Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays The Rent

(Paperback)

Available Formats

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Discover the real Judi Dench through a series of intimate conversations about the love of her life - Shakespeare Taking a curtain call with a live snake in her wig; cavorting naked through the countryside painted green; acting opposite a child with a pumpkin on his head... these are just a few things Dame Judi Dench has done in the name of Shakespeare. In this book, Judi opens up about every Shakespearean role she has played throughout her seven-decade career. In a series of conversations with actor/director Brendan O'Hea, she guides us through Shakespeare's plays with incisive clarity, revealing the secrets behind her rehearsal process and vignettes of her creative partnerships, all told with her mischievous sense of humour and a peppering of hilarious anecdotes.

Reviews

Wonderfully inspiring. A delightful spell in the company of one of our greatest and most thoughtful actresses * Daily Mail, Books of the Year *
A magical love letter to Shakespeare * Kenneth Branagh *
A wonderful mixture of appreciation and anecdote * Financial Times, Books of the Year *
Its a mark of Denchs impish genius and OHeas deftness that it genuinely feels like youre sitting at her kitchen table with her. Its companionable and compelling if you love Judi Dench or Shakespeare (and most of us do), look no further * Guardian *
Gorgeous flows of recollection * Literary Review *
An utterly delightful bookthere can be few higher pleasures in civilised life than hearing Judi Dench recite the poetry of Shakespeare. What emerges is a wealth of unpretentious horse sense Shakespeare from a great actors perspective that repeatedly strikes to the heart of the matter with a sharp instinctive intelligence that puts fancy-pants literary critics to shame * Telegraph *
This is a gloriously entertaining tour through the canon in the company of perhaps the most experienced living Shakespearean actor; reading it feels like a chat with an old friend. * Observer *
The book is pure enchantment. It swirls and dances with brilliance and mischief, so forget traditional Shakespearean criticism and analysis. Sack the Eng. Lit. professors. As never before, this book brings the subject to wild, authentic life. * Daily Mail *
A wonderful ode to the bard * I *
Riveting, revealing and witty * Gazette and Herald *

Author Bio

Dame Judi Dench is one of the world's most celebrated actresses. She has won numerous major awards for work on both stage and screen - including an Academy Award, ten BAFTAs and a record eight Laurence Olivier Awards. In recognition of her many achievements she received an OBE in 1970, became a DBE in 1988, and in 2005 was awarded a Companion of Honour.