My thanks to both NetGalley and the publisher St. Martin's Press for an advance copy of this book dealing with the power of performing, naughtiness of acting, and the time, effort and love that performers, especially this one, create while bring Shakespeare's works to life.

Though I have read a lot of Shakespeare, and taken quite a few classes I have never really experienced Shakespeare life. Living in Connecticut I know I went Stratford, Connecticut for a Shakespeare's fest, but I have no idea when that was, what was performed, or anything about it.. That's my nearest experience. Movies, television even comics, adaptations and Sandman stories are more in line with my media experiences. I was never much for legitimate theater, as Homer Simpson would say. And if concert experiences are a sign, I doubt I would see much o the stage through a sea of cell phones. After reading this book I really wish I had made the effort, for nothing I have read has made me want to start watching anything performed on a stage. Especially if Judi Dench is involved. Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent by Judi Dench with Brendan O'Hea is part memoir, part guide to acting, appreciating the arts, and all Shakespeare, as Dench looks back at her performances, and shares what makes Shakespeare her favorite.

The book began as a series of interviews for the Royal Shakespeare Company, starting with a series of conversations, and viewings of performances between Judi Dench and fellow actor Brendan O'Hea. Dench has a lot of stories and an incredible memory for lines, her feelings and emotions while performing and a bit of tea spilling. The book is broken down into the Shakespeare plays the Dench has acted in, sometimes in different roles, and what Dench was thinking, feeling, or how she acted the way she did. Dench shares stories about her life, her husband a fellow actor, directors and others. Dench also breaks down the words, pointing out why this works, and the power they still have.

A conversations between not only two friends, but two friends who understand and can be honest with each other. Neither is afraid to call the other out, nor poke at each other for a laugh. Dench is funny, really funny, saucy and real, and is everything one would want in a mentor. Dench has a real sense for the words, why this works, why this doesn't along with a lot of funny stories, of falling on stage, ad libs and other little mistakes. What I could not get over is that during a season they might be doing four plays at once, with Dench starring in two, understudying in another, and being a bit character in another. So when she speaks these words, in one occasion lines Dench hasn't spoken in fifty years, even on the page one feels the power.

Recommended for actors and for fans of stage performers. There is plenty to learn, for actors and fans will love the asides, jokes, and saucy tales. Shakespeare fans will also get much from this, Dench has a wonderful way of explaining things, and her delivery is powerful, even in print. A book that would be a perfect Mother's Day gift for a lover of the creative arts.

I enjoyed reading Judi Dench's thoughts Shakespeare's plays and characters. Learning
how staging, location and the audience impact actors' performances. The stories about her
fellow actors, rehearsals and costumes were entertaining.
It has renewed an interest in rereading Shakespeare.
#ShakespearetheManWhoPaystheRent #NetGalley

really funny and fun analysis of Shakespeare's characters by one of the biggest Shakespeare actors of our modern age, Dame Judi Dench. Thanks for the arc.

I have to admit that I'm biased -- Judi Dench is my favorite person on the planet. Not exaggerating. I'm obsessed with her. So, on that note: I loved this book. Her sense of humor, her insight into human nature, and her reverence for her craft/Shakespeare's writing made this a joy to read. I will say, that this book is a bit inaccessible to those who are not familiar with Shakespeare. I think it would have been helpful to provide a synopsis, or at least a character profile, at the beginning of each chapter to give some context to the discussions. That is the only reason I'm giving this 4 stars instead of 5. But, again, Judi's charm and passion are evident on every page, making this a very special, enjoyable book. ... Did I mention I LOVE her?😋

Dame Judi Dench is an icon, and for good reason. I loved this look into her relationship with Shakespeare, and was enamored with her knowledge. A lovely read for those that are fans of the theatre and of Dame Dench herself.

When it comes to reading Shakespeare, I’m not a fan (high school in the late 80’s and early 90’s). The older I’ve gotten, I’ve discovered that Shakespeare is fine, depending on the media. I prefer my Shakespeare in performance -

Judi Dench - I’ve not seen her much - I love to hate her as Lady Catherine de Bourgh in Pride and Prejudice (2005) and besides Daniel Craig, she was the best part of the Bond movies, but knowing of her career, her professional longevity, when I was invited to read this, I happily accepted. Engaging and interesting, I enjoyed this one a lot.

Actors, Shakespeare lovers, and fans of Judi Dench will adore this one.

I read this in e-book format, and while I recommend it, I think I would have enjoyed it even more in audiobook format.


Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the DRC

Whether you’re a novice in the world of Shakespeare and looking for an entry point, or you’re a longtime scholar, this book capturing Judi Dench’s unique perspective is a must for your library.

I have always admired Judi Dench as a superlative actor (for almost seven decades!) and a delightfully down-to-earth, outspoken person. But I don't believe I've ever seen her in a Shakespeare play, even though she has starred or been featured in many of them. Reading this book--illustrated with Dame Judi's own sketches--makes me wish I had! Fellow actor Brendan O'Hea interviewed her over a 4-year period about her experience as a Shakespearean actor, largely with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Shakespeare scholars and superfans will enjoy Dench's lively multipage summaries of 20 of the plays in which she has appeared. I must admit I did some skimming of these descriptions because of time constraints, but I will keep my Kindle copy to revisit when I next have the opportunity to see one of these plays.

For the rest of us, the book is chockful of Judi Dench's insights, philosophies, and comments on a wide variety of related topics, including but not limited to: her "fantastic childhood," Shakespeare's language and the many words and phrases he originated that are now part of our lives, her fellow actors and other theatre personnel, hilarious onstage mistakes and mishaps, staging and scenery, acting tips, working with her husband, audiences, rehearsals, and how the style of playing the Bard's works has changed over the years.

O'Hea tells us that Dench has a photographic memory, able to spout dozens of scenes and speeches and describe in detail the costumes she wore. She works entirely on instinct and firmly believes there is no one way to play Shakespearean roles. She is hopeful that his plays will continue to be performed in the future, as she feels that his work makes us all feel less alone. Dame Judi is playful, witty, frank, sometimes a bit raunchy, and a deeply sincere believer in Shakespeare's brilliance and lasting value. It's an entrancing read.

My thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

This was a fun, quick book written in dialogue between the two authors. It was a really fun and not too heavy look at the life of a Shakespearean actor. The dialogues took place over four years and were lively and interesting to read. I bet it would make an even better audiobook because I could "hear" Judi Dench's voice in my head as I read.

What a charming book! In conversation with her collaborator Brendan O'Hea, Dame Judi Dench reminisces about her life as an actor in Shakespeare's plays. If you've ever seen her on screen or in person, you'll hear her voice in your head. She speaks about Shakespeare as if he were an old friend, sometimes brilliant but sometimes … not. The plays (fully explained, so no expertise is needed) form the framework for her anecdotes and musings about love, jealousy, rage, joy, and so much more. Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent is a theater memoir, a primer on acting, an autobiography, and a far-ranging conversation with a friend, all rolled into one. Highly recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC.

When I was contacted by the publisher with an invitation to read this book, I was over the moon. I had heard about it and was eagerly awaiting its release. It was an immeasurable treat to have early access.

This title offers a series of reflections and conversations between Judi Dench and Brendan O’Hea. Originally written for an archive, the two got the idea to publish a book together, and the reader is so lucky that they made that decision.

Within these pages, readers get to share in Judi’s life and her professional career. Her love for her husband, her daughter and her craft all come across. She is witty, wise, and it was an absolute pleasure to read her words.

Judi Dench and her husband, referred to Shakespeare as the man who pays the rent because they were in so many productions over the years. However, Shakespeare never really became routine for them and Judi brought her best self to every performance.

The first play that is reflected upon is Macbeth. Judi Dench very much views it as a play about the relationship between Lord and Lady Macbeth. She sees the deterioration of their marriage as a true tragedy.

Included here are Dench’s thoughts on nineteen plays interspersed with other reflections. A couple of examples of these are Company and Fireside Ramblings.

For anyone who admires Judi Dench or who wants to more deeply understand the bard, this book is a must read. I adored it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

This is another one of Judi Dench’s masterpieces. Yet, this one isn’t on the stage or on film. This book consists of interviews by Brendan O’Hea with performances Judi Dench did over the years of Shakespeare's plays. Some may say that she was born to perform and enlighten her audiences with tragedy and joy.

Like many others, I love watching Judi Dench in movies. “Shakespeare in Love” is a favorite of mine where she plays the mighty Queen Elizabeth. She is powerful with the keen ability to understand the characters and move her audiences with emotional appeal.

While reading this book, I kept wondering how different it would be to attend one her performances on stage with her beautiful costumes. She presents herself as being reassuring, confident and witty at times. Dench has benefitted greatly having a photographic memory. She said one has to be inside the character’s head and know what’s going on with the play. “Each part is a jigsaw piece and needs to fit in the overall design.”

The interviewer said to Dench that he often feels like he needs a history lesson before seeing the plays. The same is true for reading this book. Unfortunately, I’m not familiar with most plays by Shakespeare. I wish I was while reading her notes. Those that have read or seen his plays are going to have a greater grasp of the finer details. I appreciated the interviews and it gave me more of an interest with this beloved historical figure and his poetic dramas.

This book would be ideal as an Audible to hear the voice of the woman we love: Dame Judi Dench. However, her art sketches in the chapters were a nice added touch. She was asked what she thought of the critics. She said, “It’s just one person’s opinion.”

My thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of April 23, 2024.

Shout out to NetGalley for the ARC!

I will read - and watch - Dame Judi Dench in anything and everything, and this interview-meets-memoir did NOT disappoint.

Lovers of Shakespeare, the stage (or neophytes of both) will find these anecdotes compelling and casually instructive. DJD’s body of - Shakespearean - work is staggering: her skills and talents are unparalleled.

And if you need proof, tune into her Graham Norton interview & watch her (EFFORTLESSLY) hold a 2023 audience in the palm of her hand as she recites Sonnet 29 with grace, passion, and aplomb.

Resplendence personified.

I received a free copy of, Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent, by Judi Dench; Brendan O'Hea, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is a great book for fans of Shakespeare and or Judi Dench. I have not read a whole lot of Shakespeare at all, but Im a fan of Judi Dench. This is an interesting book. Judi Dench tells you all about the plays by Shakespeare.

An entertaining read, perfect for fans of Judi Dench. Her personality shines through as she reminisces about her performances. Each chapter focuses on a different play or theme.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a copy.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Judi Dench has been a well known actress for many years. This book gives us a glimpse into her life while acting in different plays. It takes us behind the scenes. I liked this book.

Dame Judi Dench’s book is an absolute gem and a gift for anyone who loves Shakespeare. Her insights into the characters, language, and plots of many of my favorite Shakespearean plays are breathtaking. Although I studied the plays in multiple college courses and have taught five of them to my high school students, Ms. Dench provides a completely new perspective from her decades as an actor that will absolutely inform the way I teach these plays in the future. It feels auspicious that I was given this digital ARC the week I began teaching Hamlet to my seniors. Thank you so much for the privilege of reading this book before its release date. I have already pre-ordered Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent as an audiobook so I can hear Ms. Dench’s undoubtedly marvelous recitations of the lines she quotes from the plays.

What a wonderful book -- a personal memoir mixed in with commentary on our favorite bard and --more to the point -- bringing his words to such life in such great company. You can't go wrong with this read.

I enjoyed this written conversation between Judi Dench and Brendan O’Hea about Shakespeare’s plays. It gave me a new perspective on what goes on behind the scenes and the work involved in performing the plays. I came away with a new understanding of the complexity of the writing and awareness of the truth that even the small roles are crucial. I could hear Judi Dench in my head as I read this. She is funny, original and thoughtful. I am a fan of both Shakespeare and Ms Dench so I truly enjoyed this book.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing an eGalley of this title.

This book was simply lovely. There is such a contrast between the scholarly approach of Brendan O’Hea’s question and the actor’s approach of Dench. It often leads to funny banter. I am in awe of the breadth of both of their knowledge of Shakespeare. I have always loved Judi Dench, but this insight into how she sees characters and brings them to life on the stage or screen makes me appreciate her so much more. This is a fantastic book for Shakespeare lovers, actors, or the casual reader. It was both insightful and delightful.