Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays The Rent by Judi Dench

Book Review Jul 08, 2024

My review

3/5 stars

The idea of this book really grabbed my attention - the legend that is Judi Dench doing double duty: teaching us about Shakespeare's plays and also talking about all her behind-the-scenes experiences of acting in them over the years. What's not to love?

Well, to be honest, I'm not quite sure, but something about this just didn't gel for me in the way I expected it to. I'm not sure if it was the nature of the content (I'm not familiar with some of Shakespeare's plays so they weren't as interesting to read about as others), the format of the book (a back-and-forth interview between Judi Dench and her friend, Brendan O'Hea; necessary because of the author's failing eye-sight), or the pace of the writing, but there was something. It took me way longer to make it to the end of this book than I anticipated, meaning that something was missing and I wasn't being drawn into wanting to rush to finish it (when I really love a book, I've been known to devour it in one session).

What I did enjoy was the sense of spending time with Judi Dench. Even though there were moments where the interview format was a little jarring, it ultimately lent itself to my being able to insert myself into a very comfortable conversation between two friends with a shared passion. Her wit, her passion and her incredible memory all shone through the pages. She is clearly very knowledgeable on the subject matter, having played so many of the Bard's female characters over the years, and I learned a lot of new things about him and his work through her eyes. She is also incredibly funny, and a master of anecdotes - her tone and her humour made for easy reading.

I did enjoy this book, and there was nothing obvious that I can poinpoint as to why I'm not scoring it higher, but I also wasn't madly in love with this book. Interesting if you like Shakespeare, Judi Dench or both.

Book blurb

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

Cavorting naked through the 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.

Here she reveals her behind the scenes secrets; inviting us to share in her triumphs, disasters, and backstage shenanigans, all brightened by her mischievous sense of humour and striking honesty.
Witty, provocative and inspiring, this is ultimately Judi's love letter to Shakespeare, or rather, The Man Who Pays The Rent.