Sunday 3 June 2018



Can't help thinking that we won't see their like again. (Nothing Like a Dame, on iPlayer if you missed it tonight.) And how lucky I am to have seen each of them in real life. I'd give a lot to see Dame Maggie again in Lettice and Lovage, with Margaret Tyzack in 1987 - it had one of the most hysterically funny moments I can recall in a London theatre. 1987 must have been a vintage year as I also saw Judi Dench as Cleopatra at the National Theatre with Anthony Hopkins as Antony. I suppose by definition you're no spring chicken when you achieve damehood - but it's hard to think of anyone coming up who will fill the role in the nation's affections.

11 comments:

callmemadam said...

Much as I admire (and have seen!) the dames, I didn't think the programme worked and found it rather sad. I was fascinated by the way they couldn't keep off the subject of Laurence Olivier.

In answer to your question: Imelda Staunton? Greatly under-appreciated, IMO.

Mary said...

It was rather sad,especially seeing Joan P looking so frail. I don't suppose they really were harping on about Laurence Olivier; I blame the editing!
Yes, Imelda Staunton would be absolutely right as a dame. And Emily Watson? Bit young - but she has a dame-y face? I thought Kristin Scott-Thomas was an odd choice recently - not that she isn't good, but she seems more French than English.

Gina said...

How fortunate to have seen them all on stage. I found the programme a little sad, although it had its funny moments. I'd vote for Imelda Staunton.

Vronni's Style Meanderings said...

I shall have to catch this at some point. I am in love with Maggie Smith at the moment having binge watched Series 1 and 2 of Downton Abbey whilst away in Cornwall. No, I had never watched it before.

Yes, for Imelda Staunton as Dame. She is just so right as the down to earth type and not the Grande Dame...

Mary said...

Veronica, you must be the last person in the world! Those early series were such fun - and you must check out Dollshouse Downton on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/user/AMYAproductions

Unknown said...

Thank you for the recommendation - watched last night and just adored. They are amazing women.

Share my Garden said...

I first saw Judi Dench at Stratford as Titania, I think it must have been in the '50's. She seemed to be dressed in cobwebs. When I saw her after the performance in a red mini skirt I could't believe it was the same person. I've seen her in many varied productions since, tragedy, comedy, song - always marvellous. (I went to school with Dame Diana Rigg, she was very dramatic even as a schoolgirl!)

Mary said...

Hello Bronwen and Share my Garden - lovely to hear some new voices here! That must have been an amazing production of Midsummer Night's Dream; how wonderful to have seen it. And I can imagine that Diana Rigg would look very glam in even in a gym slip!

Unknown said...

Thank you Mary - have followed your blog for a long time and just love it. Thank you!
Bronwen

Mary said...

Thanks, Bronwen -I'm glad you enjoy it!

Mary said...

Oh, yes, she's a perfect dame - I was watching a trailer for The Children Act a couple of days ago and thinking how she good she was.