‘Not everybody spoke posh’ in Jane Austen’s era, says top producer

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"Jane Tranter Advocates for Authenticity in Period Dramas, Moving Away from 'Posh' Accents"

‘Not everybody spoke posh’ in Jane Austen’s era, says top producer analysis cover image The Guardian 8.0
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Original Article Source: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/may/27/not-everybody-spoke-posh-in-jane-austens-era-says-top-producer
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TruthLens AI Summary

Jane Tranter, a prominent producer known for her work in British television, recently expressed her vision for a more authentic portrayal of language and style in period dramas. Speaking at the Hay Festival, Tranter emphasized the need for actors to move beyond the traditional 'posh' accents often associated with characters from Jane Austen's era. She plans to incorporate a movement coach into her productions to help actors break free from the automatic inclination to adopt upper-class speech when donning period costumes. Tranter pointed out that not everyone during Austen's time spoke with a refined accent, highlighting the importance of authenticity in performance. Her comments reflect a broader desire to modernize adaptations of classic literature, making them more relatable to contemporary audiences.

In her upcoming project, The Other Bennet Sister, which focuses on Mary Bennet from Pride and Prejudice, Tranter aims to loosen the rigid conventions that typically define period dramas, such as overly styled hairstyles and costumes that may distract viewers. She argued that a strict adherence to historical accuracy can create a barrier between the audience and the narrative. Instead, Tranter seeks to bridge the gap by blending modern sensibilities with historical context. The adaptation, based on Janice Hadlow’s novel, promises to present a more grounded version of Austen’s world, incorporating elements that resonate with today’s viewers while remaining true to the essence of the original story. The production is set to begin filming in Wales next week, and Tranter’s approach signals a significant shift in how period dramas may be crafted in the future.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The article highlights a significant shift in the approach to period dramas, particularly those based on the works of Jane Austen. Jane Tranter, a well-known producer, advocates for a more authentic representation of the language and social nuances of the era in which these stories are set. The discussion revolves around the tendency of actors to adopt "posh" accents and overly stylized appearances when portraying characters from the past, which may not accurately reflect the diversity of speech and style from that time.

Cultural Authenticity and Modern Representation

Tranter's comments underscore a growing desire for authenticity in historical representations. By suggesting that not everyone in Jane Austen's era spoke with a refined accent, she opens the door to a broader interpretation of characters, allowing for a more relatable and modern audience engagement. This could resonate particularly well with younger viewers who may find traditional portrayals inaccessible or unrelatable.

Target Audience and Community Support

This article likely appeals to a progressive audience that values inclusivity and authenticity in media. By advocating for a shift away from traditional representations, it aligns with contemporary movements that seek to diversify media portrayals, appealing particularly to younger demographics and those advocating for social change. The push for a more nuanced portrayal of historical figures may also attract academic circles interested in literature and cultural studies.

Potential Industry Impact

The implications of Tranter's approach could be far-reaching within the film and television industry. A shift towards more authentic representations may lead to changes in casting practices and production design, encouraging a wider acceptance of varied accents and styles in period pieces. This could influence not only the portrayal of Austen’s works but also the broader genre of historical dramas.

Economic Considerations

While the article does not directly address economic factors, the popularity of period dramas can significantly impact box office performance and streaming subscriptions. By modernizing these narratives, producers may attract a larger audience, which could positively influence revenue for production companies and streaming services.

Global Cultural Context

In a broader context, this discussion reflects ongoing debates about identity, representation, and authenticity in media. As societal norms evolve, the portrayal of history in film and television continues to be scrutinized, making this topic relevant in discussions about cultural narratives worldwide.

Trustworthiness of the Article

The article presents a well-rounded perspective on the evolving nature of period dramas, with quotes from a reputable figure in the industry. However, its subjective interpretation of cultural shifts should be viewed critically, as it reflects the opinions of one individual rather than a consensus. It effectively highlights a movement toward greater authenticity but may also be seen as a commentary on current trends rather than a definitive statement on historical accuracy.

The article effectively raises important questions about representation in historical dramas, aiming to shift perceptions and practices in the industry. It encourages a re-evaluation of how stories from the past are presented to modern audiences, making it a significant commentary on the intersection of culture and media.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2025/may/27/not-everybody-spoke-posh-in-jane-austens-era-says-top-producer

For those looking to perfect their pronunciation, British period dramas are a masterclass in getting to grips with the King’s English.

But – if the wishes of one TV heavyweight come to fruition – future iterations of Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility and other classics could adopt a more modern, less well-spoken twang.

Speaking at theHay festival, industry veteran Jane Tranter, who served in top positions at the BBC before co-founding the production company Bad Wolf, called on actors to stop automatically adopting “posh” accents when starring in period dramas.

Tranter, 62, said actors “start speaking posh” when put in period costume. She said she would be bringing in a movement coach “to try to get the actors to think past the fact they’re in period costume”.

“The other thing with period costumes is you start speaking posh and not everybody spoke posh in those days, so you have to work with that as well,” said Tranter, in comments reported by the Times. “You have to try to get the actors to think past the fact they’re in period costume.”

She also commented on the slow speed that extras walk in period dramas, adding: “It happens time and time again, and every time I think: ‘Oh my God, Jane, why didn’t you say something?’”

The leading producer, who has worked on some of TV’s biggest shows including Industry and Succession, was at the book festival to discuss The Other Bennet Sister, a forthcoming BBC period drama she is producing, which focuses on Mary Bennet – the “ugly duckling” middle sister from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

Tranter also took aim at the stiff, sculpted hairstyles familiar in such productions and said she had “loosened the rules” to offer a “proper welcoming hand to a modern audience” in the upcoming spin on Austen’s novel, which is due to begin filming in Wales next week.

She said: “If you dress the hair exactly like it is in all those oil paintings, or put the hats on, then actually an audience will not be able to take their eyes off these strange curls or weird hats.

“You have to know what the rules are and then we look to see where we break them in order to build a bridge or offer a proper welcoming hand to a modern audience.

“Because if you do a complete like-for-like, matchy-matchy, here are the exact buttons, here are the exact knickers you’re wearing beneath your dress, then it becomes such a fetishised approach that it becomes a barrier between the audience and what is going on.”

The Other Bennet Sister is based on Janice Hadlow’s acclaimed 2020 novel, which the Guardiancalled“immersive and engaging”.

“Janice has expanded the world of Austen,” she said. “The London is not that classic Regency London, it is nudging towards Dickens’s London. There is a tendency with Jane Austen to always make it super-Regency as opposed to a more grounded feel.

“The other brilliant thing is that Janice brings in the Romantic poets and they go to the Lake District.”

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Source: The Guardian