Reaction to Shakespeare's Sonnet 29 recited by Dame Judi Dench

So beautifully done; its power will strike you.
Original Video: • Dame Judi Dench Master...
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Shakespeare's Sonnet 29:
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.
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[@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622]

☕Here is my "Buy me a coffee" link: www.buymeacoffee.com/rjjs 🙂

[@dianewalker9154]

I adore Shakespeare’s sonnets. Watching Dame Judy recite one is a precious gift.

[@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622]

It is! 🙂

[@lazyhazeldaisy9596]

I love the way the audience are silent, just captured in the moment!

[@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622]

Yes, that is impressive. 🙂

[@jamesscully529]

She did it completely from memory at the age of 89. She lives and breaths Shakespere and Kenneth Branagh said in their many times working together that she gives him a certain that tells him that he screwed it up. She remains a gem.

[@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622]

She is amazing, and what an emotional delivery! 🙂

[@richardgornalle4536]

The truly amazing Dame Judi Dench, a regular on the best entertainment show on world tv, the Graham Norton show.

[@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622]

She is amazing. 🙂

[@PaulForeman-indievisuals]

It's in her blood, her family history is quite remarkable if you manage to see the BBC programme Who Do You Think You Are? about her particular heritage

[@classactsexpertiseandinspi4815]

Do you mean her Irish origins reflected in her poetic soul and softer verbal delivery.

[@MrNorcal81]

Not only did Dame Judi recite the sonnett but she actually did it as she would on stage at the RSC. Just brilliant. There was a tribute to Cameron Macintosh, the West End and Broadway producer, done some years ago that had a star studded cast perform musical numbers from his various shows. Dame Judi did Send in the Clowns. It was a master class in how to completely sell a song. Like Glyness Johns, who did the song on Broadway, Ms. Dench was certainly not a polished singer but the sheer power of her acting while she was singing made the performance iconic. Look up Judi Dench Send in the Clowns Hey Mr. Producer and sit in wonder. She has also performed it at BBC Proms concerts as well as other venues but the one that I cited may be the best of them.

[@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622]

She is amazing. Thank you for commenting. Yes, as I say about many singers, they don't have to be the best singer or have perfect pitch (a term I'm sick of hearing) if they are committed to the art. That makes all the difference. Dame Judi's ability to connect with the material and an audience is impressive. 🙂

[@robertphelps1574]

I saw Dame Judi Dench sing Send in the clowns at Richard Eyre’s leaving party at the Royal National Theatre

[@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622]

@@robertphelps1574 Nice! 🙂

[@classactsexpertiseandinspi4815]

I think she was thinking of her late husband Michael, who was much loved. I love that Graham was able to condition the live audience to listen silently and attentively. Lovely.

[@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622]

🙂

[@wandamundy1759]

She hasn't been JUST in films or on the stage. She started on the stage - and then went to television. She played with her husband, Michael Williams, in an odd sort of sit-com called, "A Fine Romance" for three years. And then she played in another sit-com with Geoffrey Palmer, called "As Time Goes By" - that was long-running, had several reunions and a movie. And she played "M" in several James Bond movies - and Geoffrey Palmer also played with her in those movies. She was in both original stage productions of Cats (Grizabella) and Cabaret (Sally Bowles). And of course, all the movies and plays for which she is so famous. She and Dame Maggie Smith are famously good buddies - and I adore them both. But Dame Judi is something very rare and special. A National Living Treasure - who is very beloved.

[@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622]

Yes, as I said, she has a very long list of accomplishments. Thank you for reminding us of a few more to add to the short list I mention in the video. There are so many! She is amazing. 🙂

[@HelenHurst-mz1kq]

She also has advanced Macular Degeneration and had someone read her lines so she can learn them

[@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622]

@@HelenHurst-mz1kq Yes, in recent years. She has said that it is much more challenging to memorize lines now because of it. However, I think her Shakespeare has stayed with her for the most part. 🙂

[@paulashe61]

A fine romance and I can’t believe it’s not butter paid for her Hampstead house.

[@fkd1963]

A British revival of A Little Night Music.

[@garywoolton1875]

I am pretty sure she was remembering her late husband when reciting this piece.

[@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622]

Could be. 🙂

[@ceciliadanaher9704]

I could listen to Dame Judy’s voice all day. I just love her tone. As for explaining Shakespeare, there is no need. Unlike say, John Donne, Shakespeare doesn’t write in metaphysical language. Shakespeare’s plays & poems were written in Early Modern English, the language of the time, and of the common man. If you read Sonnet 29, just read the words. Don’t go symbol hunting . The words mean what they mean. No hidden meaning. The resolution to the poet’s problem, is always in the final rhymed couplet at the end of the sonnet. 😀💙

[@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622]

I agree with you concerning Judy Dench. She is amazing. I would generally agree with your comments about Shakespeare as well; however, there are several interpretations despite the relatively straightforward language. For example, not everyone agrees on the meaning of the resolution of this sonnet. Also, sometimes people have difficulty with the phrasing and language used. I do agree with you that one should read Shakespeare for pleasure and not get caught up in symbol hunting. It means what it means to you - and that is what is so enjoyable about any writing. 🙂

[@pamplayer4086]

Dame Judy n Dame Maggie are the best Graham is the best talk show host none of our buffoon talk show hosts can compare Graham let’s the guests interact n every one has a lot of fun n it’s a lot looser too n when u get a Scot n an Irish talking the look on the U.S. guests faces is a riot cause they don’t understand what their saying 😂

[@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622]

I haven't seen the full shows in a while as they don't seem available on any of the packages I have currently. I did like the format of the show and Graham is great. 🙂

[@jamesdrynan]

I saw that show. She was mesmerizing. I would also recommend anyone to become familiar with Graham Norton's program. He hosts a talk show quite unlike anything you've ever seen before.

[@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622]

🙂

[@johncrwarner]

My first experience of Shakespeare was aged eight at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon where I saw her as Portia in The Merchant of Venice Weirdly I remember the set as Shylock's house popped out of the stage in the elopement scene and Nerissa was played by a TV Comedy star and sang the song to guide Bassanio to the right casket. That was in 1970! I have seen her many many times since then.

[@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622]

Awesome. 🙂

[@kaywhy245]

On the stage!!

[@Belaugh]

Watch her in the BBC Hollow Crown series acting as the mother of Richard III with Benedict Cumberbatch as Richard. They have known each other all his life and remain close friends. But to watch them throwing verbal bricks at each other and drawing blood is as chilling as it is thrilling.

[@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622]

Sounds fantastic. 🙂

[@Belaugh]

@@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622 There is also a sweet little clip of them doing some Shakespeare together at Hay on Wye Literary Festival. Search with both names linked, and you will probably get them also fooling around filming a TV charity event, Red Nose Day. You will, I think, enjoy their cheeky interplay.

[@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622]

@@BelaughI'll have to check it out. Thank you. 🙂

[@Belaugh]

@@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622 My pleasure. Nothing better than spreading the word and the fun.

[@MrAronRobinson]

I had the good fortune to see her and Anthony Hopkins in ‘Anthony and Cleopatra’ as a kid. Mesmerising.

[@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622]

Yes, I love Anthony Hopkins as well! 🙂

[@user-yw8bb1zw2m]

I saw Dame Judy in 72 in London in Midsummers nights Dream when she was just a slip of a girl. Unforgettable. 😊

[@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622]

Awesome! 🙂

[@srothbardt]

There’s a good film of that.

[@AuntieM27]

Judi Dench is probably best known in the UK as a stage actress. She is phenomenal and has appeared in Ibsen and Chekov as well as Shakespeare. I first saw her on stage in the early 1970s in Stratford upon Avon, playing Portia in the Merchant of Venice. Her performance made a lasting impression.

[@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622]

Yes, I imagine that would leave a lasting impression! She is amazing. 🙂

[@butchshirley3256]

Give her tv show a watch, it's called "as time goes by"

[@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622]

I did see some episodes of that show a long time ago. I really liked them. I should look them up again. 🙂

[@dacramac3487]

I first remember seeing her in "Talking to a Stranger", and was so struck by her performance, very early in her career. An astonishing piece of television. You should watch it if you can find it.

[@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622]

I will have to look out for it. Thank you! 🙂

[@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622]

I have found videos for "Talking to a Stranger" and have just finished the first part. It is very good indeed, and the black and white takes me back to when I was a lot younger - lol. 🙂

[@Belaugh]

Talking To A Stranger is a series of four plays, set over one weekend, and from the perspective of each of the characters, father (Mayrice Denham) mother (Margaret Mason) Son (Michael Bryant) and Daughter (Judi Dench) It is on KZbin. At the time it was life changing, and is still, from the Sixties and in b/w, still retains huge power.

[@paulberry6016]

Excellent final bow as 'M' in the supurbly written SkyFell - which drew on the Disparate talents of both John Buchan & Albert Finney 🎉❤

[@ThomasDawkins88]

On the stage of a chat show, Dame Judi manages to stop time. It's word perfect, and despite it being written hundred of years ago, it comes across as completely honest. She narrated the Mendelssohn incidental music to "A Midsummer Night's Dream" with the late Seiji Ozawa and the Boston Symphony; in this recording she does most of the characters in the play, with a few funny accents where appropriate, and it is no less brilliant than the sonnet.

[@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622]

She is quite incredible. 🙂

[@malcolmnorton2217]

A while ago I caught a program in which that other titan of the profession, Sir Laurence Olivier, recited from memory the 116th Sonnet. Either his memory or mine was at fault, but I suspect he got snarled in two or three lines, from 'It is the star [he said 'guide'] to every wand'ring bark'. But though he wasn't 89, I have little doubt he would have recited entire scenes from the plays perfectly. Amazing how some performers' speaking can be more musical than others who are lauded - and overpaid - for singing!

[@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622]

Well, I'm sure his memory was better than mine is now! Lol. Thank you for commenting. You are right about some actors being able to speak more musically and impressively than actual singers. 🙂

[@mathewwilkins4833]

More dear lady

[@elizabethpresleyhazard2348]

I subscribed because I've never seen anyone do a reaction to a Shakespeare sonnet before! I look forward to see what more Shakespeare or other things you do.

[@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622]

Thank you. I appreciate it. 🙂

[@lesleymcshanemitchell9651]

I thought he was amazing He RECOGNIZED A GENIUS ACTRESS And Paid homage to Her in his own magical EVENING

[@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622]

Agreed! 🙂

[@butchshirley3256]

I have all the episodes of 'as time goes by'

[@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622]

Awesome! 🙂

[@katheenburke7950]

See “Mrs. Brown” fabulous movie ❤️🎞️🎥

[@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622]

🙂

[@ANutterwitch-wq1gj]

Kenneth and Ian reciting Sonnet 29 to each other from "All Is True": kzbin.info/www/bejne/fanSf4Jog7l6rck

[@jorgefiguerola1239]

Saw her first in Room with a View.

[@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622]

Nice! 🙂

[@paulberry6016]

I believe she is completely Blind now

[@clairewyndham1971]

Can you imagine Dame Judy Dench and Richard Burton together?

[@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622]

That would be amazing. 🙂

[@clairewyndham1971]

@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622 I saw a KZbin video of the soliloquy Sir Burton did- Act 1, scene 3, ( the "to be or not to be" scene) where you can see dust particles coming down from the beams overhead. His voice was so powerful. Yes, putting both of those fantastic actors on the same stage would be epic!

[@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622]

@@clairewyndham1971 Thank you. I'll have to check it out. Yes, it would be epic. 🙂

[@Tao_Tology]

Honestly from your intro I thought you would go in to the meaning of the lines/words.

[@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622]

Sorry about that. I do say in the Intro that I won't be going over the text carefully myself (around 2:42). This was to be more of a reaction to the beautiful presentation Judi Dench provides. I also explain that there are many interpretations, so going line by line would not necessarily be the best approach. I wanted viewers/listeners to be enveloped by the words and to make their interpretations if possible. 🙂

[@Tao_Tology]

@@l.t.l.tutoringcentral1622 👍🏻