Dame Judi Dench stuns everyone with her Shakespeare sonnet reading | The Graham Norton Show - BBC

Legendary actor Dame Judi Dench left everyone stunned on The Graham Norton Show with her incredible reading of Shakespeare’s ‘Sonnet 29’ from memory.
#GrahamNorton #JudiDench #DameJudiDench #Shakespeare #BBCShakespeare #Comedy
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Together on Graham’s sofa this week: Dame Judi Dench, discussing her book 'Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays The Rent', the Terminator himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger, promoting his road map for life, 'Be Useful: Seven Tools For Life', top comedian and actor Jack Whitehall, and The Repair Shop’s Jay Blades, talking about his memoir 'Life Lessons'.
With music from the legendary Duran Duran, performing their new single, 'Black Moonlight'.
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[@chong2389]

It is one thing to read Shakespeare's works. It is quite another to hear an actor, the likes of Judy Dench, deliver them as naturally as if the words were her own. ♥

[@jeraldtillery4817]

It truly is. Here she shows what a truly great performer she is by captivating everyone. Amazing talent.

[@gwine9087]

Shakespeare is best seen rather than read.

[@jeraldtillery4817]

@@gwine9087 Very true. I saw Dame Judi in I think 1987/8 at the Royal National Theater in "Anthony and Cleopatra". It was so wonderful to watch.

[@robguyatt9602]

I think reading Shakespeare is just for learning the lines. Then once learned, recite and feel the beauty of those lines.

[@janetmohapibanks]

It’s the way her face goes from quite stern and then softens halfway through and emits the emotions of the words that sets her apart from others. Regardless of the words she says, she acts from the heart.

[@toddtrimble2555]

I love how she gathers and composes herself before the recitation. She, and the audience, come to a focus, and there is such presence in the delivery.

[@annelousteau9799]

What a treasure! 😮😊💋

[@waterhead1027]

She owned the room. That's not easy to do. She could have kept going for another 20 minutes without losing it. A pro.

[@fiveiron23]

@@waterhead1027 No kidding, everyone, including me was literally hanging on her words. She's so talented and classy

[@tommiller6680]

Dame Judi does not compose herself, she gathers the audience, I think somehow she’s performed in front of live audiences before, such aplomb.

[@annier6]

Exactly - she isn't "reading" anything as the title states - she's reciting beautifully!

[@cynthiaweaver100]

She’s an absolute treasure.

[@charlenevansooy7671]

Tears…..so lovely

[@ivankoetsveld8001]

A national treasure 😏

[@tinaweatherley4468]

Yes, she is.

[@ParanormalHeartPodcast]

Agreed! Classy and talented.

[@andyb6866]

Dame Maggie Smith is a national Treasure. (Re: Tracy Ulman).

[@weatherwitchandfelinefamiliars]

The entire audience was spellbound, you could have heard a pin drop, what a stunning rendition 💖

[@jamiestewart48]

The absolute focus on Arnie's fact, he's literally recording that moment to enjoy over and over again watching a master of the craft.

[@fingerprint5511]

@@jamiestewart48 I believe he's stunned after decades of superficial American culture, its a real woman with no plastic surgery completely at ease in her own body, the attention drawn to her essence, not her appearance. This is powerful

[@Nick1979BN]

The pin wouldn't dare ...

[@weatherwitchandfelinefamiliars]

​@@Nick1979BN oh good comment 😊

[@weatherwitchandfelinefamiliars]

​@@jamiestewart48very true 😊

[@PikkaBite]

I love the absolute silence while she recites Shakespeare. Only on Graham Norton Show.

[@TonyEnglandUK]

Whenever Dame Judi is on Graham's show, she's so charming that the male guests always have to make physical contact with her. Even Arnie does it here at 2:53, and watch whenever she's on the show, they practically all pet her.

[@georgina4152]

In a matter of seconds, no exaggeration, she has us, carries us, with the sonnet ...... thrilling.

[@victors8465]

It's a sign of a masterful entertainer. To capture an audience so suddenly, and have them so enthralled with her shows her abilities and skills as a performer to be on an unparalleled level.

[@dirtfarmer7472]

I replayed it just so I could listen again, just stirring. I could listen to it or her every day.

[@qtshel68]

Seriously- Dame Judi is just one of those people that defines class. She is so well carried and spoken, but also funny and a beautiful both in and out. I never get tired of her interviews with Graham.

[@victors8465]

And something else (that I find charming) is that she doesn't put on any airs and graces. In the interview she did with Louis Theroux he put to her the well-held belief that she is widely considered to be a national treasure. Dame Judi listened intently, but made it clear that she doesn't particularly like those types of descriptions of her.

[@gaminawulfsdottir3253]

She just showed why she is _Dame_ Judi Dench.

[@susanherbert3014]

I love how they were all silly and having fun then as she began to recite the sonnet the mood instantly changed into reverence for her as well as for Shakespeare’s words… beautiful

[@Ann12681]

Even if you have no understanding of what is being said, she is able to touch your soul in a most profound way. She is extraordinary

[@lynetteclauser3551]

What was the name of the sonnet? I feel like I’ve heard the first part before.

[@Gnostic72]

@@lynetteclauser3551 Sonnet 29: When, in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE When, in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes, I all alone beweep my outcast state, And trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries, And look upon myself and curse my fate, Wishing me like to one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art and that man’s scope, With what I most enjoy contented least; Yet in these thoughts myself almost despising, Haply I think on thee, and then my state, (Like to the lark at break of day arising From sullen earth) sings hymns at heaven’s gate; For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings That then I scorn to change my state with kings.

[@lynetteclauser3551]

@@Gnostic72 Beautiful, Thank you.

[@sandrafraser2267]

Gave me chills

[@YaleStewartArt]

I'm 35 years old, and am willing to admit I've never really *got* Shakespeare. Certainly I appreciate the stories and whatnot, but have never really been moved by it. My dad passed away earlier this week and I stumbled upon this clip rather randomly, and, well...now I get it.

[@anthonybrooks-sands]

❤🫶

[@farje1]

It takes a great deal of honesty to admit what you have admitted, and class to change your mind. I applaud you.

[@anthonybrooks-sands]

​@@farje1 I second that, and also your comment! 👏

[@tracylf5409]

I'm so sorry for your loss. xx

[@pamelariker5525]

So terribly sorry for your loss. Hugs sent your way.

[@isaiahmartinson7519]

I remember my teachers in school trying to explain to us how to read even the punctuation and line breaks in his works, because the cadence and rhythm were as important as the words themselves. However, it wasn't until just now, and seeing her performance, that I ever have truly appreciated the importance of that. She is a treasure.

[@av-bg2hr]

The absolute silence while she was saying the sonnet. Magical!!

[@hereweare9096]

I didn’t make a peep and I’m just watching from home. lol

[@GreenClassified]

I think I forgot to breath

[@stevennorrie5884]

That is just CRAZY.. not only that she could recall it all perfectly, but be able to deliver it with such passion and nuance on the spot. Genuinely impressive ❤

[@kayking2536]

Beautiful. Her delivery is perfection. If only Shakespeare where here to hear her, he would cry at the Beauty of her words. Captivating.

[@interestedbystander196]

It's his words; her performance.

[@JapanFound]

@@interestedbystander196 His words...allegedly...

[@interestedbystander196]

@@JapanFound If it wasn't written by Shakespeare, then it was written by another bloke called Shakespeare...

[@JapanFound]

@@interestedbystander196 Or multiple authors, as was often the case in Elizabethan theatre...

[@nigelmurphy6761]

@@JapanFound no 'allegedly' about it pal. Nobody only Shakespeare could have written Shakespeare.

[@Keksakallu]

Judi Dench is absolutely iconic, and her delivery of Shakespeare is like a warm blanket, but this moment would have been wholly incomplete if they hadn’t mentioned Arnie’s Shakespearean offering in “The Last Action Hero”. I’d have been gutted beyond measure if they’d dropped that ball.

[@carameldrops08]

Absolutely, the juxtaposition has me rolling 😂

[@clardiabeatty3109]

So many reasons why she is a dame, this is one for many

[@NeonPixels81]

It's not just that she had it memorized, its that she could infuse it with the emotion and passion and lilt that it warranted. Masterful.

[@WJV9]

She 'inhabited' the sonnet, a talent that all great actors can do with a script, sonnet or poem. You feel the weight of the words as you speak them and pause for emphasis to allow the listener to fully engage with the emotions being verbalized. Dame Judith is a treasure for sure.

[@markofmixy]

Incredibly beautiful, so much emotion she nearly brought herself to tears. An absolute treasure

As a poet since 1998 this brought tears to my eyes. How utterly graceful, thoughtful and well-articulated she recited this piece. The inflections in her voice, the pauses, the focus and intensity brought this to life to such a beautiful human degree.

[@susanpallister8037]

I am obsessed with this recitation.

[@CherriesJubilee]

Oh dear Ms. Dench. I wish she would record a few more sonnets. Listening to her speak this particular poem of someone rising out of envy and self-pity to acceptance of one's state through the love of another is just breathtaking. I had to listen a dozen times...simply gorgeous.

[@altoarchives]

There is a cd called Shakespeare Exits and Entrances where she reads several….

[@rolandhawken6628]

Most of the sonnets are like this

[@mariiia216]

Honestly this is such a ray of sunshine, such break in between all the bullsh*t, she had everyone spellbound. She unpacked her mastery and everyone immediately was ready to be charmed. That moment, it’s a reason to regain a bit of hope in our species honestly.

[@patd.3368]

.you said it in one....Judy Dench and Shakespeare...two magicians of timelessness

[@Crayton10]

Hear hear!!!!!!!!!

[@valeriesmith5780]

Nothing like a master class in Shakespeare.

[@TonyEnglandUK]

I always imagined Shakespeare would really appreciate Dame Judi reciting his work.

[@itsmephil2255]

Is it just me or did anyone else tear up when she was reciting the sonnet?? What a wonderful actress Dame Judy Dench is

[@ksrt2654]

BEST CLIP EVER. You could hear a pin drop in the room while she was delivering that. I teared up! And the. Arnold being so funny and charming. And Graham- hilarious at the start.

[@jillclarke7264]

She makes Shakespeare relatable for us. Thank you Dame Judy.

[@charlottehardy822]

She really is incredible.

[@geolassx5755]

Everyone is saying what a national treasure Dame Judi is, but I say she's a universal treasure for all of us to enjoy.

[@TonyEnglandUK]

I totally agree.

[@matthewadamy]

She’s Britains National Treasure. She held the entire room in a magical spell as only a true legend can!

[@CherylsCreativeWorld33]

Wow! She totally was in the flow! And it was so beautiful! Everyone went quiet, wow! Totally blew me away !

[@southsidejohnny5624]

I’ve read interviews with actors who’ve worked with her and they all say how they can be sitting chatting and she’s being her usual ditzy self and then they call “action” and boom! she’s right in character and bossing the scene. I think we saw a little bit of that in this clip. Just magical. Love that woman❤️

[@robertwhelan9132]

I agree 100%. She commanded the room with her very presence

[@helend6774]

That is my absolute favorite sonnet and she spoke it better than I could ever read it.

[@alysonhopkins2037]

The title suggests that she is "reading" it. She is not. Absolutely amazing.

[@PursuingHeaven]

that brought tears to my eyes...Dame Judi never ceases to amaze me...

[@SilverHaze5X]

2:00 this is what respect looks like

[@markbeck8384]

Gorgeous, she just draws you in, and makes the meaning so clear. I forget sometimes how wonderful Shakespeare's works are.

[@nigelatkinson6920]

amazing how she can make speech more than just words - providing insight, emotion, empathy

[@Luckyluisa791]

She is absolutely my favorite. Such an amazing actress @

[@MisterItchy]

She is so fabulous. This clip made me start re-watching "As Time Goes By".

[@MeMeDaVinci]

Right? I just tested positive for covid after all this time and wow, As Time Goes By. What a great idea.

[@eleanordixon9678]

We won't forget that moment will we?❤

[@williamparker1085]

the look on Arnolds face says it all.......magnificent

[@mattrogers5671]

at 1:27 she takes a deep breath, and I take a deep breath of anticipation with her, and I don't think I've let that breath out yet...

[@edwardx.winston5744]

She delivers it slowly, so that one’s mind can absorb every pressing verb and envision every metaphor. The density of meaning in a single line from Shakespeare is truly amazing. It makes perfect sense that it was the Bard who coined the phrase “brevity is the soul of wit.” (Hamlet Act II, Scene 2). Consider how much information was conveyed in that sonnet, in so few syllables. Shakespearean actors know how to chew on dialogue and steal a scene, pretty much at will. Dench is no exception. She’s absolutely brilliant. Dench flips a switch, and suddenly nothing else matters-and I’m staring at my stupid phone getting misty. That’s an unreal power.

[@anndarcy8193]

Her silences were powerful, no man dared interrupt her, no restless audience demanded a punch line.

[@Bergen98]

Wished they would show the audience at that moment, such power of the word coming through ages, the way everyone kept silent even after she finished

[@Nevernowaynope]

I wouldn't have been able to stop myself from standing to clap for that. I simply couldn't have remain seated. Superb

[@raywellswork]

I would have stood with you

[@crispincoque]

I was moved by that very well-performed sonnet. Writing so old but so timeless. Thank you Mr. Shakespeare. 🥲

[@conormcquire2753]

I studied Shakespeare for 2 years and couldn’t stand it. However, listened to this, and it brought me to tears. What beauty 400 years later. My hair stood on end. What a treasure, she taught me to love William, and not scorn at heaven’s gates.

[@christopherharris6145]

I never tire of watching this video. Dame Judy is a National Treasure and if I were to hazard a guess, when she said, " Happily I think on thee....." She was thinking of her beloved late husband.

[@tragicrhythm]

That was a beautiful recitation. I hope she continues to act in films so we can all enjoy her immense talent.

[@MeMeDaVinci]

That is why she IS Dame Judy Dench. She didn't even have to stand up.

[@MeMeDaVinci]

In addition, she's a master class right there. I will refer to this video for inspiration as many times as needed.

[@SuziSellsSound]

How beautiful her voice and inflections! I watch this clip every time it's in my feed.

[@garydargan6]

My late PhD supervisor was a true Renaissance man. His first degree was in biomedical science then he did a PhD in American literature.. When I met him he had just published a 5 volume translation of Rumi's Mathnawi in Bahasa. Rather than use an English translation as an intermediary he translated direct from the original Persian. Discussions with him were always delightful ranging from science to American mystical poetry to Rumi and Omar Khayyam and he often quoted tracts of Shakespeare.

[@TyMarshall007]

Dame Judi Dench is a National Treasure

[@thejimbruce]

How lovely every time this clip pops up. Good for the soul. Here's hoping if you are reading this you have also known love.

[@gtsguitartuitionservices2878]

Armies such a sweetheart.

[@AnnoyedNoodles-fb8hw]

Dame Dench deserves all the praises sge receives. How interesting she has devited her life to the stage and film to entertain us. Her rexitations of the works of Shakespeare is breathtaking. She is the EPITOME of an actress who shall be remembered through the ages. May she live a long life ahead of herself!

[@maryjanebarnett1011]

Such a familiar sonnet, and yet when Dame Judi Dench speaks it, the tears creep into my eyes. She's a marvel!

[@craigschaffer3312]

Very kind of so many to praise Dame Judi's talent, but it is the work that has gone into her craft that is admirable. One doesn't just magically absorb sonnets and deliver them with such conviction and simplicity.

[@sammyt3514]

She can read the phone book and she would still give a great performance; one of the most talented screen/theatre legends ever. On another note, you could see Arnold struggling, and probably failing, to understand a word of what she said, lol.

[@john.premose]

I doubt it. He's actually quite intelligent, and he's Austrian, which means he's more accustomed to literature and culture than an American or probably the average Brit too.

[@sammyt3514]

@@john.premose This has nothing to do with his intelligence or culture; it's about his mastery of the English language. Shakespeare is hard for native English speakers, let alone someone who speaks English as a second language, and not very well at that.

[@john.premose]

@@sammyt3514 why does it make you happy to think other people can't understand you? The English do this very often. They love to say how no one gets their comedy or humour. I don't know why this is such a source of satisfaction to believe this.

[@sammyt3514]

@@john.premose Why do you assume that I'm English (I'm not) or that I'm getting 'satisfaction' out of this (which is a weird thing to say)? This is only about how funny I found the quizzical look on Arnie's face was while Judi was reciting the sonnet; don't overthink it, and certainly don't make baseless assumptions.

[@john.premose]

@@sammyt3514 I know it's a weird thing to say. It's an even weirder thing to do, but the English constantly do it.

[@56nickrich]

For hundreds of years The Bard's works have been performed and updated to the common speech. Dame Judy's recitation was fully understood and flawless in it's delivery. Bravo !!

[@cristinalacoste2062]

That was so beautiful, she brought me to tears.

[@calmblueocean7243]

In highschool in the 80s we studied "Macbeth" - our teacher played us a video production of the play and Judi Dench was brilliant as Lady Macbeth! She is captivating in this clip too, brings the Bard's words to life! Thanks for putting this on KZbin, loved it! 🎭💐

[@Tao_Tology]

'An actor's _only_ job is to enter the lives of people who are different from us, and let you feel what that feels like.'

[@vincentmutel7313]

Hi ! You used brackets so I assumed it was a quote but I couldn't find it. Are these your own words ? Or could you tell me who said that ? Thanks !

[@Tao_Tology]

@@vincentmutel7313 Girl, those are apostrophe's, not brackets. 😉 It was something Meryl Streep said at an awards ceremony, I honestly can't remember which one.

[@vincentmutel7313]

@@Tao_Tology Thank you for answering me. Is it because I said brackets instead of apostrophes that you called me girl instead of boy (which I am) ? Also, they might be apostrophes but you used them as brackets. You don't put a quote between apostrophes.

[@Tao_Tology]

​@@vincentmutel7313 This was fun.

[@vincentmutel7313]

@@Tao_Tology Yes it was. 😉 Thanks again for Meryl Streep's quote.

[@adrianhelfen1584]

she is pure class. what a wonderful, wise woman. Amazing

[@happymatt2013]

Damie Judi is a formidable woman, such a talented actress, a stalwart in her profession and still full of surprises

[@YD-uq5fi]

Wow. Most people age 88 can't even remember what they did yesterday. Dame Judi Dench remembers the entirety of Sonnet 29.

[@joeoak8181]

Your comment about 88-year olds sounds suspiciously like ageism.

[@Anicius_]

Bruh

[@Garethprice1979]

​@joeoak8181 your comment sounds suspiciously like fake outrage. 🙄

[@bradmcminn]

I don’t know why, I’ve seen her do that sonnet a couple of times and it always brings tears to my eyes. So beautiful!

[@brigittebeltran6701]

No one can top Dame Judith Dench! 🙏❤️👏👏👏👏👏

[@pamplayer4086]

Dame Judi is as lovely as that sonnet she recited so brilliantly

[@jharagetslayed2074]

That silence is everything 💖

[@dominus1204]

Her emotion immediately afterwards was astonishing

[@kristofferhellstrom]

She's such a gem. The UK and the rest of us are lucky to still her around❤

[@sebanicloa1022]

Love, love, HER! ✨❤️✨

[@amanous]

The most incredible thing is the few seconds before she starts. She manages to achieve SO MANY things in these 2-3 seconds. Break the continuation of the previous conversation. Set a new tone. Connect with the audience and lock everyones attention. Compose herself and get in a new mood. Build anticipation for what is to follow. And does all that without being pompus at all. Absolutely astonishing.

[@greybirdo]

Graham is hilarious and has a unique talent that I hope we all get to long enjoy... ...but Dame Judi reciting one of Shakespeare's sonnets - that is untouchable and irreplaceable.

[@arturodavidariasmolina4709]

Arnold: “…I mean there’s more dialogue that I had in all my movies all together”

[@carmell51]

I love her! I just watched that movie with her in a role last night. I’m crying now. Nobody nobody does it as as good as Judi. Did you notice how everyone in the room was absolutely entranced and could hardly breathe. Much less make noise. I could listen to it for hours literally hours. Thank you Judi for making all of our lives so much better.

[@CJRamos-jv3pb]

I literally got chills.

[@Kari_B61ex]

This is the ONLY segment worth watching on BBC. It was fabulous. Mesmerising! Our amazing Dame Judi Dench.

[@marie-christinescutt7888]

I was absolutely fascinated what a lady!!!!

[@sallyhinkebein257]

Wonderful! ❤

[@LCmonman]

She cast a spell and we were all enchanted ✨

[@slavvalb3933]

Dame Judy is an actress from God . She can do comedy and tragicomedy equally well. 🏆❤️

[@wescobts]

Nothing short of amazing

[@galvanicmass]

Love that women!

[@stephenwinter8892]

Greetings from Canada 🇨🇦 thanks for the presentation with dame Judi Dench and with graham Norton I always liked his interviews

[@LoraineWalker-z9m]

It shows the love and respect everyone has for her, delivered in silence and reverence x

[@beckyhalvorsen2126]

I am in awe of her skill! I love how her face and voice tone change ever so slightly from the point the sonnet is talking about the envy of what other have to when it is talking about the person they love. It is ever so subtle but speaks volumes!

[@Houghy-8550.]

Beautiful well done Dame Judy

[@historygal7]

Dame Judi knocked the silly socks off everyone with her reading. Wow, that was so beautiful, it gave me chills! 🥰 Arnie with his comment gave me a great chuckle. 😁

[@kimipranger1173]

I live in the US, and I love the Graham Norton Show! I watched this episode w/Judi a couple of weeks ago. She never disappoints! Dame Judi Dench is one of my favorites as an actor, and as a guest on Graham Norton show; she is a frequent guest.❤️❤️❤️

[@DannysLifeChange]

I can hear her talk all day!! Beautiful

[@christopherthorkon3997]

Part of the delight is watching Arnie's reaction to Judi's presentation.

[@MJB20233]

She starts, the words, the emotion comes through and she is speaking Shakespeare.. Just stunning.

[@Silver_Owl]

I saw Judi Dench on stage 40 years ago, and I've never forgotten it. She was absolutely mesmerizing, just wonderful.

[@adelaferreira4575]

Love Dame Judy Dench,a world treasure ,what an actress for the ages !

[@missrachel6355]

Amen, hallelujah sister. Preach to the choir 💪👼🙏

[@LBPreviews]

Why did this make me cry? What a beautiful moment

[@PLuMUK54]

I don't think that I have ever heard an audience silent before. During Dame Judi's recitation, you could actually hear the buzzing of equipment. Amazing!

[@Marc_donkey]

I could listen to her for hours

[@dominadoramor7767]

What a genuine pleasure to watch Dame Judi…