<P> Benjamin Whitrow and BAFTA - nominated Alison Steadman were cast to play Mr and Mrs Bennet , Elizabeth 's distinguished but financially imprudent and occasionally self - indulgent parents . Steadman was offered the role without auditions or screen tests . Elizabeth 's four sisters , whose ages ranged between 15 and 22 , were cast to look dissimilar from each other . Susannah Harker portrayed Elizabeth 's beautiful older sister Jane , who desires to only see good in others . Lucy Briers , Polly Maberly , and Julia Sawalha played Elizabeth 's younger sisters -- the plain Mary , the good - natured but flighty and susceptible Kitty , and frivolous and headstrong Lydia . Being 10 years older than 15 - year - old Lydia , Julia Sawalha , of Absolutely Fabulous fame , had enough acting experience to get the role without screen tests . Joanna David and Tim Wylton appeared as the Gardiners , Elizabeth 's maternal aunt and uncle . David Bamber played the sycophantic clergyman , Mr Collins , a cousin of Mr Bennet . Lucy Scott portrayed Elizabeth 's best friend and Mr Collins 's wife , Charlotte Lucas , and David Bark - Jones portrayed Lt. Denny . </P>
<P> Benjamin Whitrow and BAFTA - nominated Alison Steadman were cast to play Mr and Mrs Bennet , Elizabeth 's distinguished but financially imprudent and occasionally self - indulgent parents . Steadman was offered the role without auditions or screen tests . Elizabeth 's four sisters , whose ages ranged between 15 and 22 , were cast to look dissimilar from each other . Susannah Harker portrayed Elizabeth 's beautiful older sister Jane , who desires to only see good in others . Lucy Briers , Polly Maberly , and Julia Sawalha played Elizabeth 's younger sisters -- the plain Mary , the good - natured but flighty and susceptible Kitty , and frivolous and headstrong Lydia . Being 10 years older than 15 - year - old Lydia , Julia Sawalha , of Absolutely Fabulous fame , had enough acting experience to get the role without screen tests . Joanna David and Tim Wylton appeared as the Gardiners , Elizabeth 's maternal aunt and uncle . David Bamber played the sycophantic clergyman , Mr Collins , a cousin of Mr Bennet . Lucy Scott portrayed Elizabeth 's best friend and Mr Collins 's wife , Charlotte Lucas , and David Bark - Jones portrayed Lt. Denny . </P>
actress who played jane in pride and prejudice
actress who played jane in pride and prejudice
Susannah Harker
Susannah Harker