In a delightful and laughter-filled interview with AMFM Magazine, the stars of the highly anticipated series The Other Bennet Sister — Ella Bruccoleri (Call the Midwife, Ludwig), Donal Finn, and Laurie Davidson — opened up about the sheer joy of bringing Jane Austen’s overlooked middle sister, Mary Bennet, into the spotlight.
Ella Bruccoleri leads the cast as Mary, the seemingly plain and bookish Bennet sister who finally steps out of her siblings’ shadows in search of identity, independence, and a sweeping love story of her own. The series takes viewers from the familiar drawing rooms of Meryton to the glittering soirees of Regency London and the breathtaking landscapes of the Lake District.
When asked about those magical “I can’t believe I get paid for this” moments on set, the cast lit up. Bruccoleri recalled forming an impromptu a cappella group with co-stars Indira Varma and Richard Coyle while hiking across the stunning Welsh mountains (standing in for the Lake District). “We were just singing and harmonizing with each other while walking through this beautiful landscape,” she shared. “I was just like, what a dream.”
The group even tried (unsuccessfully) to get their musical moments kept in the final cut, but the memory remains a highlight. “A lot of the stuff outside of the stuff is… we all like being outside,” they agreed, painting a picture of a production that felt more like an adventure than work.
Donal Finn described a standout dinner party scene in episode five where his character sat beside Mary. What started as scripted dialogue turned into a masterclass in improvisation: “I just riffed on horse racing in a way that has not been about horses… making insane stuff about like 20 times over.” The cast and crew were in stitches, with much of the hilarious material unfortunately left on the cutting room floor.
Beyond the fun, the actors offered thoughtful advice for aspiring performers. Bruccoleri emphasized perseverance after years of rejections, while her co-stars stressed listening to that inner voice that says, “I just do not see myself doing anything else,” even through the tough days of auditioning and side jobs. They also spoke about trusting instincts, finding creative input even in large productions, and using music or deep scene connections to stay grounded in character.
When it came to getting into the Regency headspace, playlists were a go-to for some, while others leaned into the natural energy of co-stars or the safe, collaborative environment of the set. “It was a really safe space,” they noted — not always the case in the industry.
Perhaps most moving was what they hope audiences take away from Mary’s journey. Bruccoleri highlighted the series’ message of empathy: looking beyond how people present themselves to understand what’s really driving them.
“There’s a message there in this culture that we live in, which is kind of appearance obsessed… Mary realizes that the least interesting thing about her is the way that she outwardly appears, and that there’s so much within her that people are drawn to,” she explained. The ultimate takeaway? Authenticity and learning to shut out the noise to embrace who you truly are.
With its blend of heartfelt growth, romantic adventure, and Austen-esque wit, The Other Bennet Sister promises to be a fresh, empowering addition to the Regency drama landscape — and judging by the cast’s infectious enthusiasm, it was every bit as joyful to make as it will be to watch.
Stay tuned to AMFM Magazine for more exclusive interviews as the series premiere approaches. As the cast sang in those Welsh hills: it’s going to be quite merry indeed.
