Alex Kingston (Lost In Austen) Interview
Coming soon to ITV1, Lost In Austen is a reinvention of the classic novel Pride And Prejudice, in which Jane Austen’s story is thrown off track by a very modern heroine. Alex Kingston plays Mrs Bennet.
Mrs Bennet is an icon of English Literature. What drew you to the role?
When I was first approached to play Mrs Bennet I thought I was too young for the role. After talking to the director, Dan Zeff, and understanding the concept of the script in which delicious liberties can be taken, I thought it would be fun to have a try.
You’re a very young Mrs Bennet. How do you think this affects the role?
In playing a young Mrs Bennet it allowed me to explore, at least inwardly, the possibility of her still holding on to her childishness. She is a mother, who understands the desperate situation the family are in due to a lack of a son and heir, and tries accordingly to engineer the futures of her daughters. I also found a chance for her to live vicariously through the experiences of her daughters. Her husband gives her no joy, so why not enjoy the thrill of a dance or ball or invitation to a grand house.
Were you a fan of the novel before you started work on the show?
I love the novel. It’s so utterly romantic. For me the novel brings detail and insight into the human condition.
How do you think this reworking of Pride and Prejudice compares to the original?
Guy Andrews' reworking of the novel is a clever way of answering the 'what if' question. I’m sure the female fans will have asked, 'what if I met Darcy, what would that world be like to live in? Our contemporary heroine, Amanda Price, gives us that chance and experience.
Do you think Guy Andrews’ characters are true to those in Austen’s novel?
I believe Guy's intention is to be as true to the original characters as possible. Although he was able to take the characters and improvise them slightly to consider how they would react and respond to the situations he places them in. How fun is that for a writer!!
How did you find working with Hugh Bonneville as Mr Bennet?
Hugh and I go back a long way. I was very excited when I heard that he would be playing Mr Bennet as there would be no need for introductions, we could just jump straight in to the relationship so to speak. He’s a fabulous actor, and I would work with him again at the drop of a hat.
How would you describe Mr and Mrs Bennet’s relationship?
If Mr and Mrs Bennet lived today they would be classic cases for therapy! He is distant and mean spirited towards her, which makes her less confident, and more hysterical, which in turn makes him more distant. I like the fact that in the script Guy gives Mr Bennet the chance to step out of the library and take control of the ever spiralling situation. Mrs Bennet can't be expected to do it all!
Why does she let her daughter marry Mr Collins?
The Bennets have no son and heir, so Mr Collins will inherit their home upon the death of Mr Bennet. Mrs Bennet and her girls will be homeless and penniless so, it is imperative one of her daughters marry him or marry well. Mrs Bennet is horrified when Amanda Price announces she will marry Mr Collins, and thrilled and relieved when those plans are scuppered in favour of Jane’s' marriage to him. Suitability isn't a question, it’s purely practicality and survival.
Tell us about the British locations used for filming...
We were based in Leeds, and filmed on location in the surrounding countryside. It is amazing how rural this part of England still is, and so beautiful. We were fortunate to be able to film in some stunning stately homes, and by pure coincidence, we used Harewood House for Netherfield. The Earl of Harewood’s son, David Lascelles produced Moll Flanders, so it was an added pleasure to meet up with him and his wife Diane again after all this time.
What’s next for you after Lost in Austen?
I’m currently filming Hope Springs in Glasgow for BBC1.
