Judi Dench: Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent (Hardcover)

Fun stories. Wish they included pictures of Dame Judi in various roles. Surprised by the profanity.

I have enjoyed reading the chapters related to Shakespeare plays I am seeing. It adds to the experience in an enjoyable way.

A great read! Very well done! Love all of it.

I love Dame Judi Dench, and I have loved watching her perform over the years on television, but never did I get to see her on stage playing Shakespeare, who she and her husband (sadly deceased) Michael Williams, referred to Shakespeare as the man who pays the rent...so this book gives us great insight to each character she played, and we get a rare and special glimpse into how she felt about, techniques she used, people she worked for and with, such as actor Ian McKellen, and director Peter Hall! I felt like I was literally sitting in Dame Judis living room while Brendan OHea asked her all his amazing questions, because he had a friendship with her that was evident, and he has the gift we dont see much anymore, of drawing a great interview out of an amazing lady! Dame Judi has a photographic memory, so you really get a great picture, almost like youre there in the audience, as she paints and explains every character she played. We also get to see some of her amazing artwork which with the story, really gives us an added gift. It really made me understand Shakespeare in a way Ive never been able to before, and I believe through Dame Judis eyes and stories, we can understand what his plays were meant to portray! I laughed, and just fell more in love with this legend, Dame Judi, and even loved Brendan, and his funny cheek, and beautiful way of painting Dame Judis vision of her parts. Its a masterpiece in my opinion, and Im so glad someone convinced Brendan to write it! The world needs to hear these stories, and more ladies, for she is a true lady in my mind, like Dame Judi Dench! I highly recommend this book! 5 stars is not enough!!! I loved it!!!