And Furthermore

By: Judi Dench

Narrated by: Samantha Bond

"I can hardly believe that it is more than half a century since I first stepped on to the stage of the Old Vic Theatre and into a way of life that has brought me the most rewarding professional relationships and friendships. I cannot imagine now ever doing anything else with my life except acting….”
—Judi Dench

From London’s glittering West End to Broadway’s bright lights, from her Academy Award-winning role as Elizabeth I in Shakespeare in Love to “M” in the James Bond films, Judi Dench has treated audiences to some of the greatest performances of our time.

She made her professional acting debut in 1957 with England’s Old Vic theatre company playing Ophelia in Hamlet, Katherine in Henry V (her New York debut), and then Juliet. In 1961, she joined the Royal Shakespeare Company, playing Anya in The Cherry Orchard with John Gielgud and Peggy Ashcroft. In 1968, she went beyond the classical stage to become a sensation as Sally Bowles in Cabaret, adding musical comedy to her repertoire.

Over the years, Dench has given indelible performances in the classics as well as some of the greatest plays and musicals of the 20th century, including Noël Coward’s Hay Fever, Stephen Sondheim’s A Little Night Music, Kaufman and Hart’s The Royal Family, and David Hare’s Amy’s View (for which she won the Tony Award). Recently, she made a triumphant return to A Midsummer Night’s Dream as Titania, a role she first played in 1962, now played as a theatre-besotted Queen Elizabeth I.

©2010 Dame Judi Dench (P)2010 Orion Publishing Group

Great Lady!

If you could sum up And Furthermore in three words, what would they be?

What a life!

What did you like best about this story?

So many humorous anecdotes!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The laughter wasn't extreme; it was very natural and a lot of it.

Take the time

What a pleasant story of the life of Dame Judi. I loved her before, and I love her even more now. Her comittment to her family first, and then her craft are inspiring.

Absolutely A Must Read

Dame Judi has such an amazing story to share. I’ve enjoyed learning her most intimate encounters detailing her prestigious stage and screen career up to 2010. If you’re a fan of the stage and screen - and would love to learn from a legend, then this book is for you.

CHARMING

While it's not read by Dame Judy, the voice is close enough and the feel is quite first person. Charming stories, told with the expected dignity, giving some insight into the inevitable neurotic side we all have.

And Futhermore

Very interesting. I will look for more books written by or about Dame Judi Dench. Also, I really enjoyed the reading by Samantha Bond.

Interesting, but not incredibly engaging

What did you like best about And Furthermore? What did you like least?

It was well performed, and diverting, but as Dench herself says in the introduction, this isn't really a memoir, but a smattering of stories that didn't make it into her earlier books. As a result, as neat as the stories are, they come across as minor and largely forgettable moments.

Would you be willing to try another book from Judi Dench? Why or why not?

Certainly. She's a fascinating person. I'd be interested in getting her perspective on the theatre, on film, on women in the arts, and so on... but I'd like something more "meaty" than random anecdotes, though.

Which character – as performed by Samantha Bond – was your favorite?

Not sure, but I was tickled by her accent for American characters.

Was And Furthermore worth the listening time?

As something to listen to while walking the dog... yes.

Fabulous!

I absolutely loved this book. Judi Dench's body of work is staggering. Her attitude towards life is amazing. The book is funny, interesting (especially for theater lovers), sad, blunt, honest, and so fun and uplifting. I felt like I wanted to sing and dance or spend the weekend watching great artistic plays or films after reading this book.

I highly recommend it.

Works as an additon only

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Its a shame that Judi Dench's other autobiography isn't available yet, because this volume, while satisfying on some levels, really lacks the depth an autobiography should have. It is meant as an addendum to her other autobiography and really reads as such. So if you are going to delve into this book its best to be a true Judi Dench lover or have read her other autobiography prior to reading this volume.

That said, Dame Dench still has lots of great stories and insights into the theatre and film industry and her own life in this book. I loved it for what it was and hopefully you can too.

judi dench is amazing!

judi dench has had an amazing life and i loved hearing about it. Samantha Bond does an amazing job speaking like Judi Dench. i had to keep reminding myself that it is not her talking.

Pretty interesting

Would you listen to And Furthermore again? Why?

I have listened repeaedly and find new things each time.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite is obviously Dame Judi Dench.