Look who’s back
Four of our finest actors get together to reminisce
about their careers...
They’ve all had colourful lives and all been honoured by being made dames. Now, in BBC2’s new documentary Nothing Like a Dame, friends Eileen Atkins, Judi Dench, Joan Plowright and Maggie Smith gather at Joan’s Sussex home to chat about their glittering careers.
Telling tales
They share anecdotes about their early days on stage in the 1950s and 1960s, and reflect on working with the likes of Joan’s late husband, Sir Laurence Olivier.
‘I was more nervous of Laurence than the critics,’ recalls Maggie. ‘I scared the wits out of him from time to time too, it was a merry war.’
They also discuss their screen triumphs, from Judi’s turn as M in the James Bond films to Maggie’s Harry Potter appearances and even how exhausting it was to wear the huge hats in Downton Abbey!
The actresses’ warm friendship comes across in this moving yet funny film as they discuss getting older and bicker about needing hearing aids and how Dame
Judi gets all the best parts. But their drive to keep acting, although they are all in their
80s, is still strong.
‘Fear is the petrol, it generates energy, if you can channel it, it can be a great help,’ says Judi. ‘I’ll work forever if I am asked.’
Honoured
As they recall the days that they each received their damehoods, it is evident that they feel an overwhelming pride in their work.
‘I was thrilled that my father was still alive because it’s really for the people that have helped you and got you where you are,’ says Maggie. ‘Judi did phone me when I became a dame and said it doesn’t make any difference, you can still swear!’