Emma Thompson stars in Sense and Sensibility sequel – listen now to exclusive clip

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Emma Thompson stars in the new Audible audio drama, Becoming Meg Dashwood. This is a follow-up to Jane Austen’s classic novel, Sense and Sensibility, and was written by Rebecca Humphries.

I’m so excited to see Emma Thompson in this new adaptation! She was wonderful as Elinor Dashwood in Ang Lee’s Sense and Sensibility back in 1995, and now she’s going to play the youngest Dashwood sister, Margaret. It’s fantastic that this new story will actually centre around her character – I think that’s a brilliant idea!

In addition, Adolescence actress Erin Doherty will portray the character, appearing as the younger Margaret, who goes by Meg.

Naomi Ackie, known for her role in The Thursday Murder Club, will also appear in the drama, portraying Meg’s love interest, Nelly. The supporting cast includes Liz Carr as Mrs. Dashwood, Jessica Gunning as Hester, Paterson Joseph as Colonel Brandon, Greg Wise as Dr. Keats, Golda Rosheuvel as the older version of Nelly, and Imelda Staunton as Mrs. Jennings.

Here’s what Becoming Meg Dashwood is about: Margaret Dashwood doesn’t believe in marriage. While others see it as an obligation, she feels it’s a trap and makes her angry. However, an invitation from a family friend, Mrs. Jennings, throws her into the lively world of Covent Garden and Soho, where she finds a thrilling life beyond the usual teas and social gatherings.

She encounters three women who embrace who they are without apology: Nelly, a spontaneous actress; Hester, a witch employed at the textile factory; and Inge, a sex worker who is driven by financial success and knows precisely how to achieve it. It’s here that Margaret’s anger is not only accepted but celebrated, alongside her musical gifts, and in the empowering presence of these women, she transforms into Meg: an artist, and a woman with a passionate inner strength.

As a film lover, I’m completely captivated by this story! It follows four women who are brave enough to dream of lives filled with joy, political engagement, and endless potential. But it quickly becomes clear that pursuing that kind of freedom comes at a cost. The heart of it, for me, is Meg and Nelly. Their connection is just… intense – tender, electric, and a little scary. It really makes you wonder: how do you navigate falling in love when there aren’t even words to describe what you’re feeling? It’s a powerful question, and I can’t wait to see how it plays out on screen. It feels like a truly groundbreaking exploration of desire and identity, and I’m especially intrigued by the complexities of their relationship.

Upon the initial announcement of the audio drama, Thompson – who also serves as an executive producer – stated: “I am very thrilled and proud to have been a part of bringing Audible and Rebecca Humphries’s extraordinary drama to life.”

Their portrayal of the youngest Dashwood sister moves us beyond Austen’s familiar stories and delves into the more private aspects of women’s experiences-aspects that weren’t commonly discussed or written about openly during that period.

I believe Austen would have found both the language and the story captivating and joyful. She would have been pleased to see one of her characters given a future and a strong, surprising voice.

Following the recent release of a new Audible version of Pride and Prejudice – featuring Marisa Abela and Harris Dickinson – this is the second project connected to the works of Jane Austen to become available in the last few weeks.

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2025-10-03 18:24