Dame Judi Dench expresses hope for theatre's future

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 31 Oct, 18:24 · Archive

Dame Judi Dench says she has great hope for theatre's future as long as audiences keep attending shows.

Dame Judi Dench has expressed optimism about theatre's future at an event marking the 50th anniversary of the National Theatre building. The 91-year-old actress helped launch a new outdoor installation called Stories Start Here: 50 Stories for 50 Years, which was inspired by the amphitheatre seating of the Olivier Theatre. Alongside actress Lesley Manville and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Dench attended the unveiling on Friday.

The wooden installation, facing the National Theatre on Queen's Walk, allows visitors to sit and listen to personal stories celebrating the building and the people connected to it. Dench told the Press Association that she has 'great hope' when speaking to young people about theatre. She described meeting a young girl who was excited about performing in a school show, noting that such enthusiasm matters.

Dench emphasised that theatre's future depends on audiences continuing to attend productions. She said that whether audiences enjoy shows or not, what matters is that productions 'promote a conversation, and that is exciting and wonderful'. The veteran actress reflected on her own long connection to the National Theatre, having performed at all three stages in productions including Antony And Cleopatra with Sir Anthony Hopkins. Manville described the venue as her 'theatre home' and features as one of the stories in the new installation.

How it is being reported

• Dame Judi Dench has 'great hope' for theatre's futureDame Judy Dench says she has great hope for the future of theatre, so long as people keep going to shows and the production "promotes a conversation".The West Australian · 31 Oct, 17:52
• Dame Judi Dench has 'great hope' for theatre's futureDame Judy Dench says she has great hope for the future of theatre, so long as people keep going to shows and the production "promotes a conversation".Perth Now · 31 Oct, 17:52

In this story: Dame Judi Dench · Lesley Manville · Sadiq Khan · National Theatre · London

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