Judi Dench Narrates The Tempest for School Production
We've got some truly heartwarming news coming out of the UK today, celebrating the enduring magic of Shakespeare and the generosity of one of Britain's most beloved actresses. Dame Judi Dench, a true national treasure, is lending her iconic voice to a local school's production of Shakespeare's "The Tempest." This isn't just any school play; it's a project that has clearly captured the imagination and inspired the students involved. It's a beautiful reminder of how classic literature can still spark passion in young performers today.
Haberdashers' Monmouth School is bringing "The Tempest" to life this summer and their chaplain, Mother Alycia, is directing the production. The cast is made up of their award-winning LAMDA Shakespeare actors, who have been working tirelessly to bring this magical tale to the stage. Dame Judi Dench herself has a deep connection to Shakespeare, having performed his works throughout her illustrious career and even recounting how she performed "The Tempest" for her very first drama school audition. Her passion for the Bard is well-known and it's wonderful to see her sharing that love with a new generation of actors.
What's particularly special about this collaboration is how it came about. The young cast, inspired by Dame Judi's known passion for nature and Shakespeare's most environmental play, created a touching gift for her. They produced artwork featuring 30 trees and plants that feature in "The Tempest," a thoughtful gesture that clearly resonated with the legendary actress. Touched by their efforts and inspired by their dedication, Dame Judi readily agreed to lend her voice as the narrator for their production. It's a testament to the power of thoughtful gestures and shared artistic passion.
Also Read:The impact of this collaboration extends beyond the stage, with a charitable element at its heart. All ticket proceeds from the performances will be donated to The Woodland Trust, the UK's largest woodland conservation charity, of which Dame Judi Dench is an official ambassador and patron. This initiative aims to establish a grove of trees in her honour, creating a lasting legacy connected to both nature and the arts. The play itself, held at Haberdashers' Monmouth Prep School's Recital Hall on Friday, June 5th and Saturday, June 6th, promises an immersive experience for the audience, guided by Dame Judi's narration and the students' powerful performances.
In other news, while Dame Judi Dench's connection to Shakespeare is largely celebrated, she has spoken candidly in the past about certain roles she's found less than enjoyable. Back in 1971, she admitted to absolutely loathing her performance in "The Merchant of Venice," describing it as a "bloody awful show" and a play she "used to dread going to the theatre every night" to perform. She felt the entire production was "very below par" and even speculated that Shakespeare "must've been having a funny turn when he wrote it." Despite her strong negative feelings, she went through with the performances, partly because her then-husband, Michael Williams, was also in the cast. This candid admission highlights that even the most celebrated artists have projects they'd rather forget, though her enduring love for the Bard's other works remains undeniable.
This particular production of "The Tempest" at Haberdashers' Monmouth School, however, seems destined for a much happier memory. Tickets are priced at a very accessible four pounds for adults and two pounds for students, with booking fees applying. It's a fantastic opportunity to support young talent, contribute to a worthy environmental cause and hear the incredible voice of Dame Judi Dench in a truly special Shakespearean production. The chance to be part of something so positive, linking theatre, nature and a beloved star, is certainly something to look forward to.
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