Becoming Meg Dashwood: Emma Thompson Returns to Austen in Audible Original Drama
Audible listeners have reason to celebrate: Academy Award winner Emma Thompson is stepping back into the world of Jane Austen with a brand-new audio drama, “Becoming Meg Dashwood.” Executive produced and starring Thompson, this Audible Original brings a fresh perspective to Austen’s timeless classic, Sense and Sensibility, through the eyes of its youngest Dashwood sister, Margaret.
A Fresh Voice for Margaret Dashwood
While Sense and Sensibility focuses primarily on the elder Dashwood sisters, Becoming Meg Dashwood shines a spotlight on Margaret, the often-overlooked youngest sibling.
Written by actor and author Rebecca Humphries, the audio drama explores:
Female friendship
Sexuality and liberation
Social expectations and personal growth
Humphries reimagines Margaret’s journey, giving her a modern voice while staying rooted in Austen’s 19th-century world.
Star-Studded Cast Brings the Drama to Life
Emma Thompson plays the older Margaret Dashwood, guiding listeners through a reflective and mature perspective on her younger life. The younger Margaret is portrayed by Erin Doherty, while Naomi Ackie stars as Nelly, Margaret’s lover.
The ensemble cast also includes some of the UK’s finest actors:
Liz Carr
Jessica Gunning
Paterson Joseph
Greg Wise
Golda Rosheuvel
Imelda Staunton
This powerhouse cast ensures the story resonates with emotional depth and authenticity, bringing Austen’s world vividly to life in audio form.
Creative Team Behind the Scenes
The drama is directed by Jo Tyabji and produced by Polly Thomas for Thomas Carter Projects. To elevate the listening experience, the production features:
Original Score by Natasha Khan (Bat For Lashes)
Immersive Dolby Atmos Sound Design by Olga Reed
These elements combine to create a fully immersive auditory experience, allowing listeners to feel transported directly into Austen’s world — and into Margaret’s inner life.
Emma Thompson on Revisiting Austen
Speaking about her involvement, Thompson said:
“I am very thrilled and proud to have been a part of bringing Audible and Rebecca Humphries’ extraordinary drama to life. Their vision for the youngest Dashwood sister takes us from Austen’s world into the more hidden parts of women’s lives, parts that were not written about at the time. I think Austen would have been fascinated and delighted with the language and with the story.”
This marks 30 years since Thompson won an Academy Award for her screenplay adaptation of Sense and Sensibility, making her return a full-circle moment for Austen fans worldwide.
Rebecca Humphries: Writing a Bold, Modern Margaret
Writer Rebecca Humphries reflected on her creative vision:
“The only way to honour Jane Austen was to do what she did: take the love story and push it somewhere new. This one’s about liberation, class, queerness, and all the things that on Jane’s 250th birthday we are still fighting to say out loud.”
Humphries’ approach offers a radical reimagining of Margaret, addressing themes Austen could only hint at in her time. Listeners can expect a story that is both historically grounded and socially progressive, bridging the past and present.
Audible’s Perspective: A Landmark Audio Production
Aurelie De Troyer, Audible’s Head of Regional Content, Europe, praised the drama as:
“A wonderful, inventive production. Emma Thompson’s return to Austen’s world brings warmth, depth, and nuance to a story that continues to resonate 30 years after her Oscar-winning adaptation.”
This endorsement highlights Audible’s commitment to innovative audio storytelling and its growing portfolio of high-quality literary adaptations.
Themes Explored in Becoming Meg Dashwood
Becoming Meg Dashwood goes beyond a traditional Austen adaptation, exploring:
Female empowerment – giving Margaret a voice previously unheard
Queer relationships – celebrating love that transcends societal constraints
Class dynamics – reflecting on the barriers of 19th-century England
Personal liberation – Margaret’s journey from childhood to self-discovery
Through these themes, the podcast not only honors Austen but also redefines what it means to tell a period drama for modern audiences.
Where and How to Listen
Becoming Meg Dashwood is available for pre-order now on Audible.co.uk. A membership may be required to access the full drama.
Listeners can expect:
A captivating, immersive audio experience
Strong performances from a celebrated cast
A modern lens on a classic Austen character
This production is perfect for both longtime Jane Austen fans and new audiences discovering her world for the first time.
Why This Audible Original Matters
Audible has once again proven the power of audio storytelling to reimagine classics. By combining stellar performances, original music, and immersive sound design, Becoming Meg Dashwood creates a listening experience that is both educational and deeply entertaining.
It also encourages discussion on gender, sexuality, and empowerment, making it relevant for contemporary listeners while celebrating Austen’s enduring legacy.
