The recording of Dame Judi Dench, in conversation with Gyles Brandreth, filmed at London's Orange Tree Theatre in 2017, is being made available as a pay-to-view online event on the theatre's web site.
The monies raised from this event will go to the Orange Tree Theatre’s Survival Fund, created in response to its closure in March and the loss of 74% of its income. The Orange Tree is an independent theatre and registered charity.
The Conversation covers Dame Judi’s extensive career, which started with playing Ophelia in Hamlet in 1957. Since then, she has won 10 BAFTAs, 7 Oliviers, 2 Golden Globes, a Tony and an Academy Award for work across theatre, television and film spanning more than six decades.
The theatre's artistic director Paul Miller said, “this film records one of my happiest days ever: the day Judi came to the Orange Tree. It’s 90 minutes of enormous fun and fascinating insights in the company of a national treasure with few, if any, rivals for our collective affection. We hear about John Gielgud and Peggy Ashcroft; Clint Eastwood and Johnny Depp; about Ken Branagh, Peter Hall and how to speak Shakespeare. The crucial importance of company spirit runs through it all like a golden thread. And what company she is: this is a treat to savour in your home, while we wait to welcome you back to ours one day.”
Dame Judi Dench, in conversation with Gyles Brandreth is part of the theatre's Under the Orange Tree programme. Other guests of have included Michael Billington, Sir Derek Jacobi, Dame Maggie Smith, David Suchet, Dame June Whitfield and Dame Penelope Wilton.
The Orange Tree co-production of Amsterdam is available free on the Orange Tree’s YouTube channel.
Dame Judi Dench, in conversation with Gyles Brandreth will be available online from 3PM on 26 April. The cost is £4.99.