Dame Judi Dench Masterfully Does A Shakespeare Sonnet | The Graham Norton Show

[@SideshowCris]

You can see the moment when she says “Haply I think on thee.” She knows exactly who she’s thinking of, remembering a person she loved more than all the world and having an urgent need to express her gratitude for having been given such a gift. That’s the language coming alive, just as if it was written yesterday. Simply breathtaking.

[@MistressQueenBee]

and her eyes lit up and sparkled in that moment. Even the camera captured it!

[@sandrahudson967]

I think she was thinking of her [late] husband Michael Williams, she had a tear in her eye at the end.

[@houseofnae]

She was absolutely thinking of Michael look at the sparkle and glint in her eye🥰

[@kingy002]

@@houseofnae You haven't a clue as to what she was thinking about.

[@mckavitt13]

You see, the average person does enjoy Shakespeare, when understood &, as here, movingly performed.

[@maufuentes]

When Dame Judi Dench started reciting this sonnet, it was as if the world had suddenly stopped spinning, with everyone frozen in a magical moment listening to her.

[@jasminejones7389]

I'm just coming to the end of Judi's book " Shakespeare: the man who pays the rent " and I HIGHLY recommend it.

[@maufuentes]

@@jasminejones7389 thanks for the recomendation. I’ll try to get my hands on it.

[@ausplus]

She can literally stop the world spinning

[@seren617]

Is there an actor or actress with a more beautiful voice, more impeccable timing than Dame Judi Dench? I love Graham's show, but when she switches to sonnet mode it's like the banality of the talkshow format and of this modern world in general just melts away. We're all elevated by her art. Even Arnie!

[@aaronmacy9134]

You worded that beautifully.

[@rebelraccoon9018]

"Shakespeare in love" is the first movie I discovered her in. She was hypnotic, remarkable presence and utterly brilliant. Beautiful lady too.

[@carolynclitheroe3588]

Sonnet mode 😆

[@eangeleyesr6678]

Patrick Stewart does try! I Remember fondly his ‘sonnet a day’ during lockdown. But he indicated to be inspired to read them by Dame Judi…

[@wideawake5630]

Well said.

[@elizabethgray2386]

I’ve never had success at reading Shakespeare but I could listen to Dame Judi do it all day.

[@JenBriSeth]

I firmly believe kids should be introduced to Shakespeare by seeing performances, long before they have to read Romeo & Juliet or Julius Caesar in high school. Fall in love with how the spoken language sounds first, then read it.

[@hortleberrycircusbround9678]

​@@JenBriSethno we got to decolonize our bookshelves. Forget the West's grand narratives!

[@bearbk3]

@@JenBriSeth Shakespeare was never meant to be read. It was meant to be heard and seen. American schools in my humble opinion have destroyed Shakespeare.

[@heliotropezzz333]

@@hortleberrycircusbround9678 Why exclude it? Diversity is the thing, not cancellation. The quietness in the room is not just because of Dame Judi's rendition but Shakespeare's words really draw people in and he can express all emotions and feelings in a universal way, nothing to do with the West or anywhere else.

[@christopherdean1326]

@@bearbk3 EXACTLY!!! Same thing has happened in UK schools.

[@ivannano]

In seconds, she held the audience spellbound until her last word was uttered. We sometimes take it for granted how spectacular she is.

[@katzche]

Not me, she is spectacular always

[@kimc7699]

She's a World Treasure. How lucky we are to be alive to see her perform.

[@ivannano]

@@kimc7699 I got to see her on stage in a 2 person play with Maggie Smith. They were even better than you'd hope they would be.

[@pechaa]

Yes - AND her writer. Don’t forget him! He does everything she said he does.

[@karenlloyd6042]

Which is sonnet is it please?

[@wuodbonde]

I love the way Dame Judi composes herself for a minute, and then unleashes this graceful rendition of a sonnet with perfect diction and timing. Peerless performance from a wonderful actress.

[@DeepaBarve]

Judi was, of course, outstanding but even Graham coming up with that quote spontaneously was precious! And Arnie’s “I said not to be and then we blew it up” was such an awesome end! This clip is gold!!

[@randomobserver8168]

Yes- Arnie has always at one and the same time been deeply committed and serious about his ambitions and what he did, and yet able to get and enjoy the joke implicit in his work and life.

[@RussiaIsARiddle778]

⁠@@randomobserver8168. He posted a video about antisemitism in about hate and about fascism. It appeared to be done in his office in his home. I came across it here yesterday on KZbin. He tells about going to Auschwitz phone number of years ago and the wait he felt on him from the time he entered the camp. It’s well worth viewing.

[@63bplumb]

Graham's Hamlet Act 4 Scene 4 first line

[@nachumlamm9353]

And Dench's honest huge laugh. Like she doesn't take it *too* seriously...

[@michelledin2230]

She picked one of Shakespeare's best sonnets about the human condition and ability to love. And she recited it beautifully off course 👏

[@matteoprincipe7134]

Of course, rather than off course. Poor Shakespeare 😂

[@sodoffbaldrick3038]

I'm sure thoughts of her late husband, Michael were what brought her close to tears. There were memories, loss, and love in her recitation.

[@createone100]

@@matteoprincipe7134I didn’t think Dame Judi was off course at all! 😂🤣

[@rajaharrag667]

Do you know what's the name of the play please ?

[@andirossetter]

​@@rajaharrag667it was Sonnet 29😊

[@Mellypepper]

From Graham pulling out a quote, to Dame Judi Dench perfectly reciting a sonnet, to Arnold’s, “That’s more dialogue than I’ve had in all my movies all together.” 😂

[@marywilkinson5518]

This is probably the best clip of Graham Norton's show ever. She is spellbinding. Never seen anyone hold A listers and the audience so still like that.

[@fudefite]

They were all waiting so much in anticipation for the next line, she even had to say "that's it"....I feel she could have kept going to hours ....so captivating

[@susieusmaximus5330]

I love that Jay Blades quietly leans toward her and thanks her. He's such a lovely man.

[@Belfastboi]

I want Judi to marry Jay Blades! She becomes transformed with her art. Young and wise and sensual. What a woman. Jay is a proper gent ❤

[@hellohello66666]

Hasn’t aged well

[@jonweakley8396]

It was such a different moment than we expect from that show. Everyone in that room (and watching) was captivated into a stunned silence hearing her amazing recitation.

[@rayaqueen9657]

Stunned is the right word

[@shawn3363]

That's when you know you have something truly special in your midst. Dame Judi Dench is one of those people

[@rhiannoncameron7165]

I have never, until this moment, appreciated the work actors do. The whole mood of the show completely changed and everyone was captivated! That was unbelievable and absolutely beautiful. Tears to my eyes!

[@harrisont2004]

One of the only chat shows that can produce beautiful iconic moments of television. This is astounding and I have watched it so many times. What a joy.

[@eharper7]

Amazing how the room just goes dead silent.

[@Procrasti...]

I swear, Shakespeare's like a friend you never knew who can reach out to you, centuries after he died and say, 'I feel you, man. I feel you.'

[@mendelscot]

Shakespeare was John Lennon, Mel Brooks, and Taylor Swift rolled up in one.

[@TaxingIsThieving]

@@mendelscot🤢

[@ursulageorgeson7086]

My Dad is very old and rarely awake these days except at funny hours. When he is, he's often reflective and slow in conversation. Poetry brings him solace. I remember sitting with him, we watched this broadcast and from the still bright passages of his cavernous mind, he awoke on hearing it, and spoke it along with her without hesitation. Which was touching. Aside, Dench is the greatest player of Shakespeare we have in recorded history and nobody can change my mind.

[@lem01ne]

The way she prepared herself after deciding on a sonnet got my attention immediately. This was amazing ❤

[@rutherhood5961]

She has an ability to instantly command an atmosphere, with such little she draws in so much, she’s absolutely incredible. An inspiration.

[@tedfaun2159]

Once you learn the sonnet and try to recite it, you really understand just how incredible a talent it is to do what Judi does here so effectlessly. It's not just a brilliant connection with the words. It's a career worth of understanding Shakespeare's writing. A masterclass.

[@shedskin01]

My mom used to recite poetry at family gatherings and parties with friends, and everyone loved it and would keep asking her for more. Dame Judy Dench reminded me of her. I miss her 😢

[@lyannawinter405]

I'm sorry for your loss

[@gamecon7548]

Sorry for your loss!

[@Ellen24493]

Sounds like she was amazing. My condolences to you.

[@shedskin01]

Thank you all very much. 🙏

[@luanllluan]

I'm sure she's reciting Shakespeare to you in your dreams

[@peytonstanford5532]

She is truly spell binding. Having the knowledge and love for his work to be able to just pull it from memory shows not only her skill but her true appreciation for the craft. You can tell by the end when she finishes, just in the slight shifts of her expressions, that she’s feeling all those complexities. She pulls from her own experiences and wears them in her performances. A masterclass in acting and living the words. A truly once in a lifetime talent.

[@opin360]

so true - her reaction, feeling the reverb of every utterance after delivering it like she is but a vessel for its channeling

[@aaronsmith600]

Watching her face light up as she get's deeper into the sonnet is truly breathtaking. The silence was truly deafening.

[@robyates3555]

I think she was remembering her dear late husband reciting this. You could see the emotion in her eyes.

[@darrynmccutcheon2195]

Love the fact that Arnold reaches out to touch Judy's shoulder like a treasure and then makes us laugh in his self depreciating way. Even Judy laughed.

[@leightonwestbury92]

Dame judy has such poise, grace and integrity.........what an impeccably elegant lady

[@Nunov103]

Dame Judi is a precious human being and a gift to this world 🙂

[@patmcnair2784]

This lady is always absolutely spellbinding! No one like her is there?

[@martinstent5339]

"That was more dialog than I had in all my movies all together!". Had to laugh at that comment from Arnold!!

[@YarnCrafts4lefties]

Her performance was absolutely brilliant. She should record Shakespeare audio books. Her delivery is stunning.

[@RIrwin-v1b]

She has done! She wrote and narrated an audiobook called ‘Shakespeare: the man who pays the rent’. It’s on audible and it’s great.

[@craigm.9070]

Dame Judy rattled that Sonnet off like the Boss she is...much love!

[@olufemidavies2135]

The scene in skyfall where she recites Tennyson is one of my favourite

[@BjørjaBear]

That's just what the arts can do, when delivered by a master. Beautiful.

[@luciebrisson5881]

Shakespeare's Sonnet 29. As she recited it, I kept thinking I know this one. Then I remembered I had heard Kenneth Brannagh recite the same to Sir Ian McKellen in All Is True. I like her rendition better. She seemed affected by it at the end there, it looked like she needed a moment to regain her composure.

[@AndreinaGarban]

Dame Judi Dench.... what a flood stream of talent. The silence while she speaks... she's mesmerizing!

[@ms.t7614]

Came to watch Graham Norton and got the most beautiful performance by Dame Judi Dench! What a fabulous treat! I was barely breathing as I listened to her speak! Bravo!

[@lynetteclauser3551]

That’s why she’s a Dame and I’m just….in awe.

[@havingalook2]

She had us all captivated and had it gone on, tears would have rolled down her cheeks as it almost did mine and I dare say many in the live audience. She is a national treasure.

[@alisongracie8397]

❤

[@joker6solitaire]

What a captivating recitation. I was hanging on every word! I very rarely see an actor who can perform Shakespeare so well that I actually understand the words in old English.

[@hunterG60k]

Dame Judi is an absolute legend, incredible woman. And Arnie is just adorable 🥰

[@hg82met]

Incredible coming from any actor let alone an 88-year-old one. She's got a very rare quality.

[@trendy_nails]

Just turned 89!

[@Sarahj2me]

Dame Judy is exquisite in every way. She is simply my favourite actress.

[@binnielynn1528]

She is spellbinding. When I first stumbled on this clip, she had me mesmerized. I felt the words deep in my soul. I have watched it many, many times now and I am still enthralled, each and every time. She has no equal in my mind.

[@tempusfugit9796]

88 years old, and still as sharp as a tack. Dame judy is a legend.

[@Thesleepingbeautyx]

My goodness, I literally felt my spirit shake when she recited that. I love that woman ❤

[@Varekai0723]

If I can be 1/10 as sharp as Dame Judi when I'm at her age, I will be very happy. What a force!

[@AlbertaGeek]

I don't think I was 1/10 that sharp when I was half her age.

[@caiolinnertel8777]

In a flash, from comedy to Shakespeare. She simply had me transfixed in that Sonnet and brought to tears. Wonderful!

[@Not2Old4TEch]

his words are so amazing. Judi brings life to them.

[@stevencrowe2450]

This clip is all over Twitter and the internet this morning. It reminds us all that even in these dark dark days love remains and heals.

[@GriffGriffith]

Watching the episode and it was, as usually casual and catty and funny and then out of no where, this happened. From talk show silly to absolutely sublime. I could not speak but for my tears at the end. Brava Dame Judy.

[@rayaqueen9657]

Exactly this. The rapt silence!!

[@emmccormick]

Whenever I need a lift I watch this. Apparently that’s often! What a treasure Judi is. ❤

[@annefuhrken4081]

I watch this, as well. Dame Judi is indeed an international treasure! 👏🏻

[@cmtippens9209]

Oh to be able to just summon up a sonnet by Shakespeare on a moment's notice, AND to recite it flawlessly like that. 🥰

[@roisinniloirgneain815]

I can do that, and I never stood on a stage to act.

[@Mubashir_AK]

I imagined her thinking about her husband, who I think passed away relatively recently. A beautiful tribute if true.

[@amandasmith8108]

No, he died in 2001. She's been in another long term relationship for many years

[@jancraggs4243]

He's her Plus 1, a lovely chap whom she met when visiting his wildlife sanctuary. They live separately but they obviously have a very loving relationship, she deserves someone looking after her since losing the love of her life Michael.

[@davidmahony9223]

that was one of the best bits of tv in ages, that is pure talent on display

[@CorrectionUnknown]

Absolutely fantastic. I keep coming back to this weekly. The silence is haunting!

[@roelsiebrand7181]

Amazing how she pulls you in immediately. Goose bumps, burning eyes, etc.

[@michman2]

I come back to this all too short clip often, and wonder at the gift that was Shakespeare, and gift we have in Judy Dench.

[@AngelaJeanBarr]

Dame Judy..... International treasure.

[@kpire6066]

I think that was most certainly my fondest performance of Shakespeare. ❤

[@Eveonthehill]

Which play was it in? I can't find it.

[@HermanVonPetri]

@@Eveonthehill It's not in a play, but a poem. Sonnet #29 "When, in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes..." and how beautifully rendered it was.

[@Eveonthehill]

Blessings@@HermanVonPetri

[@SF-wz5tz]

The way she just snapped into delivering it perfectly and making you feel it. One of the GOATs!

[@JimMac23]

Dame Judi Dench is one of the greatest actresses in the world. She should have all the acting awards that exist.

[@jennybromberger7925]

they did make her a dame!

[@SuzyQ956]

When Dame Judi speaks ,we do well to listen . What a powerful sonnet, from a theatrical powerhouse .long may she continue

[@jillosler9353]

My favourite Sonnet recalled word perfect by one of my favourite actresses. Thank you dear Dame Judi for a performance that definitely deserved a standing ovation 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏❤

[@simonpatrick100]

Dame judi goes beyond the title of national treasure, that actually bought I tear to my eye..GENIOUS ❤

[@thebrattybooktuber7778]

It invokes such emotion for me. So beautiful.

[@scottstewarttv]

I love how much judi loved Arnold’s “not to be” part about blowing up the castle hahahaha she was having a great time

[@sallyjones9702]

She is such a wonderful actress. I am drawn like a magnet to whatever she is in, whether it’s a chat show or an early film

[@leogibbons4957]

When Dame Judi Dench quotes Shakespeare, you stop and listen. Simply amazing!!

[@ZacharyRoozenChannel]

I cannot stress the power of this verse in my life. I will forever be grateful for those like Judy, brave enough and courageous enough to channel it.

[@Critter145]

Breathtaking. I really felt the introspection in those words. Beautiful and heartbreaking. She’s brilliant.

[@Mopperswompf]

What a great gift. It was exactly what I needed in these troubled times. The sonnet and the way Dame Judi Dench took her time, it went straight to my heart.

[@yogeshjadhav5832]

It’s moments like these that make me feel so lucky to be living during the time these great actors are alive…Dame Judi Dench is an absolute legend..listening to her glorious recitation of Shakespeare is no less than listening to some kind of divine revelation!

[@ototanase4141]

Wisdom , experience, talent thank you Judi Dench ! This video will stay forever for years to come as a remembrance

[@droberts7859]

She was the best Bond girl ever!!

[@ymrabc]

What a wonderful gift Dame Judy is to the world, a beautiful, intelligent and talented woman. The way she recited that sonnet was mesmerising.

[@Ravi-UT]

Let us take a moment to recognise also the heart-achingly beautiful words of Shakespeare! Dame Judy's recitation was of course spell binding!

[@AnthonyChurch296]

I was lucky enough to see her at Stratford some years ago in All's Well That Ends Well. It was a preview night and there was a director's Q and A before and she was with the director, Greg Doran, on stage. What immediately strikes you is her vulnerability, it's not a weakness, it's a strength. It makes her human and it makes her acting tremendous. She is just such an amazing person and artist.

[@lonihoots_author]

One of the most remarkable actresses of all time captivating each audience member, each viewer on the edge of their seats.

[@wideawake5630]

And just that fast she had me in tears.

[@GalvatronTypeR]

Someone has to explain to me how two relatively small islands in the North Atlantic have produced so many world class actors and actresses. The depth of acting talent in the UK is unmatched compared to any other country.

[@HermanVonPetri]

It's likely that the happenstance of birthing one William Shakespeare may have had something to do with that, too.

[@Oligodendrocyte139]

I think a lot of the older actors at least would cite experience in repertory theatre as being the core of their training. And living on islands with a rich history and highly variable geography, fauna, flora, and climate (well, a lot of different types of rain) has bred some pretty good reflective authors 😊.

[@rebelraccoon9018]

@@Oligodendrocyte139 Absolutely. ☺️

[@LayllasLocker]

It is because they dominated the world and now they are established on the world stage. I can assure you, many other countries have top-talent artists (including actors). In the end, it all brings us back to geo-location. Geography is a powerful thing. :D

[@Oligodendrocyte139]

@@LayllasLocker And the fact that English is so widely spoken too. 😀

[@randomobserver8168]

Wow, indeed. If that was truly impromptu, then her memory of the words and of whatever past times she has delivered them is tremendous, and her power to deliver them spontaneously and convincingly would shame many a younger actor.

[@rpg5017]

and with those words the lovely and amazing Dame Judie has the entire audience captured. Just beautiful!

[@curlew-3592]

What a joy Judy Dench is. The very best of British.🇬🇧🌷

[@classactsexpertiseandinspi4815]

Yes she is British, but from an Irish family. Irish soul interpreting British Shakespeare - a unique combo.

[@jorgefiguerola1239]

Bravo to that. Best? One of the finest. Vanessa Redgrave, Maggie Smith, Hellen Mirren, and others

[@dmdunn]

Wow. I didn't see that coming...with the requisite tears welling up in my eyes. What a beautiful moment. That is why Judi, and Shakespeare, are such treasures that people love.

[@ETibbs11]

My absolute favorite sonnet, too! Love Dame Judi Dench!!

[@vanessazannis5523]

What a blessing to have Dame Judi with us! So beautiful. She’s a master artist. A true ⭐️

[@bryanjk1971]

That's just so powerful and incredible and soft all at the same time. Perfect Dame!!

[@matiassegurar.2740]

I listened to her with my jaw open and my eyes on hers... Oh my God!!! and I speak Spanish...imagine how wonderful it is

[@christopherharris6145]

I've lost count of how many times I have watched this video and your National Treasure, Judi Dench, has brought tears to my eyes every time. Graham, you're the best.

[@annchurchill2638]

She speaks with my heart in her voice.

[@raeldor]

Dame Judi's beautiful sonnet and Arnold's self deprecating humour. What a perfect combination. Another classic moment. 🥰

[@JT-di1uz]

Damn. She just flips the switch and we're all instantly enchanted by her. She's a gem of a woman.

[@beth-eileenwalker8579]

Amazing and wonderful actress. Such a treasure and what a honor to see her in any production, movie, play or IRL. Please keep giving this wonderful gift to us, the selfish audience.

[@JeanCRogers]

There are no words that can describe how masterful Judy Dench quoting Shakespeare can be !!

[@giando5564]

She is just divine.

[@francesauraliadelacroix]

One of the most profound sonnets about shifting states of consciousness through love. Utterly moving ❤

[@SCAP3I2]

What a pleasant surprise that she chose that specific sonnet! It has been a favorite of mine ever since I heard Rufus Wainwright perform it with the men's choir at the 'Shakespeare Live!', a couple of years back. Never knew of it before that, but have loved it ever since. If you haven't heard it set to his composition, you really should. Not the Florence's but Rufus' version.

[@starwarsdeepcut2824]

What Sonnet is it?

[@SCAP3I2]

@@starwarsdeepcut2824 Sonnet 29: When, in disgrace with fortune and men’s eyes

[@SCAP3I2]

Rufus Wainwright's version, unfortunately without the choir(can't find it online): kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJjOZaaIhpd2Y7ssi=Z47XmHrX4jmLcJFS

[@farje1]

The silence in the room says it all. It’s mesmerising. I go back to this clip every time I need inspiration for anything.

[@kareninak.6369]

Dame Judith should make recordings of her reading Shakespeare. What a beautiful sonett and what a great performance!

[@jancraggs4243]

I'd be first in the queue to purchase such a recording.

[@cmvdoo]

I bow to thee, dame Judy Dench. Outstanding!👏🏼👏🏼

[@keepcalmcarryon8178]

Brilliant! Absolutely a treasure for all who are blessed to watch her perform!