Judi Dench and Louis Theroux

I loved the interview, she still has a twinkle in her eye.

It was a super chat - would highly recommend finding it on i-player if you missed it.
I was on my way to bed when it started, but so glad I watched it to the end.
Such a refreshing change from the nit-picking of politics.

merlotgran - I'm not a great fan of long scarves either, but each to their own I guess.

I’ve never been much of a fan of Judi Dench I don’t like her little-girl voice, which sounds the same in every part. I enjoyed this programme though, especially the parrot!

I wonder what Maggie Smith would be like in a programme like this?

My cousin sat next to her at a dinner, and said she was very entertaining.

Judi Dench, that is.

On BBC was it?

BBC2 i did notice her ankles were quite puffy but she is entertaining.

Grandma70s

I’ve never been much of a fan of Judi Dench I don’t like her little-girl voice, which sounds the same in every part. I enjoyed this programme though, especially the parrot!

I wonder what Maggie Smith would be like in a programme like this?

Did you see that programme where all of the Dames got together? It was great fun.

I’m with Grandma70s, find Judi Dench rather irritating and think she’s overrated as an actress. Treated as a national treasure now she’s well in her 80’s, as are others.

Having said that, I shall try and watch it on catch up.

I agree about the flowing scarves, obviously meant to detract the eye from expanding waistlines. I could never carry one off, but they all seem to manage it.

I also watched the ‘Dames’ programme, which is where I started feeling annoyed with JD. Her little girl laugh and ‘oh, no idea why I keep getting all the best parts for older actresses’ cry.
Maggie Smith, although supposedly a huge mate, was rather scathing in a humorous way, and stated flatly it was because JD’s agent pushed in ahead and got first dibs on the choicest parts.

Where can I find the "Dames" programme mentioned please.

It was a super programme. She seems genuinely a lovely person. A Quaker, loving Mother and Grandmother, plus she doesn't seem to take herself too seriously. Highly recommended.

‘…over-rated as an actor…’. Can’t agree

I’ve seen her in many roles, several Shakespearean. Always IMO a thorough professional.

scarfage (in the OP) - what a brilliant word.

I enjoyed it too, but was also annoyed with the scarf, plus it looked so thick and warm, maybe a light weight one would have been better ?
Louis certainly seems to get the most from his interviewees. I liked the fact that the house was courtesy of ‘Utterly Butterly’ !

I think she's a brilliant actress and would love to meet her, for her sense of humour.... Missed the first part of this but enjoyed the banter between her and Louis Theroux.

I hate Louis Theroux and his faux innocent style - gets under my skin. I have read his autobiography and his pretence of sweetness was a real pain. He is an intelligent man who knows how to present a particular persona.

But it was lovely to see Judi Dench, although her eyesight deterioration is sad. When she was on stage with Giles Brandreth, she was stunning when she segued into Shakespeare - mesmerising. Definitely her forte.

Sparklefizz

Where can I find the "Dames" programme mentioned please.

It’s called Nothing Like a Dame but unfortunately it isn’t on iplayer. Maybe, because of this programme they’ll repeat it again. It was great fun.

Luckygirl3

I hate Louis Theroux and his faux innocent style - gets under my skin. I have read his autobiography and his pretence of sweetness was a real pain. He is an intelligent man who knows how to present a particular persona.

But it was lovely to see Judi Dench, although her eyesight deterioration is sad. When she was on stage with Giles Brandreth, she was stunning when she segued into Shakespeare - mesmerising. Definitely her forte.

I watched part of a one person show that Miriam Margoyles did on Sky Arts and, as with Judi Dench she would just reel off long monologues at the drop of a hat. I think I learned about two Shakespearean speeches when I was at school and that’s my lot. How people can learn and remember whole plays is beyond me.

Judi Dench said that she has a Photographic Memory, I suppose that means that she always remembers the lines as well?

Loved the programme and have been a JD fan since seeing her play Juliet opposite John Stride many decades ago. But the thing with actors is that you never really know who they are - and perhaps they don’t know either.

Re long, trailing scarfage, I believe Isadora Duncan was also a fan...

I find memorising words really easy. It’s just a knack some people have and others don’t - luck of the draw. Not that it makes me an actress, though I’d love to be one.

I became a fan decades ago, like grannysomerset
Before she became the nations favourite.
I have an old cd which has lots of different well known actresses portraying Lady Macbeth.
For my taste JD performance is way and above the others.
But that's the thing about good actors. They all bring something different to a role.
I remember Jane Lapotaire and Helen Mirren from the cd, but there were others.

I thought the interview was lovely. Judi is very witty and looked beautiful especially with her scarf .Very classy