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

As if we all didn't need another reason to love Dame Judi Dench!
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[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.” 😂

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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😊

[@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

[@eharper7]

Amazing how the room just goes dead silent.

[@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

[@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 ❤

[@martinstent5339]

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

[@robyates3555]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@olufemidavies2135]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@Nunov103]

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

[@YarnCrafts4lefties]

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

[@user-xi8kg6js9n]

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.

[@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

[@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.

[@patmcnair2784]

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

[@aaronsmith600]

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

[@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.

[@craigm.9070]

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

[@lem01ne]

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

[@tempusfugit9796]

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

[@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.

[@AngelaJeanBarr]

Dame Judy..... International treasure.

[@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.

[@nitroriley857]

She is a worldwide treasure.

[@leogibbons4957]

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

[@hunterG60k]

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

[@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! 👏🏻

[@rutherhood5961]

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

[@AndreinaGarban]

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

[@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

[@Sarahj2me]

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

[@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

[@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. 😀

[@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.

[@droberts7859]

She was the best Bond girl ever!!

[@Not2Old4TEch]

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

[@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.

[@AxelQC]

She's a national treasure.

[@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

[@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]

❤

[@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!!

[@raeldor]

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

[@Thesleepingbeautyx]

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

[@davidmahony9223]

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

[@wideawake5630]

And just that fast she had me in tears.

[@SheziEntertainment]

There is Nothing Like A Dame!❤

[@giando5564]

She is just divine.

[@caiolinnertel8777]

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

[@thomashumphrey7395]

I have never met anyone who didn't like, love, or at least respect the great Judi Dench.

[@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.

[@roelsiebrand7181]

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

[@raspberryripple88]

This right here is why this lady is a national...nay, Global treasure!

[@SF-wz5tz]

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

[@JT-di1uz]

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

[@patrickhicks9880]

Judi could read the phone book and make it sound like poetry I loved this whole show

[@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.

[@tiffanyhopkins4351]

And that's why she's a national treasure

[@ototanase4141]

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

[@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

[@gpeddino]

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. - Sonnet 29

[@10703TR]

Thank you for posting and for identifying which Sonnet she was reciting.

[@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.

[@SuzyQ956]

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

[@davidlees4402]

You know full well she thinks of Michael when she says “happily I think on thee” ❤

[@SheziEntertainment]

Dame Judi is impeccable it makes me emotional 😅

[@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 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏❤

[@adelaferreira4575]

Dame Judy Dench is a walking jewel ,so much greatness in her !

[@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.

[@LD-bv1pm]

Dame Judy made my eyes water, Arnie made me laugh. That is why we love Graham Norton and his guests so very much.

[@simonpatrick100]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@TiGoave5]

I'm speechless. This is TRUE theatrical/Shakespearen prowess.

[@SandraNelson063]

There's nothing like a Dame.😊

[@frankcarter7146]

You could have heard a pin drop, the entire audience was hanging on her every word. Dame Judi is simply magnificent. ❤

[@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!

[@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.

[@Longshotsblues]

How I would have loved to seen Richard Burton & Judi Dench work together on the stage. The depth of those two voices.

[@DonJuanMarco1994]

This clip alone deserve a million views and a great standing ovation than any other.

[@Digrient]

There is, sadly, a bit of a language barrier here for me, but I do appreciate Dame Judi’s declamation. Also the interaction with Arnold, that was fun!

[@Digrient]

@keepitsecret-dl1pr In the dramas overall, surprisingly, I do seem to get the basics, miss obviously a lot of the subtleties, but it is often entertaining and challenging enough! The sonnets are more difficult to understand for me without guidance.

[@user-zr6ee6lb9m]

​@@Digrientit is basically saying that we can feel lonely and outcast and envious of other people's wealth and situation but one special person can quell those feelings and make us feel as wealthy as kings

[@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

[@user-en8rt8gz8r]

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

[@uschi36]

sonnet 29 recited by judi dench is so wonderful ❣️

[@lonihoots_author]

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

[@momae3389]

So many wonderful Graham Norton clips but this one is sublime. Judi Dench is wonderful, as always and very moving. Thinking of her actor husband at the end maybe? Arnie showing a quick wit and just a lovely feeling to it all. ❤

[@sanaioelu826]

I had the same thought, that she was thinking of her husband.

[@danielezecchinato2219]

Arnold's self-deprecating comment ❤😭