Dame Judi Dench reveals her most daunting stage role

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 13:02 · Archive

Dame Judi Dench said she was most frightened by playing Sally Bowles in Cabaret at London's Palace Theatre in 1968.

Dame Judi Dench has revealed that playing Sally Bowles in the original West End production of Cabaret at London's Palace Theatre in 1968 was the role she found most daunting in her seven-decade career. Speaking on BBC's The One Show, she told presenter Alex Jones she was most 'terrified' by the part. The production ran for 336 performances and earned her critical acclaim despite her reservations.

She was particularly worried about her singing abilities and the sound of her voice on stage. At the time, Dame Judi was best known for her work with the Old Vic and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Her career has since expanded considerably. She has won eight Olivier Awards and a Tony Award on stage, and in film has received eight Academy Award nominations, winning Best Supporting Actress in 1999 for her role as Queen Elizabeth II in Shakespeare in Love.

Dame Judi is currently promoting her new memoir, Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?, released on 22 October. She has stepped back from acting due to age-related macular degeneration, diagnosed 14 years ago. She recently told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'I can't be on stage. I can't do a play any more.'

How it is being reported

• Oscar winner born in York reveals role she found most daunting over glittering careerLegend of the stage and screen Dame Judi Dench has revealed the role she found most daunting in her seven-decade career.The Press (York) · 27 Oct, 12:30
• Oscar winner born in York reveals role she found most daunting over glittering careerLegend of the stage and screen Dame Judi Dench has revealed the role she found most daunting in her seven-decade career.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 27 Oct, 12:30

In this story: Dame Judi Dench · Sally Bowles · Cabaret · Palace Theatre · London · Old Vic · Royal Shakespeare Company

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