Shakespeare

A love letter to 67 years of acting on stage — the No.1 Sunday Times bestseller

A witty, insightful journey through the plays and tales of our beloved Shakespeare

"Wonderfully inspiring. A delightful spell in the company of one of our greatest actresses" — Daily Mail, Books of the Year

"Gloriously entertaining. Reading it feels like a chat with an old friend" — Observer

"A magical love letter to Shakespeare" — Kenneth Branagh

For the very first time, Judi Dench opens up about every Shakespearean role she has played in her seven-decade career, from Lady Macbeth and Titania to Ophelia and Cleopatra.

Here, she reveals her behind the scenes secrets; inviting us to share in her triumphs, disasters, and backstage shenanigans, all brightened by her mischievous sense of humour and striking honesty.

This is Judi's love letter to William Shakespeare – the man who pays the rent.

Praise for The Man Who Pays the Rent

"This book is pure enchantment" — Daily Mail

"This is a gloriously entertaining tour through the canon in the company of perhaps the most experienced living Shakespearean actor" — Observer

"An utterly delightful book. An unstoppable stream of anecdotes, recollections and asides" — Telegraph

"Companionable and compelling, mischievous and convivial – it genuinely feels like you're sitting at her kitchen table with Judi Dench" — Guardian

"Gorgeous" — Literary Review

"A wonderful mixture of appreciation and anecdote" — Financial Times, Books of the Year

Instant Sunday Times bestseller, November 2023