Dan Stevens

Genre

3 part drama adaptation of Jane Austen novel for BBC

Director

directed by John Alexander and produced by Anne Pivcevic

Synopsis

Sense and Sensibility is a story of two young sisters on a voyage of burgeoning sexual and romantic discovery. Rational Elinor Dashwood and her romantic sister Marianne are played by sensational newcomers Hattie Morahan (Elinor) and Charity Wakefield (Marianne).

The death of Elinor and Marianne's father throws their privileged world into chaos. With no entitlement to his estate, they are forced to live in poverty. Although the sisters' chances of marriage seem doomed, attractive men are drawn to the girls. Elinor becomes attached to the highly eligible Edward Ferrars (Dan Stevens - The Line of Beauty) - but why is he so guarded and secretive?

Marianne attracts both war hero Colonel Brandon (David Morrisey - State of Play) and glamorous Willoughby, played by Dominic Cooper (The History Boys). Do these attachments represent true love, or are the men simply amusing ourselves with our young heroines?With a sub-plot that features the seduction and abandonment of a 15-year old schoolgirl - not to mention a duel - the stakes are high.

Multi-award winning writer Andrew Davies (Bleak House and Pride and Prejudice) says, "The novel is as much about sex and money as social conventions. This drama is more overtly sexual than most previous Austen adaptations seen on screen and gets to grips with the dark underbelly of the book." Kate Harwood, Head of Series and Serials adds, "It's a passionate and powerful piece, filled with a rich mix of both emerging and established talent. With Andrew's fairydust sprinkled over it, this production is destined to evolve into a classic." BBC

Dan's role

Edward Ferrars

Broadcast dates

1,6,13 January 2008, BBC 1

Next on in UK

Sense and Sensibility