DC and Lisa introduce an interview with writer of The Other Bennet Sister, Sarah Quintrell.  They  discuss the show’s enthusiastic reception, including its US launch and high Rotten Tomatoes scores. Quintrell explains why Mary Bennet’s story resonates now, focusing on nuanced female and young female experiences, and recounts her own introduction to Jane Austen. She describes discovering the manuscript through producer Jane Tranter while working at Bad Wolf, her concern about being pushed to sensationalize the story, and the creative decision to shift from hour-long episodes to ten half-hour installments. She discusses bringing in Maddie Dye to write episode four, creating the character Anne Baxter to support Mary’s journey, portraying complex mother figures, and casting choices including Ella Bruccoleri as Mary, Donal Finn as Heywood, Lucy Briers as Hill, and Tanya Reynolds’ Caroline Bingley. Quintrell notes conversations about potential future stories while avoiding “cheating” the audience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David and Lisa Campbell celebrate Mother’s Day, discuss gifts, and begin an episode-by-episode series on Sanditon. They outline the novel’s history—Austen’s unfinished 1817 work (originally titled The Brothers), twelve chapters published in 1925—and compare its focus and structure to the ITV adaptation developed by Andrew Davies. They recap Sanditon episode one: the Parkers’ pitch for a new seaside resort, Lady Denham as chief investor, the arrival of Sidney Parker (Theo James), hints of inheritance scheming, and a sexual incident involving Sir Edward and Clara. They discuss the show’s modern, decadent look, sea-bathing machines, fast editing, character tropes, and the introduction of Miss Lambe, a wealthy woman of color written by Austen. They close by teasing an upcoming interview with Sarah Quintrell, writer of The Other Bennet Sister. Instagram @in2theaustenverse  Tiktok @in2theaustenverse and on YouTube @intotheaustenverse Email us at [email protected] - we would love to hear from you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A quick update on the Austenverse with two of the new entrants joining forces at fashion's Night of Nights, then on to America's first impressions of TOBS before we get the further interview that David did with Ella Bruccoleri for his TV show, Today Extra. Find out more about us at Instagram @in2theaustenverse, Tiktok @in2theaustenverse and on YouTube @intotheaustenverse Or write to us at [email protected]  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts David and Lisa Campbell preview upcoming The Other Bennet Sister content (including more Ella Bruccoleri) and then discuss the 2007 film The Jane Austen Book Club, based on Karen Joy Fowler’s bestselling novel, questioning whether it belongs in the “Austenverse.” From dog funerals to separating eggs, this film has it all... maybe a little too much.   What do you think?  What about DC's hot take regarding the student being a figment of Prudie (Emily Blunt)'s imagination?  Are you Team Grigg?  Let us know what you think:   Here are all the details of where to find us and get in touch: Instagram @in2theaustenverse  Tiktok @in2theaustenverse and on YouTube @intotheaustenverse Email us at [email protected] - we would love to hear from you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DC and Lisa reflect on their busy week, the strong response to their interview with Ella Bruccoleri (Mary from The Other Bennet Sister) and announce a bonus Ella interview recorded for Today Extra that will drop next week.  Austen News - WHOOSH -  they discuss the long awaited Clueless TV series  In “Correspondence Corner,” they discuss topics that have arisen from listeners' emails. They announce a quick shift from Mary-focused content to reviewing the film The Jane Austen Book Club for Monday’s episode! Find out more about us at Instagram @in2theaustenverse, Tiktok @in2theaustenverse and on YouTube @intotheaustenverse. Email us at [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DC and Lisa interview the INCREDIBLE Ella Bruccoleri, The Other Bennet Sister’s Mary Bennet. Prior to the interview, they discuss why the adaptation feels like “canon,” praising its care, its connection to the 1995 Pride and Prejudice (including Lucy Briers). They explain how the interview came about via Instagram after director Jennifer Sheridan shared the podcast with Ella. In the interview, Ella describes preparing for Austen as a latecomer, filming out of sequence, using visual/wardrobe “hacks” like loosening corsets, chemistry tests with co-stars, on-set laughter and outtakes, playing Mary’s self-love journey, eating vegan tofu scotch eggs on set, and how the role has transformed her life as the lead. TOBS. TOBS. TOBS.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The hosts catch up after a busy week of parenting and work, thank listeners for tuning into their recent episodes covering “The Other Bennett Sister” (TOBS), and celebrate the show’s 7.3 million viewers, calling it the BBC’s biggest new drama in over a year with more growth expected via streaming and catch-up. They note TOBS is about to launch in the US and mention a publicity tour there. But the big news is.... They reveal they have just finished an interview with Ella Bruccoleri, who plays Mary Bennett, and announce it will be released on Monday!!!  They also share upcoming plans, including being invited to present at the Jane Austen Society of Australia conference in Sydney on May 15, with the possibility of recording their talk for a bonus episode. Find out more about us at Instagram @in2theaustenverse, Tiktok @in2theaustenverse and on YouTube @intotheaustenverseSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OR Carry On, Scafell. DC and Lisa recap the final episodes of The Other Bennet Sister.  This week has got it all - wallpaper, awkwardness, proposals, glasses and charm. They talk about the themes, the performances, the importance, the significance and the MVPs.   DC does some questionable accents.  Lisa cries because she finds things beautiful.   Our hosts are going to be bereft without this series!    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this mini mini drop drop, DC and Lisa are discussing listeners thoughts on The Other Bennet Sister (TOBS), Wordsworth and riding side saddle.  DC talks about the new trailer for Sense and Sensibility and then talks about which they are most excited about - S&S or P&P… What do you think? Here are all the details of where to find us and get in touch: Instagram @in2theaustenverse  Tiktok @in2theaustenverse and on YouTube @intotheaustenverse Email us at [email protected] - we would love to hear from you! Here is a link to Frank Skinner’s Poetry Podcast on Wordsworth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Into The Austenverse, David and Lisa dive into episodes seven and eight of the beloved series. They discuss Mary's proposal from Mister Ryder, which is revealed to be a companion offer rather than a marriage proposal. This twist highlights the societal pressures and expectations placed on women during this time period, particularly in regards to marriage and financial security. The hosts also explore the musical theatre background of the cast, including Donal Finn's impressive performance in Hadestown and Poppy Gilbert (Elizabeth)'s experience in the musical Flyby. They express their admiration for the actors' training and versatility, which adds depth to their characters. The conversation also touches on the theme of free love and the influence of the Romantic movement on the characters' decisions. David and Lisa analyze the relationships between Mary, Mr Ryder, and Mr Collins, and how they navigate the complexities of love, family, and societal expectations. The episode ends with a discussion of the upcoming episodes and a tease for the next installment. Here are all the details of where to find us and get in touch: Instagram @in2theaustenverse  Tiktok @in2theaustenverse and on YouTube @intotheaustenverse Email us at [email protected] - we would love to hear from you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.