-nominated Erin Doherty as the younger Margaret, BAFTA-winner Naomi Ackie as her lover Nelly, and Thompson as the older Margaret. They are joined by Liz Carr, Jessica Gunning, Paterson Joseph, Greg Wise, Golda Rosheuvel and Imelda Staunton.
Composer Natasha Khan, also known as Bat For Lashes, created the score and said: “It was so fun to work on this score, bringing in modern dance elements and mixing them with more archaic melodic sounds. I really fell for the character of Meg and her cohorts; and I am excited for the world to enjoy it.”
Aurelie De Troyer, Head of Regional Content, Europe at Audible, added: “It is thrilling to see Emma Thompson return to Jane Austen’s world and executive produce this production, 30 years after winning an Academy Award for her screenplay of Sense and Sensibility, which was such an iconic movie adaptation.
“Becoming Meg Dashwood is a wonderful, inventive production, which we know our listeners and Austen fans will tremendously enjoy.”
Becoming Meg Dashwood is available now to pre-order on audible.co.uk. Audible membership may be required.
