In each volume of the Shakespeare on Stage series, a leading actor takes us behind the scenes, recreating in detail a memorable performance in one of Shakespeare's major roles. They discuss their character, working through the play scene by scene, with refreshing candour and in forensic detail. The result is a masterclass on playing the role, invaluable for other actors and directors, as well as students of Shakespeare — and fascinating for audiences of the play.

In this volume, Judi Dench discusses playing Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli's Old Vic production of Romeo and Juliet when she was just twenty-three.

This interview, together with the others in the series (with actors such as Jude Law, Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart), is also available in the collection Shakespeare on Stage: Thirteen Leading Actors on Thirteen Key Roles by Julian Curry, with a foreword by Trevor Nunn.

'absorbing and original… Curry's actors are often thinking and talking as that other professional performer, Shakespeare himself, might have done' TLS

Judi Dench

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