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Shakespeare

The Man Who Pays the Rent

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Shakespeare

By: Judi Dench
Narrated by: Brendan O’Hea, Barbara Flynn, Judi Dench
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

Discover the work of the greatest writer in the English language as you've never encountered it before by pre-ordering internationally renowned actor Dame Judi Dench's SHAKESPEARE: The Man Who Pays The Rent - a witty, insightful journey through the plays and tales of our beloved Shakespeare

Read by Barbara Flynn (Open All Hours, The Durrels) and the book’s co-author Brendan O’Hea. Also featuring a warm and witty exclusive bonus conversation between Dame Judi Dench and Brendan O’Hea about the making of the book.

Taking a curtain call with a live snake in her wig...

Cavorting naked through the Warwickshire countryside painted green...

Acting opposite a child with a pumpkin on his head...

These are just a few of the things Dame Judi Dench has done in the name of Shakespeare.

For the very first time, Judi opens up about every Shakespearean role she has played throughout her seven-decade career, from Lady Macbeth and Titania to Ophelia and Cleopatra. In a series of intimate conversations with actor & director Brendan O'Hea, she guides us through Shakespeare's plays with incisive clarity, revealing the secrets of her rehearsal process and inviting us to share in her triumphs, disasters, and backstage shenanigans.

Interspersed with vignettes on audiences, critics, company spirit and rehearsal room etiquette, she serves up priceless revelations on everything from the craft of speaking in verse to her personal interpretations of some of Shakespeare's most famous scenes, all brightened by her mischievous sense of humour, striking level of honesty and a peppering of hilarious anecdotes, many of which have remained under lock and key until now.

Instructive and witty, provocative and inspiring, this is ultimately Judi's love letter to Shakespeare, or rather, The Man Who Pays The Rent.

©2023 Judi Dench (P)2023 Penguin Audio
Entertainment & Celebrities Entertainment & Performing Arts Literary History & Criticism Funny Witty

Critic Reviews

'A MAGICAL LOVE LETTER TO SHAKESPEARE' Sir Kenneth Branagh

What listeners say about Shakespeare

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Full of wonder, wisdom and wit - a brilliant listen!

PURE JOY to spend time with the indelible Judi Dench and her love of Shakespeare! This book is wonder-filled with her great insight to the plays, her hilarious banter with Brendan O’Hea and her impish spirit :)
And Barbara Flynn does a stellar job of capturing Dame Judi’s rhythm, warmth and her delightful giggle! Thank you 💗

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Brilliant Listen

Generally I would prefer to read a book but not in this case. Judy Dench truly brought Shakespeare’s work alive in this audio audition making me wish I had seen more of the bard’s plays. I also loved the patter between her and Brendan. Judy has been my favourite actress since I first seen her in a BBC Wednesday night play in 1966. This is an audible book I shall dip into again and again.

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Shakespeare, just as you like it

Regardless of what comes over the next 12 months this is my book of 2024. Bloody brilliant. Tickled pink with laughter on one page.. tears the next. Eyes open wide the following… kept entertained throughout. I never thought Shakespeare could be this much fun 🙃 Dialogue swims effortlessly. Brendan and Jude are the best of sparring partners. Jude is illuminating, her depth of knowledge astounding. What a treat 🎭 🩵

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The wisdom of Dame Judy Dench.

All Shakespeare fans will gain fresh insights into his works from this marvellous interview between Brendan O’Dea and Dame Judy, whose love and knowledge of the plays is inspiring.

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Pure joy

I’ve not an acting bone in my body, but this a Masterclass by an extraordinary human with extraordinary talent, extraordinary humanity, her extraordinary two feet on planted firmly on the ground, (except when tripping over on the stage) and the rarest of common sense. This is laugh out loud funny, sob on the inside touching, and a magical door to Shakespeare. It should be school curriculum, imagine facing Shakespeare in high school with anticipation , comprehension and joy rather than as I did with utter dread.
A fabulous listen , thank you both.

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Brilliant

Exquisite in every way. Love the narration and I’ve definitely found I have a renewed understanding and passion for Shakespeare.

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Stunning work, outstanding narration

What a brilliant, once-in-a-lifetime book this is. It is both a cleverly conceived approach to memoir/creative non-fiction, and a cultural treasure. Barbara Flynn’s performance is outstanding — she has clearly studied the recordings of the original conversations in deepest detail, and brilliantly conveys nuance and an unrehearsed sense of conversational spontaneity that feels authentic.
Dame Judi’s passion is so contagious; I feel that this book will become foundational to the way ensuing generations relate to Shakespeare and his work.
I’m so glad that these conversations turned into this book — and the epilogue at the end was just a treat. Hilarious. Thank you!

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Shakespeare came alive

It was a gift to listen to Judi Dench remember her time playing different Shakespearean characters. It made the whole theatre world come alive. I am so very grateful to have been part of this amazing walk through Shakespearean’s stories

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Sheer bliss

Judy Dench’s retelling of her years in the theatre brings depth and insights into Shakespeare the man, his plays and the characters he created. It was a joy to listen to.

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