Thanks to numerous women behind PBS’s “Masterpiece” and British broadcaster ITV, Jane Austen’s unfinished novel, “Sandition,” will soon make its way to television.
Deadline reports that “Masterpiece’s” Rebecca Eaton and ITV Head of Drama Polly Hill have commissioned “Bridget Jone’s Diary” co-writer and “Mr. Selfridge” creator Andrew Davies to adapt the novel Austen was working on before her death in 1817.
“Sandition” follows Charlotte Heywood, the impulsive oldest daughter of her family. A chance accident leads Charlotte from Willingden to Sanditon and “exposes Charlotte to the intrigues and dalliances of a seaside town on the make,” the source summarizes. “The drama takes viewers from the West Indies to the rotting alleys of London and exposes the hidden agendas of each character and sees Charlotte discover herself and ultimately find love.”
Belinda Campbell of Red Planet Pictures is among the project’s exec producers, and Georgina Lowe will produce.
“It’s a rich, romantic, family saga built upon the foundations Jane Austen laid,” said Hill. “There is no one better to adapt her unfinished novel than Andrew who has an incredible track record for bold and original adaptations. We’re delighted to commission “Sanditon” from Belinda Campbell and her team at Red Planet Pictures.”
Eaton added, “Jane Austen and Andrew Davies are a match made in ‘Masterpiece’ heaven. We can’t wait to introduce our audience to this wise and wonderful drama.”
Though there’s no word on casting or potential directors just yet, “Sandition” will begin filming next spring.
