An illustrated memoir of one of Britain’s greatest and best-loved actors.
‘National treasure? I hate that. Too dusty, too in a cupboard, too behind glass, too staid … What I love is being part of a company. On stage I am not trying to be myself, I’m trying to be someone else, the more unlike me the better.’
From her first theatrical roles as a teenager in York to her commanding performances as ‘M’ in the James Bond films, Dame Judi Dench’s professional life has consisted of non-stop acting, leading to numerous accolades, including an Academy Award.
BEHIND THE SCENES is a fully updated and expanded edition of Dame Judi’s first photograph album SCENES FROM MY LIFE, published in 2005. It is a uniquely personal take on her life and brilliant career, showing her off stage as well as on: in the wings, off sets, in dressing rooms and happily larking about. Beautifully illustrated with photographs from her own collections, here are reflections and reminiscences on those who have mattered to her most – her family, fellow actors, directors and writers – communicated with the truth and insight of her acting.
‘National treasure? I hate that. Too dusty, too in a cupboard, too behind glass, too staid … What I love is being part of a company. On stage I am not trying to be myself, I’m trying to be someone else, the more unlike me the better.’
From her first theatrical roles as a teenager in York to her commanding performances as ‘M’ in the James Bond films, Dame Judi Dench’s professional life has consisted of non-stop acting, leading to numerous accolades, including an Academy Award.
BEHIND THE SCENES is a fully updated and expanded edition of Dame Judi’s first photograph album SCENES FROM MY LIFE, published in 2005. It is a uniquely personal take on her life and brilliant career, showing her off stage as well as on: in the wings, off sets, in dressing rooms and happily larking about. Beautifully illustrated with photographs from her own collections, here are reflections and reminiscences on those who have mattered to her most – her family, fellow actors, directors and writers – communicated with the truth and insight of her acting.
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Reviews
Die-hard fans of the great actress will adore this collection of beautiful - and often touching - photos.
The stunning photos are brought to life by Dame Judi's wonderful turn of phrase. For example: 'Phoebe, in As You Like It - what an arse-paralysing part.
(It) may be a photo scrapbook but it's a delight thanks to the start's self-deprecating charm. Snapped beside her car, she writes 'I don't drive it. I just lean against it.' No chronological plod this, but a freefall tumble through a brilliant career. Like Dench herself, treasurable.
A warmly written journey through Judi's life as an actress,illustrated with stunning photographs.
Every page pays tribute to a triumphant career and to a life well-lived.