Behind the Scenes

Behind the Scenes

<p>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 for her performance as Queen Elizabeth I in <i>Shakespeare in Love</i>. <i>Behind the Scenes </i>is a candid blend of reminiscences and photos, many of them never-before-seen from her personal collection. It's a uniquely personal take on her life and brilliant career, showing her off-stage as well as on. Looking back, she provides her millions of fans with reflections and remembrances of those who have mattered to her most - her family, fellow actors, directors and writers - communicating them with the truth and insight that is the hallmark of her acting. <i>Behind the Scenes</i> takes up where her <i>New York Times</i> bestselling memoir <i>and furthermore</i> left off. Dame Judi looks back on the last few years to talk about her role as "M" in the Bond films, the joy of ensemble acting in <i>The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel</i>, the chance to tell the story of the heroic woman at the center of <i>Philomena,</i> her joy in appearing with other great actresses in the MaterpieceTheatre <i>Cranford</i> and her return to the stage in <i>Peter and Alice.</i> Tireless in her desire to perfect her craft, she says "I simply want to go on acting. I suppose I could always be wheeled on stage if necessary. The great thing about acting is that it never ends."</p>