'National treasure? I hate that. Too dusty, too in a cupboard, too behind glass, too staid ... What I love is being part of a company. On stage I am not trying to be myself, I'm trying to be someone else, the more unlike me the better.' From her first theatrical roles as a teenager in York to her scene-stealing performances as 'M' in the James Bond films, Dame Judi Dench's professional life has consisted of non-stop acting, leading to numerous accolades, including an Academy Award. BEHIND THE SCENES is a uniquely personal take on Dame Judi's life and brilliant career, showing her off stage as well as on: in the wings, off sets, in dressing rooms and happily larking about. Beautifully illustrated with photographs from her own collections, here are reflections and reminiscences on those who have mattered to her most - her family, fellow actors, directors and writers - communicated with the truth and insight of her acting.

Author Biography

Judi Dench was first acclaimed in 1960 as the Juliet for her generation, in the famous and controversial Franco Zeffirelli production of Romeo and Juliet at the Old Vic. Her stage career since then has followed what might be described as a leaping zigzag path, via Nottingham, Oxford, the RSC, the National Theatre, the West End and tours all over the world. She has triumphed in most of the great Shakespearean leads, and on television and film, winning several awards including an Oscar for her Queen Elizabeth I in Shakespeare in Love and a BAFTA for her title role in Iris. She was made a DBE in 1988 and a Companion of Honour in 2005. Most recently she has starred in a diverse range of films including The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Skyfall and the multi-Oscar-nominated Philomena, the hit BBC series Cranford and alongside Ben Whishaw in Peter and Alice on stage.