Need more Jane Austen in your life? ITV are adapting her final novel, and we’re already excited to watch it.
Sanditon was written in 1817, just months before Jane’s death. It is her final novel and also incomplete, leaving room for artistic licence. The story follows impulsive young Charlotte Haywood and her prickly relationship with Sidney Parker.
The official synopsis for Sanditon is as follows, “When a chance accident transports her from her rural hometown of Willingden to the would-be coastal resort of the eponymous title, it exposes Charlotte to the intrigues and dalliances of a seaside town on the make, and the characters whose fortunes depend on its commercial success.”
“The twists and turns of the plot, which takes viewers from the West Indies to the rotting alleys of London, exposes the hidden agendas of each character and sees Charlotte discover herself and ultimately find love."
Based on this, we’re looking forward to some gorgeous visuals from across the world, and plenty of romance and drama as well. The synopsis gives enough information to keep us interested without spoiling anything, so we’re looking forward to watching the drama unfold.
Sanditon’s cast list has also been revealed, with Rose Williams playing the central role of Charlotte Heywood. The actress is known for her work on Netflix series Reign, as well as biopic A Quiet Passion, so she’s well versed in period dramas now.
Other cast members include Divergent star Theo James as her love interest Sidney Parker, and Death in Paradise star Kris Marshall as Thomas Parker, his brother.
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ITV’s Head of Drama Polly Hill has described the upcoming series as “a rich, romantic, family saga built upon the foundations Jane Austen laid. There is no one better to adapt her unfinished novel than Andrew Davies, who has an incredible track record for bold and original adaptations."
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Andrew Davies has also written the TV adaptation of Pride and Prejudice starring Colin Firth, so we’re confident his take on Sanditon will be a wonderful watch.
It’s expected to arrive later this year, will you be watching?