Dame Judi Dench, the iconic and revered actress, made a stunning appearance on the hit talk show, The Graham Norton Show, where she treated the audience to a masterful performance of a Shakespeare sonnet. The talk show, known for its entertaining and star-studded interviews, showcased Dench’s incredible talent and love for the Bard’s work.
During the interview, Norton asked Dame Judi about how much Shakespeare she carries around with her. Reflecting on the pervasive impact of Shakespeare in our lives, Dench revealed that many of us unknowingly quote Shakespeare without even realizing it. She emphasized how the playwright’s words perfectly capture and describe a vast range of emotions and experiences we encounter, whether it is being in love, feeling jealous, or being angry.
Curious about which passage from Shakespeare was currently on her mind, Norton playfully prodded Dame Judi to share. With a mischievous smile, she recited a line from Shakespeare’s Othello: “How all occasions do inform against me.” The audience burst into applause, clearly impressed by her deep understanding and connection to Shakespeare’s timeless verses.
Seizing the opportunity to witness her brilliance firsthand, Norton challenged Dame Judi to perform a snippet of Shakespeare when prompted by a gentle touch of a stick. Ever the consummate professional, she gracefully agreed and opted to recite a sonnet. In a breathtaking moment, Dame Judi transported the audience to a world of poetic beauty as she recited Sonnet 29, “When, in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes.”
Her delivery was nothing short of mesmerizing. Every word she spoke had an impact, and her command over the language was truly remarkable. The sonnet, with its poignant exploration of hope and contentment, unfolded like a musical melody, leaving the audience captivated and spellbound.
The show’s host, Graham Norton, couldn’t help but express his awe and admiration for Dame Judi’s talent. He remarked that her rendition of the sonnet was more dialogue than he had seen in all his movies combined. The audience erupted in applause, clearly echoing Norton’s sentiment.
Dame Judi’s connection to Shakespeare isn’t limited to talk show appearances. In a throwback to the ’90s classic, Last Action Hero, she even made a memorable appearance, reciting Hamlet’s famous soliloquy, “To be or not to be.” And in true action-hero fashion, she added her own twist, declaring “not to be” before dramatically blowing up a castle.
It’s no wonder that Dame Judi Dench‘s talent and love for Shakespeare continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Her ability to bring the Bard’s words to life is simply breathtaking. As she wowed the crowd on The Graham Norton Show, viewers were reminded once again of the timeless power and beauty of Shakespeare’s works and the incredible talent of Dame Judi Dench.
