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Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?
In her new book, Dame Judi Dench tells us of her life on the stage, on the screen, and, above all, behind the scenes …
In Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?Judi Dench takes us on a heartfelt and hilarious tour of her extraordinary life and career. From growing up in York and being miffed at not getting the part of Mary in the school Nativity pageant, playing to sold-out houses on Broadway in Amy’s View, walking the red carpets of Hollywood, garnering eight Oscar nominations, and winning a historic one for her unforgettable performance as Elizabeth I in Shakespeare in Love, Judi Dench has done it all. And, to leave nothing undone, she turned James Bond’s M into the most astute and unflinching Head of MI6 anyone could ever have imagined.
Yet despite the accolades, she has been accompanied by doubt. From the movie producer who said she had “everything wrong” with her face, to the theatre director who advised her against doing sitcom. Is it any wonder she leaves a bag by the rehearsal room door in case she has to make a run for it?
But stepping out of her comfort zone has been Judi’s guiding principle. And here, she reveals all in this heart-to-heart conversation. She tells stories of pranks (both on stage and off), dissects her greatest screen roles, shares tales of her joyful marriage to actor Michael Williams, as well as her passion for nature and animals.
Written with her friend and writing partner, Brendan O’Hea, this is Judi Dench’s story – funny, honest, intimate, enlightening, surprising, moving, and deeply inspiring. Over ninety years in the making, Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? is the story of the world’s most beloved actor.
In Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?Judi Dench takes us on a heartfelt and hilarious tour of her extraordinary life and career. From growing up in York and being miffed at not getting the part of Mary in the school Nativity pageant, playing to sold-out houses on Broadway in Amy’s View, walking the red carpets of Hollywood, garnering eight Oscar nominations, and winning a historic one for her unforgettable performance as Elizabeth I in Shakespeare in Love, Judi Dench has done it all. And, to leave nothing undone, she turned James Bond’s M into the most astute and unflinching Head of MI6 anyone could ever have imagined.
Yet despite the accolades, she has been accompanied by doubt. From the movie producer who said she had “everything wrong” with her face, to the theatre director who advised her against doing sitcom. Is it any wonder she leaves a bag by the rehearsal room door in case she has to make a run for it?
But stepping out of her comfort zone has been Judi’s guiding principle. And here, she reveals all in this heart-to-heart conversation. She tells stories of pranks (both on stage and off), dissects her greatest screen roles, shares tales of her joyful marriage to actor Michael Williams, as well as her passion for nature and animals.
Written with her friend and writing partner, Brendan O’Hea, this is Judi Dench’s story – funny, honest, intimate, enlightening, surprising, moving, and deeply inspiring. Over ninety years in the making, Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? is the story of the world’s most beloved actor.
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Expected publication November 3, 2026
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?
by Judi Dench, Brendan O'Hea
Narrated by Barbara Flynn
Because I loved the ebook/audiobook of "Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent" by Judi Dench and Brendan O'Hea, when it came out a couple of years ago, I knew I wanted to read/hear their latest collaboration. Once again Barbara Flynn narrates and she sounds so much like Judi Dench that I forget Judi isn't narrating. Each chapter has a title, letting us know the focus of that chapter although Judi and Brendan can go off on tangents as if that was what they meant to do in the first place. Having had the background from the first book, but also because I've seen so much of Judi's work (never one of her plays, though), sitting down with these two feels so good. Almost immediately Judi had me laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes, it's such a good feeling to laugh the way she makes me laugh, and I love that I have pictures in my head of some of the stories she relates since I will have seen her in the production she will be discussing.
I enjoyed getting to hear about all the behind the scenes commotion, hearing names of people I hadn't heard about in a long while, remembering various works of hers that I had seen on TV or at the movies. Judi loves animals and her animal stories and descriptions at the beginning of the book are what got me in my first long laughing fit. I'm glad no one was around, I'm sure I looked like a lunatic, but it was very good fun. Judi was meant for acting, she loves being around people, doesn't want to be alone, and you can really see how important the entire process is to her as she becomes the character as the character was meant to be.
Reading this book makes me want to pull my TV out of storage and watch everything I can get my hands on that has Judi in it. And she has lit a fire under me to watch a lot of the other people mentioned in this book. Also, I'd not been aware of Brendan O'Hea before the first book but I love the sound of his voice and the banter between Brendan and Judi makes me feel like I'm around very good friends because that is what they are to each other and it shows.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio, St. Martin's Press, SMP Early Readers, and NetGalley for this ARC
by Judi Dench, Brendan O'Hea
Narrated by Barbara Flynn
Because I loved the ebook/audiobook of "Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent" by Judi Dench and Brendan O'Hea, when it came out a couple of years ago, I knew I wanted to read/hear their latest collaboration. Once again Barbara Flynn narrates and she sounds so much like Judi Dench that I forget Judi isn't narrating. Each chapter has a title, letting us know the focus of that chapter although Judi and Brendan can go off on tangents as if that was what they meant to do in the first place. Having had the background from the first book, but also because I've seen so much of Judi's work (never one of her plays, though), sitting down with these two feels so good. Almost immediately Judi had me laughing so hard I had tears in my eyes, it's such a good feeling to laugh the way she makes me laugh, and I love that I have pictures in my head of some of the stories she relates since I will have seen her in the production she will be discussing.
I enjoyed getting to hear about all the behind the scenes commotion, hearing names of people I hadn't heard about in a long while, remembering various works of hers that I had seen on TV or at the movies. Judi loves animals and her animal stories and descriptions at the beginning of the book are what got me in my first long laughing fit. I'm glad no one was around, I'm sure I looked like a lunatic, but it was very good fun. Judi was meant for acting, she loves being around people, doesn't want to be alone, and you can really see how important the entire process is to her as she becomes the character as the character was meant to be.
Reading this book makes me want to pull my TV out of storage and watch everything I can get my hands on that has Judi in it. And she has lit a fire under me to watch a lot of the other people mentioned in this book. Also, I'd not been aware of Brendan O'Hea before the first book but I love the sound of his voice and the banter between Brendan and Judi makes me feel like I'm around very good friends because that is what they are to each other and it shows.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio, St. Martin's Press, SMP Early Readers, and NetGalley for this ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Talk about a life well lived. Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? is a conversational style book by Dame Judi Dench and Brendan O’Hea. The book has Brendan asking Judi Dench questions which range from her childhood, quaker up brining, schooling, family, career, marriage, life on the stage, Hollywood movies, red carpets, friendships, mishaps, mayhem, awards, aging, and her love of animals. Through this book, Judi comes across as an incredibly likeable, fun loving, prankster who loved being on stage, loved her family, and loved various locations around the world.
Dench talks about her love of the theater and being in plays, the things that went wrong, improvising, and hijinks. She is humble, humorous, frank, and honest. I love her practice of planting trees after the death of those whom she loved in their honor. She shares her famous friends in a loving and complimentary way. She never trashes anyone in this book. She shares her working relationship with various famous people and the roles she loved and the jobs she had that did not work out as well as she had hoped for. I loved the conversational feel of this book. I felt as if I were a silent observer listening to two friends talk about one's life. It is intimate, enjoyable, and in my opinion made this book so enjoyable and hard to put down.
I loved the humor in this book. There is a section at the end of this book that had me bend over with laughter. In short, this was a wonderful and lovely book about Dame Judi Dench. I never considered myself a fan but after reading this book, I am off to binge watch a bunch of her work.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own
Dench talks about her love of the theater and being in plays, the things that went wrong, improvising, and hijinks. She is humble, humorous, frank, and honest. I love her practice of planting trees after the death of those whom she loved in their honor. She shares her famous friends in a loving and complimentary way. She never trashes anyone in this book. She shares her working relationship with various famous people and the roles she loved and the jobs she had that did not work out as well as she had hoped for. I loved the conversational feel of this book. I felt as if I were a silent observer listening to two friends talk about one's life. It is intimate, enjoyable, and in my opinion made this book so enjoyable and hard to put down.
I loved the humor in this book. There is a section at the end of this book that had me bend over with laughter. In short, this was a wonderful and lovely book about Dame Judi Dench. I never considered myself a fan but after reading this book, I am off to binge watch a bunch of her work.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I truly loved this audiobook featuring a conversation between Judi Dench and her longtime friend Brendan O'Hea. It's a fascinating look at a truly phenomenal life. I was captivated by all that she has experienced and the lessons she's learned along the way. I've been a fan of hers for a long time and this book just solidified my adoration for her.
The book begins with her childhood and a tour of her childhood home, then we travel through her life, listening to her reminiscence of her personal life, her career, and everything in between. This book is SO funny, and references are made about Judi's photographic memory and I can totally believe it. I'm amazed at all of the various anecdotes and conversations she can recall.
I loved hearing about the research she puts into her roles, particularly with the movie Victoria and Abdul, which I adored. It made me appreciate her even more for the authenticity she could put into the role of Queen Victoria after all of her research. I also loved her discussion about playing the role of M in the James Bond films (although she won't pick a favorite Bond even though we all know Sean Connery is the best ha ha.)
If you want to learn a bit more about the life of a wonderful woman and actor, you should definitely pick this one up. You're in for a real treat.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
The book begins with her childhood and a tour of her childhood home, then we travel through her life, listening to her reminiscence of her personal life, her career, and everything in between. This book is SO funny, and references are made about Judi's photographic memory and I can totally believe it. I'm amazed at all of the various anecdotes and conversations she can recall.
I loved hearing about the research she puts into her roles, particularly with the movie Victoria and Abdul, which I adored. It made me appreciate her even more for the authenticity she could put into the role of Queen Victoria after all of her research. I also loved her discussion about playing the role of M in the James Bond films (although she won't pick a favorite Bond even though we all know Sean Connery is the best ha ha.)
If you want to learn a bit more about the life of a wonderful woman and actor, you should definitely pick this one up. You're in for a real treat.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a free copy of, Is it Too Late to Make a Run for It?, by Judi Dench: Brendan O'Hea, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I have adored Judi Dench from watching her on As Time Goes By. This is a must read for fans of Judi Dench. This was such a great read. I learned so much about Judi Dench, and it was lovely to read about it in her own words!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating: 4.75* of five
The Publisher Says: Judi Dench and Brendan O’Hea chat about her life on the stage, on the screen, and, above all, behind the scenes…
In Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? Judi Dench and Brendan O’Hea take us on a heartfelt and hilarious tour of her extraordinary life and career. From growing up in York and being miffed at not getting the part of Mary in the school Nativity play, to playing before sold-out houses on Broadway and in London’s West End, she’s done it all. She walked the red carpets of Hollywood, turned James Bond’s M into the most astute, unflinching Head of MI6 anyone could ever have imagined, and won an Oscar, a Tony, Golden Globes, Oliviers, and BAFTAs along the way.
Yet despite the accolades, she has been accompanied by doubt. From the movie producer who said she had “everything wrong” with her face, to the theatre director who advised her against doing sitcom. Is it any wonder she leaves a bag by the rehearsal room door in case she has to make a run for it?
But stepping out of her comfort zone has been Judi’s guiding principle and in Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?, she reveals all to Brendan—her friend and writing partner. She tells stories of pranks (both onstage and off), dissects her greatest screen roles, shares tales of her joyful marriage to actor Michael Williams, and talks about her passion for nature and animals.
As told to Brendan O’Hea, this is Judi Dench’s story—funny, honest, intimate, enlightening, surprising, moving, and deeply inspiring. Over ninety years in the making, Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? is the story of the world’s most beloved actor.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: The key word in the publisher's synopsis above is "chat"...it is a delight to be with Judi and Brendan as they sit at a comfy table, pretty flowers in the middle, an endlessly full teapot and cakestand between them, and reminisce, gossip, rehash, generally chat about Dame Judi's life and times. What times! Enough Oliviers to bowl into...BAFTAs galore...a Tony, an Oscar, some Golden Globes. Considering her career began seventy years ago, one would think she is living out her nineties in the comfort and quiet she's earned.
Nope. The lady says of that idea: "Don't retire, do not go gentle, and don't even think about going quietly."
Absolutely.
I'm extra impressed by this memoir's title because Dame Judi still suffers from performance anxiety, which leads to her keeping her bag by the rehearsal room door in case she is compelled to run! She puts it succinctly: "Every time I'm offered a new job it's like starting from scratch." That's a daunting thought for someone a lot younger, and with better eyesight, than Dame Judi has (macular degeneration takes more and more acuity as time passes). Nevertheless, she persists. It is so very heartening to me to hear this from a still-working ninety-one year old. While it is no longer safe for her to be on stages live or for films, she has transitioned into voice acting, with 2026's The Magic Faraway Tree 's fridge being her latest role.
In going round the houses the structure of this memoir is more inviting, more personal than a chronological autobiography could ever be. It gives her space to discuss the late Michael Williams, husband for thirty years, partner to this day through fathering Finty (their daughter) and thus grandfathering Sam, her adored...adorable!...grandson. It's the best way for her to remember her departed friends like Maggie Smith, fellow actor and fellow Dame; her associations with renowned director Sam Mendes, musical legend Stephen Sondheim; her discomfort at doing a nude scene with Jeremy Irons in Langrishe, Go Down (though it doesn't keep her from discussing him!); all in an organic, messy, fun way.
Her sense of humor, bawdy and earthy and honest, has her reveling in how she's been able to have fun in her work by playing pranks on fellow cast and others. It's obvious she succeeds at life and at memoir for the same reasons: do it, go all-in, do the work and the fun with equal commitment. Her late-life partnership with a conservationist, David Mills, is less discussed, though as it is a current relationship with a living person this made sense to me; it isn't ignored or minimized, it's discreet. A classy way to behave as one would expect from Dame Judi.
Fellow actor Brendan O’Hea, in his role as catalyst of and amanuensis for her reminiscences, served the same function in 2023's Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent with the same aplomb and finesse. As a fellow actor, thus one familiar with the stage and the world of the theater, so it was predictable that their chats would go into details of theater life that might be of lesser interest for casual fans. His friendship with Dame Judi makes perfect sense given his lengthy involvement with Shakespeare's Globe, the theater and the acting company. They're very easy with each other because they love so much of the same cultural furniture...easy to find a nice place to sit and talk.
We're very lucky indeed they've invited us to join them again.
The Publisher Says: Judi Dench and Brendan O’Hea chat about her life on the stage, on the screen, and, above all, behind the scenes…
In Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? Judi Dench and Brendan O’Hea take us on a heartfelt and hilarious tour of her extraordinary life and career. From growing up in York and being miffed at not getting the part of Mary in the school Nativity play, to playing before sold-out houses on Broadway and in London’s West End, she’s done it all. She walked the red carpets of Hollywood, turned James Bond’s M into the most astute, unflinching Head of MI6 anyone could ever have imagined, and won an Oscar, a Tony, Golden Globes, Oliviers, and BAFTAs along the way.
Yet despite the accolades, she has been accompanied by doubt. From the movie producer who said she had “everything wrong” with her face, to the theatre director who advised her against doing sitcom. Is it any wonder she leaves a bag by the rehearsal room door in case she has to make a run for it?
But stepping out of her comfort zone has been Judi’s guiding principle and in Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?, she reveals all to Brendan—her friend and writing partner. She tells stories of pranks (both onstage and off), dissects her greatest screen roles, shares tales of her joyful marriage to actor Michael Williams, and talks about her passion for nature and animals.
As told to Brendan O’Hea, this is Judi Dench’s story—funny, honest, intimate, enlightening, surprising, moving, and deeply inspiring. Over ninety years in the making, Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? is the story of the world’s most beloved actor.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: The key word in the publisher's synopsis above is "chat"...it is a delight to be with Judi and Brendan as they sit at a comfy table, pretty flowers in the middle, an endlessly full teapot and cakestand between them, and reminisce, gossip, rehash, generally chat about Dame Judi's life and times. What times! Enough Oliviers to bowl into...BAFTAs galore...a Tony, an Oscar, some Golden Globes. Considering her career began seventy years ago, one would think she is living out her nineties in the comfort and quiet she's earned.
Nope. The lady says of that idea: "Don't retire, do not go gentle, and don't even think about going quietly."
Absolutely.
I'm extra impressed by this memoir's title because Dame Judi still suffers from performance anxiety, which leads to her keeping her bag by the rehearsal room door in case she is compelled to run! She puts it succinctly: "Every time I'm offered a new job it's like starting from scratch." That's a daunting thought for someone a lot younger, and with better eyesight, than Dame Judi has (macular degeneration takes more and more acuity as time passes). Nevertheless, she persists. It is so very heartening to me to hear this from a still-working ninety-one year old. While it is no longer safe for her to be on stages live or for films, she has transitioned into voice acting, with 2026's The Magic Faraway Tree 's fridge being her latest role.
In going round the houses the structure of this memoir is more inviting, more personal than a chronological autobiography could ever be. It gives her space to discuss the late Michael Williams, husband for thirty years, partner to this day through fathering Finty (their daughter) and thus grandfathering Sam, her adored...adorable!...grandson. It's the best way for her to remember her departed friends like Maggie Smith, fellow actor and fellow Dame; her associations with renowned director Sam Mendes, musical legend Stephen Sondheim; her discomfort at doing a nude scene with Jeremy Irons in Langrishe, Go Down (though it doesn't keep her from discussing him!); all in an organic, messy, fun way.
Her sense of humor, bawdy and earthy and honest, has her reveling in how she's been able to have fun in her work by playing pranks on fellow cast and others. It's obvious she succeeds at life and at memoir for the same reasons: do it, go all-in, do the work and the fun with equal commitment. Her late-life partnership with a conservationist, David Mills, is less discussed, though as it is a current relationship with a living person this made sense to me; it isn't ignored or minimized, it's discreet. A classy way to behave as one would expect from Dame Judi.
Fellow actor Brendan O’Hea, in his role as catalyst of and amanuensis for her reminiscences, served the same function in 2023's Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent with the same aplomb and finesse. As a fellow actor, thus one familiar with the stage and the world of the theater, so it was predictable that their chats would go into details of theater life that might be of lesser interest for casual fans. His friendship with Dame Judi makes perfect sense given his lengthy involvement with Shakespeare's Globe, the theater and the acting company. They're very easy with each other because they love so much of the same cultural furniture...easy to find a nice place to sit and talk.
We're very lucky indeed they've invited us to join them again.
Review of advance copy
4.5 Stars
I adore Dame Judi Dench and this memoir was absolutely brilliant. I could just hear her saying everything and her memory when speaking of places she's been and people she's worked with is truly remarkable.
The chapters were well split up, and I really enjoyed the "interview" way of telling her story. It was more Judi! She bounces off people so it made sense to do it this way.
I found her stories and life so fascinating and struggled to put the book down. She is an absolute treasure of the UK and I am so glad I bought a signed copy as I will treasure it!
There were a few chapters I found a little repetitive or not as interesting so I can't quite give 5 stars, but I did thoroughly enjoy it.
My favourite parts were her talking about her garden, family, travel, animals, faith and her bugbears. Just so so interesting and fun to read.
Highly recommend if you're a fan of Dame Judi!
I adore Dame Judi Dench and this memoir was absolutely brilliant. I could just hear her saying everything and her memory when speaking of places she's been and people she's worked with is truly remarkable.
The chapters were well split up, and I really enjoyed the "interview" way of telling her story. It was more Judi! She bounces off people so it made sense to do it this way.
I found her stories and life so fascinating and struggled to put the book down. She is an absolute treasure of the UK and I am so glad I bought a signed copy as I will treasure it!
There were a few chapters I found a little repetitive or not as interesting so I can't quite give 5 stars, but I did thoroughly enjoy it.
My favourite parts were her talking about her garden, family, travel, animals, faith and her bugbears. Just so so interesting and fun to read.
Highly recommend if you're a fan of Dame Judi!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Judi Dench has spent one of the most decorated acting careers on earth keeping a BAG BY THE REHEARSAL ROOM DOOR in case she panics and needs to escape. This woman has an Oscar. A Tony. BAFTAs. Oliviers. She played M in the James Bond movies. And internally she is still like, “I could leave. Nobody can stop me.” I cannot tell you how comforting I found that.
Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? is basically Brendan O’Hea getting Judi started and then standing back while she remembers everything that has ever happened to her in whatever order her brain feels like delivering it. Childhood in York. Theater. Movies. Animals. Costumes. Directors. Her husband. Awards. People she loved. People who irritated her. Backstage nonsense. Another story. Another tangent. Brendan tries to steer. Judi absolutely does not care.
And audiobook was the move here. This format lives in the voices. Brendan handles his side, Barbara Flynn does Judi’s responses, and she sounds so much like her that I kept forgetting I was not actually listening to Judi for most of it. Which is WILD because then the real Judi shows up in the bonus conversation at the end and you’re like, oh right, there she is, still arguing with Brendan and making him work for every answer.
Also, Judi Dench is apparently a menace. I knew “legendary actress.” I knew “dignified national treasure.” I was less prepared for “woman who has spent decades causing problems backstage for entertainment.” The prank stories kept coming and every time I was like, AH. So this is who you really are. The elegant exterior was camouflage.
Then she’ll pivot straight into Michael Williams and everything softens. No grand speech. No big dramatic setup. She just talks about him and you can hear what he meant to her. Same with the trees she plants for people she has lost. That whole idea, keeping them around in a garden, alive in some form, got me more than I expected.
She also talks about self-doubt in a way that made me laugh and then immediately feel a little sad. Imagine accomplishing everything she has accomplished and still carrying around the suspicion that maybe somebody is going to realize you are not good enough. A producer literally told her she had “everything wrong” with her face, and somehow she still went on to become Judi Dench. Meanwhile I get one vaguely weird email and need forty minutes.
There is so much career stuff in here too, but it never feels like she is reading off a résumé. It is more like, “Oh yes, that production, here is the ridiculous thing that happened.” She talks about research, costumes, directors, theater versus film, famous people she worked with, and the actual labor of being an actor. And every few minutes she says something that reminds you she takes the work incredibly seriously even though she does not seem remotely interested in taking HERSELF seriously.
I also loved how much room there is for animals, gardens, food, grammar, aging, and all these little opinions that have nothing to do with awards and everything to do with who she is when nobody is handing her a trophy. Some sections hit me harder than others, and there were definitely names or productions where I was just nodding along like I knew everybody involved. Then she would tell another outrageous story and I was back.
This gets 4.5 stars from me, and if you have the option, do the audiobook. The whole thing lands better when you can hear the interruptions, the teasing, the timing, the affection between Judi and Brendan, and Barbara Flynn absolutely disappearing into Judi’s voice. It feels less like a memoir and more like being allowed to sit in the room while two old friends remember a life that somehow contains both Shakespeare and practical jokes.
Huge thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC. You gave me Judi Dench as actress, wife, prankster, tree planter, animal person, professional worrier, and occasional backstage menace, and honestly somebody should have made her write down every single story years ago.
Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? is basically Brendan O’Hea getting Judi started and then standing back while she remembers everything that has ever happened to her in whatever order her brain feels like delivering it. Childhood in York. Theater. Movies. Animals. Costumes. Directors. Her husband. Awards. People she loved. People who irritated her. Backstage nonsense. Another story. Another tangent. Brendan tries to steer. Judi absolutely does not care.
And audiobook was the move here. This format lives in the voices. Brendan handles his side, Barbara Flynn does Judi’s responses, and she sounds so much like her that I kept forgetting I was not actually listening to Judi for most of it. Which is WILD because then the real Judi shows up in the bonus conversation at the end and you’re like, oh right, there she is, still arguing with Brendan and making him work for every answer.
Also, Judi Dench is apparently a menace. I knew “legendary actress.” I knew “dignified national treasure.” I was less prepared for “woman who has spent decades causing problems backstage for entertainment.” The prank stories kept coming and every time I was like, AH. So this is who you really are. The elegant exterior was camouflage.
Then she’ll pivot straight into Michael Williams and everything softens. No grand speech. No big dramatic setup. She just talks about him and you can hear what he meant to her. Same with the trees she plants for people she has lost. That whole idea, keeping them around in a garden, alive in some form, got me more than I expected.
She also talks about self-doubt in a way that made me laugh and then immediately feel a little sad. Imagine accomplishing everything she has accomplished and still carrying around the suspicion that maybe somebody is going to realize you are not good enough. A producer literally told her she had “everything wrong” with her face, and somehow she still went on to become Judi Dench. Meanwhile I get one vaguely weird email and need forty minutes.
There is so much career stuff in here too, but it never feels like she is reading off a résumé. It is more like, “Oh yes, that production, here is the ridiculous thing that happened.” She talks about research, costumes, directors, theater versus film, famous people she worked with, and the actual labor of being an actor. And every few minutes she says something that reminds you she takes the work incredibly seriously even though she does not seem remotely interested in taking HERSELF seriously.
I also loved how much room there is for animals, gardens, food, grammar, aging, and all these little opinions that have nothing to do with awards and everything to do with who she is when nobody is handing her a trophy. Some sections hit me harder than others, and there were definitely names or productions where I was just nodding along like I knew everybody involved. Then she would tell another outrageous story and I was back.
This gets 4.5 stars from me, and if you have the option, do the audiobook. The whole thing lands better when you can hear the interruptions, the teasing, the timing, the affection between Judi and Brendan, and Barbara Flynn absolutely disappearing into Judi’s voice. It feels less like a memoir and more like being allowed to sit in the room while two old friends remember a life that somehow contains both Shakespeare and practical jokes.
Huge thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ALC. You gave me Judi Dench as actress, wife, prankster, tree planter, animal person, professional worrier, and occasional backstage menace, and honestly somebody should have made her write down every single story years ago.
Read
August 18, 2026The interview format of this book makes you feel like you're sitting in the corner listening to Judi Dench reminisce over all sorts of things. It's sort of a memoir, organized topically rather than having any kind of chronology to it. If you enjoy the feeling of listening to intelligent and thoughtful people have a natter (and I do! I very much do!) then you'll find this quite satisfying.
Content note: Dame Judi Dench definitely does sprinkle in the swears.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press for this advance review copy through Netgalley!
Content note: Dame Judi Dench definitely does sprinkle in the swears.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press for this advance review copy through Netgalley!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Great Judi Dench. What a wonderful depiction of her experiences; her wisdom.
She decided early on that she wanted to attend Quaker boarding schools. Her parents let her decide. It was not easy when she needed to respect quiet times. Later in life, she found herself wearing plain clothes inspired from what she learned. Yet, this influenced her in many ways.
Judi Dench is most admirable with her roles in the theater and in the film industry which she has received numerous honors. In this book, she shares all sorts of opinions about her career. I wish I was more familiar with more of her performances to relish the details and impressions.
It was fascinating to read about the variety of costumes she described along with the designers who were praised. From time to time, she made remarks that were surprising. She said she always preferred wearing second-hand shoes that were worn, feeling a connection with another actor.
She talked about how she has traveled the world playing a variety of characters. After filming “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” and sequel, she called India her “spiritual home.”
There were also opinions with a list of what irritates her the most like food that is wasted. She commented on how bread a few days old was part of life during the wartimes. She remarked briefly about the current concern with worldly affairs and effect with climate change. Also, she said there needs to be more support with funding for the arts.
She ended by addressing her health and retirement prospects and explained what she meant by the title. She said sleeping is no longer easy and she is frustrated by the aging process. However, one can see that In the theater, on film and in her books, she's respected and charismatic. She speaks from her heart.
My thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this ARC with an expected release date of November 3, 2026. The views I share are my own.
She decided early on that she wanted to attend Quaker boarding schools. Her parents let her decide. It was not easy when she needed to respect quiet times. Later in life, she found herself wearing plain clothes inspired from what she learned. Yet, this influenced her in many ways.
Judi Dench is most admirable with her roles in the theater and in the film industry which she has received numerous honors. In this book, she shares all sorts of opinions about her career. I wish I was more familiar with more of her performances to relish the details and impressions.
It was fascinating to read about the variety of costumes she described along with the designers who were praised. From time to time, she made remarks that were surprising. She said she always preferred wearing second-hand shoes that were worn, feeling a connection with another actor.
She talked about how she has traveled the world playing a variety of characters. After filming “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” and sequel, she called India her “spiritual home.”
There were also opinions with a list of what irritates her the most like food that is wasted. She commented on how bread a few days old was part of life during the wartimes. She remarked briefly about the current concern with worldly affairs and effect with climate change. Also, she said there needs to be more support with funding for the arts.
She ended by addressing her health and retirement prospects and explained what she meant by the title. She said sleeping is no longer easy and she is frustrated by the aging process. However, one can see that In the theater, on film and in her books, she's respected and charismatic. She speaks from her heart.
My thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for this ARC with an expected release date of November 3, 2026. The views I share are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It’s hard to believe, but Judi Dench is coming up on 92 years old. If that makes you worry that she’s about to retire from the theater and film, don’t; despite her advanced macular degeneration, she can’t imagine stopping work. For one thing, this interview-as-memoir (conducted by her longtime friend Brendan O’Hea) makes it clear she’s no loner. She wants to be in with a gang of actors and crew doing the work, but also pranking each other and heading out for the pub.
O’Hea quizzes Dench on a broad range of subjects, from her childhood in York, to her advice for actors just starting out. Here are the topics:
York
Parents
Musicals
Gardens and Trees
Mikey
Faith
Christmas
Choosing a Part
New Writing
Directors and Directing
Playing Real People
Royalty
Spies
Theatre Versus Film
Costume
Dressing Rooms
‘Far Away Places’
Bugbears
Food
Comedy
Ageing
Honours and Accolades
Nothing Like a Dame
Mischief and Mayhem
Starting Out
Most of the time, O’Hea asks a fairly short question, and then Dench is off for paragraphs in her answers, which are invariably informative and entertaining. Who would ever suspect Dench of being a stickler for good grammar and manners, but at the same time enjoying nothing better than pulling fast ones on other actors, like putting apple cider vinegar in the mugs of men onstage meant to quaff their beers and ask for more?
This is a lot of fun to read if you have any interest in film and theater, but invaluable to anyone looking to being a career in acting.
O’Hea quizzes Dench on a broad range of subjects, from her childhood in York, to her advice for actors just starting out. Here are the topics:
York
Parents
Musicals
Gardens and Trees
Mikey
Faith
Christmas
Choosing a Part
New Writing
Directors and Directing
Playing Real People
Royalty
Spies
Theatre Versus Film
Costume
Dressing Rooms
‘Far Away Places’
Bugbears
Food
Comedy
Ageing
Honours and Accolades
Nothing Like a Dame
Mischief and Mayhem
Starting Out
Most of the time, O’Hea asks a fairly short question, and then Dench is off for paragraphs in her answers, which are invariably informative and entertaining. Who would ever suspect Dench of being a stickler for good grammar and manners, but at the same time enjoying nothing better than pulling fast ones on other actors, like putting apple cider vinegar in the mugs of men onstage meant to quaff their beers and ask for more?
This is a lot of fun to read if you have any interest in film and theater, but invaluable to anyone looking to being a career in acting.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? is a conversational, funny, and heartfelt look back at seven decades of performing on stage, on screen, and behind the scenes. It features a question and answer format that leads to Dame Dench's reflections on her roles and personal memories.
I loved Dame Dench's (sometimes bawdy) sense of humor, and I was totally impressed by her astonishing memory!
The question/answer format led to making it a bit easy for me to put the book down and go back to it later. Every time I went back to reading Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? I would wonder why on earth I had put the book down ... but then I would put it down again.
One of the memories I most enjoyed about the book was the mini-forest of trees she has planted - each one in memory of a lost friend or member of her family. I loved how she would take the time to find the perfect tree that she felt described the person she had lost.
It turned out to be a book I enjoyed!
Thank you, #St. Martin's Press, for providing this book for consideration and review via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? has an expected publication date of November 3, 2026.
I loved Dame Dench's (sometimes bawdy) sense of humor, and I was totally impressed by her astonishing memory!
The question/answer format led to making it a bit easy for me to put the book down and go back to it later. Every time I went back to reading Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? I would wonder why on earth I had put the book down ... but then I would put it down again.
One of the memories I most enjoyed about the book was the mini-forest of trees she has planted - each one in memory of a lost friend or member of her family. I loved how she would take the time to find the perfect tree that she felt described the person she had lost.
It turned out to be a book I enjoyed!
Thank you, #St. Martin's Press, for providing this book for consideration and review via #NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? has an expected publication date of November 3, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Delightful! The audio version of Judi Dench's latest book is utterly delightful. It is not a memoir. Instead, Brendan O'Hea and Dench talk about a variety of topics, mostly it is a Q&A but more conversational than an interview. There is a lot of giggling and a bit of mild sniping, as you would expect from a conversation between friends. Is there the barest whiff that O'Hea and Dench, great actors, are playing O'Hea and Dench? Perhaps. But it doesn't feel contrived. Dench has proved countless times her ability to inhabit characters with compassion and authenticity. I'm not sure how much of the Dench we encounter in the book is Dench and how much is Dench playing Dench - either way there is warmth and genuineness which bring the reader right along into the stories being told. And what stories she has to tell! Are problematic views expressed? From my perspective, yes. Hopefully I am finally old enough to stop applying purity tests to people. It is possible to find someone delightful and not agree with them on every single issue. Astonishing.
This is not an "important" memoir meant to change your life, though it might. It is a bit of entertaining storytelling by a master storyteller. And like all good stories, there are nuggets of gold hidden among the laughter. I particularly appreciate the discussion of Quakerism. And I love the idea of planting trees for loved ones. This is the perfect holiday read. Imagine unwinding after a busy day of family and friends with the inimitable Dame Judi Dench telling you stories and giggling in your ear. I can't imagine who might not enjoy the hours spent hearing about Dench's many adventures. Put this on your TBR immediately! Thank you to everyone involved in the audiobook production, including Macmillan Audio and NetGalley, for the audioARC.
This is not an "important" memoir meant to change your life, though it might. It is a bit of entertaining storytelling by a master storyteller. And like all good stories, there are nuggets of gold hidden among the laughter. I particularly appreciate the discussion of Quakerism. And I love the idea of planting trees for loved ones. This is the perfect holiday read. Imagine unwinding after a busy day of family and friends with the inimitable Dame Judi Dench telling you stories and giggling in your ear. I can't imagine who might not enjoy the hours spent hearing about Dench's many adventures. Put this on your TBR immediately! Thank you to everyone involved in the audiobook production, including Macmillan Audio and NetGalley, for the audioARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Judi Dench’s newest book, Is It Too Late To Make a Run For It?, co-written with fellow actor and friend Brendan O’Hea, is like being invited to quietly join a good chin wag between old friends. Although it is written interview style, it isn’t a dry question and answer session. Just two friends chatting, sometimes finishing each other’s thoughts. The best part for me is that I could hear Judi's unmistakable voice as I read. I chose this book because I admire the way Judi experiences life—as though all is right with the world, even when it isn't. She has an unwillingness to carry unnecessary resentment. I jumped at the chance to spend the time with her.
Throughout the stories there runs a theme of good-natured devilishness. Judi seems not to take much of anything too seriously, as she has an irreverent and naturally perfectly timed sense of humor, daubed with a thorough splash of swearing. She jokes about everything—not to avoid depth, but as her natural way of moving through the world. Although she never dwells on prestige, she takes her craft seriously. The theatre chapter becomes long, reflective, and emotional.
The first thing I noticed when opening the book was the table of contents. I actually giggled to myself to see single topics such as Animals, Gardens & Trees, Bugbears. It was refreshingly simple and I felt right at home with the un-stuffiness of it all. She is a name-dropper, but not in the way that people dislike. Instead, you know she mentions them because they bring her delight and memories she holds dear.
She is a first class storyteller; she absolutely lives for it. If stories about second-hand shoes, flatulence, needlework, the Fonz, and on-set pranks don't sound amusing, this probably isn't the book for you. Judi somehow makes every one of them delightful.
She didn't owe anyone this book. She chose to answer questions, remember stories, laugh, reflect, and let strangers spend time with her. The quality that shines through most isn't fame or talent, but graciousness. By the final page, I felt like I had spent time with Judi Dench, and I just wasn’t ready for it to end.
If you are a reader who enjoys the usual celebrity biography with timelines and events, this might not be the book for you. If you like wandering through the memories of a person who shares them wit, laughter, and no regrets, I highly recommend this.
Thank you to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing me with an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Judi Dench shares her thoughts on her career with friend and writing partner Brendan O’Hea in an interview style memoir, similar in format to her last memoir Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent, also in conversation with O’Hea. Dame Dench is a formidable and brilliant actor that has graced many a stage and movie screen and she has lived an eventful and interesting life. Her wit, personality, and directness, and professionalism are front and center in this frank conversation. She had so much to share and has an opinion on everything – so refreshing and fun. Because so much was covered, the format of the book didn’t work as well as it did for her last memoir, which was narrower in scope and focused on her Shakespearean roles. This book felt very “stream of consciousness” and jumped around quite a bit – as it would in a live interview, so essentially this felt like a transcript. The book would have benefited from additional structure to organize the myriad topics covered – and there were a lot! Overall, a jampacked interesting book on the inimitable Ms. Dench. My three-star rating reflects the presentation of the content rather than the individual! Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In this fascinating memoir written in conjunction with her friend and actor-writer partner, Brendan O’Hea, Judi Dench gives us a look into her life from childhood to iconic acting roles and through her personal life. I was invited by the publisher (my thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley fur granting me access to this ARC.)
Dench has really had a storied life. Her acting roles certainly have been eclectic - as a staunch James Bond fan, I think she was the best M in the whole series. Her Oscar awarding role as Elizabeth in Shakespeare in Love is also from the many movies in which that Queen figures is probably the best portrayal too. Everything I’ve seen her in has been superb! But it’s interesting to find out about all her self doubt. It’s a comfort to know famous people are just people too.
The book is filled with fun and interesting stories. Her marriage to her late husband, Michael Williams, was refreshing to learn about. The book has a little bit of everything you expect in a memoir except the format. The memoir is told in an interview format which just didn’t work for me. I found it disjointed and sometimes just wandered around the book to read about things I was more interested in - which isn’t easy in an e-reader format. That’s probably the reason I gave it a “3”. There’s a lot of good reading in this book but I felt the format just didn’t resonate with me.
Lovers of Judi Dench should read it. It’s a splendid read.
Dench has really had a storied life. Her acting roles certainly have been eclectic - as a staunch James Bond fan, I think she was the best M in the whole series. Her Oscar awarding role as Elizabeth in Shakespeare in Love is also from the many movies in which that Queen figures is probably the best portrayal too. Everything I’ve seen her in has been superb! But it’s interesting to find out about all her self doubt. It’s a comfort to know famous people are just people too.
The book is filled with fun and interesting stories. Her marriage to her late husband, Michael Williams, was refreshing to learn about. The book has a little bit of everything you expect in a memoir except the format. The memoir is told in an interview format which just didn’t work for me. I found it disjointed and sometimes just wandered around the book to read about things I was more interested in - which isn’t easy in an e-reader format. That’s probably the reason I gave it a “3”. There’s a lot of good reading in this book but I felt the format just didn’t resonate with me.
Lovers of Judi Dench should read it. It’s a splendid read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I enjoyed getting to know Judi Dench in Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?. She has a great sense of humor and has lead an impressive and interesting life.
While I do like biographies, I realized during this book that I like them from the author's point of view. This book was disappointing as it was done in an interview format. Questions asked by B. O'Hea and Dame Judi Dench answering. Rather than it being a flowing story of her life, these questions made it very scattered as all of a sudden another question is there and doesn't necessary spring board off of the previous question or what they are talking about in the same chapter.. The way that the book was broken up into chapters also made it feel very choppy and not an enjoyable way to read these questions. Those 2 things made me not really care for it but I did finish as it was an advanced reader copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.
While I do like biographies, I realized during this book that I like them from the author's point of view. This book was disappointing as it was done in an interview format. Questions asked by B. O'Hea and Dame Judi Dench answering. Rather than it being a flowing story of her life, these questions made it very scattered as all of a sudden another question is there and doesn't necessary spring board off of the previous question or what they are talking about in the same chapter.. The way that the book was broken up into chapters also made it feel very choppy and not an enjoyable way to read these questions. Those 2 things made me not really care for it but I did finish as it was an advanced reader copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
BOOK REPORT
Received a complimentary copy of Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It by Judi Dench with Brendan O'Hea from St. Martin's Press/NetGalley, for which I am appreciative, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Scroll past the BOOK REPORT section for a cut-and-paste of the DESCRIPTION of it from them if you want to read my thoughts on the book in the context of that summary.
⭐ 3 ⭐
Well.
For the second time in less than a month I’m finding myself in the rather peculiar position of giving a book 3 stars even though I did not finish it. (Coincidence that both were nonfiction? I think not…..)
I’m very disappointed that I only made it through about 20 percent of the electronic version of this book, because I was very interested in learning more about Judi Dench’s life. Unfortunately, this is not a book for someone who knows only a little about her, the category into which I fall. It is a book for hardcore fans who will enjoy sort of being plopped down, as it were, into the middle of the story, and who will get what seemed like a lot of inside baseball references to me.
If you’re in the mood to spend a little time with Dame Judith, permit me to recommend the movie Tea With the Dames: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7363336/..., which also features Eileen Atkins, Joan Plowright, and the inimitable Maggie Smith.
DESCRIPTION
Judi Dench and Brendan O’Hea chat about her life on the stage, on the screen, and, above all, behind the scenes…
In Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? Judi Dench and Brendan O’Hea take us on a heartfelt and hilarious tour of her extraordinary life and career. From growing up in York and being miffed at not getting the part of Mary in the school Nativity play, to playing before sold-out houses on Broadway and in London’s West End, she’s done it all. She walked the red carpets of Hollywood, turned James Bond’s M into the most astute, unflinching Head of MI6 anyone could ever have imagined, and won an Oscar, a Tony, Golden Globes, Oliviers, and BAFTAs along the way.
Yet despite the accolades, she has been accompanied by doubt. From the movie producer who said she had “everything wrong” with her face, to the theatre director who advised her against doing sitcom. Is it any wonder she leaves a bag by the rehearsal room door in case she has to make a run for it?
But stepping out of her comfort zone has been Judi’s guiding principle and in Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?, she reveals all to Brendan - her friend and writing partner. She tells stories of pranks (both onstage and off), dissects her greatest screen roles, shares tales of her joyful marriage to actor Michael Williams, and talks about her passion for nature and animals.
As told to Brendan O’Hea, this is Judi Dench’s story – funny, honest, intimate, enlightening, surprising, moving, and deeply inspiring. Over ninety years in the making, Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? is the story of the world’s most beloved actor.
Received a complimentary copy of Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It by Judi Dench with Brendan O'Hea from St. Martin's Press/NetGalley, for which I am appreciative, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Scroll past the BOOK REPORT section for a cut-and-paste of the DESCRIPTION of it from them if you want to read my thoughts on the book in the context of that summary.
⭐ 3 ⭐
Well.
For the second time in less than a month I’m finding myself in the rather peculiar position of giving a book 3 stars even though I did not finish it. (Coincidence that both were nonfiction? I think not…..)
I’m very disappointed that I only made it through about 20 percent of the electronic version of this book, because I was very interested in learning more about Judi Dench’s life. Unfortunately, this is not a book for someone who knows only a little about her, the category into which I fall. It is a book for hardcore fans who will enjoy sort of being plopped down, as it were, into the middle of the story, and who will get what seemed like a lot of inside baseball references to me.
If you’re in the mood to spend a little time with Dame Judith, permit me to recommend the movie Tea With the Dames: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7363336/..., which also features Eileen Atkins, Joan Plowright, and the inimitable Maggie Smith.
DESCRIPTION
Judi Dench and Brendan O’Hea chat about her life on the stage, on the screen, and, above all, behind the scenes…
In Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? Judi Dench and Brendan O’Hea take us on a heartfelt and hilarious tour of her extraordinary life and career. From growing up in York and being miffed at not getting the part of Mary in the school Nativity play, to playing before sold-out houses on Broadway and in London’s West End, she’s done it all. She walked the red carpets of Hollywood, turned James Bond’s M into the most astute, unflinching Head of MI6 anyone could ever have imagined, and won an Oscar, a Tony, Golden Globes, Oliviers, and BAFTAs along the way.
Yet despite the accolades, she has been accompanied by doubt. From the movie producer who said she had “everything wrong” with her face, to the theatre director who advised her against doing sitcom. Is it any wonder she leaves a bag by the rehearsal room door in case she has to make a run for it?
But stepping out of her comfort zone has been Judi’s guiding principle and in Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?, she reveals all to Brendan - her friend and writing partner. She tells stories of pranks (both onstage and off), dissects her greatest screen roles, shares tales of her joyful marriage to actor Michael Williams, and talks about her passion for nature and animals.
As told to Brendan O’Hea, this is Judi Dench’s story – funny, honest, intimate, enlightening, surprising, moving, and deeply inspiring. Over ninety years in the making, Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? is the story of the world’s most beloved actor.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Is it Too Late to Make a Run for it? By Judi Dench with Brendan O’Hea was an absolute delight. I love a memoir, but this one was cream of the crop.
Dame Judi Dench is an incredible actress, but this memoir shows her wonderful, humorous personality in a way that lets you into her life. From her childhood in England during WWII, to acting on the stage to her film career, each step along the way she recounts funny and thoughtful stories that endear the reader to her.
Written conversationally with Brendan O’Hea, I loved all the stories of pranks Judi Dench has played over the years, her many meaningful friendships in the business, and overall cute and funny stories from her life. This book is such a treasure after such a long career on the stage and screen. I found myself chuckling through the book and will be binging some classic Judi Dench films in the next few months!
Thanks so much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.
Dame Judi Dench is an incredible actress, but this memoir shows her wonderful, humorous personality in a way that lets you into her life. From her childhood in England during WWII, to acting on the stage to her film career, each step along the way she recounts funny and thoughtful stories that endear the reader to her.
Written conversationally with Brendan O’Hea, I loved all the stories of pranks Judi Dench has played over the years, her many meaningful friendships in the business, and overall cute and funny stories from her life. This book is such a treasure after such a long career on the stage and screen. I found myself chuckling through the book and will be binging some classic Judi Dench films in the next few months!
Thanks so much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.
November 3, 2026
Quick Summary: An "adrenaline rush" of delight about a remarkable woman and her colorful life
My Review: Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? by Judi Dench with Brendan O'Hea is categorized under "Biographies & Memoirs." The audiobook was released TODAY (11/3/26). 🥳
About the Book: "In Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? Judi Dench and Brendan O’Hea take us on a heartfelt and hilarious tour of her extraordinary life and career.
... she reveals all to Brendan - her friend and writing partner. She tells stories of pranks (both onstage and off), dissects her greatest screen roles, shares tales of her joyful marriage to actor Michael Williams, and talks about her passion for nature and animals."
The Hook: "Judi Dench and Brendan O’Hea chat about her life on the stage, on the screen, and, above all, behind the scenes…"
In My Own Words: An entertaining catalog of Dame Judi Dench's life, loves, and experiences
About the Audiobook: This book was brilliantly narrated by Barbara Flynn, Brendan O'Hea, and Judi Dench. The narration style used was perfectly rich with warmth, humor, wit, and more. I loved the conversational back and forth, as well as the expressed playfulness between the parties. The entire listening experience was like sitting beside a warm and toasty fire, sipping a spot of tea, and hearing history both in black & white and color.
My Final Say: I have long admired Judi Dench. I think she is a powerhouse who still explodes onto any stage, screen, or production. Hearing her speak and share anecdotes, reflections, learned lessons, and gained wisdom about who she is and about what she's lived through was wondrous. Even as she communicated her truths, she was gracious, kind, humble, stern, and real.
The interaction in the book was so organic. The questions, the answers, and everything in between invited interest. I was thoroughly entertained.
Despite her unique challenges and the unexpected obstacles she's faced, she still gives off a living legend resilience and strength that I totally appreciate. Her frankness on Cats and macular degeneration, in particular, was a priceless artifact from a life lived through time. I loved the way she did not take herself too seriously while she also demonstrated a regal posture. It provided deep food for thought. It made me adore her even more.
This book, by far, is one of the best biographical/autobiographical memoirs I have read/listened to in a very long time. Bravo!
A Special Note: There are so many performances that Dame Judi Dench has executed. This is her most magnificent. I recall watching her comedy sketch from the Royal Shakespeare Company's historic Shakespeare Live! gala where she famously spoke the words: "To be or not to be..." My response then and even more so now after hearing her tell about her life and works is this: She exudes a "to be" life. She is unapologetically who she is, AND she is still becoming who she was always destined to be.
Judi Dench deserves much applause for showing up and showing out in this raw, revealing work.
Other: Readers who enjoy entertaining histories about extraordinary people will love this book. I think this audiobook will hold massive appeal for those interested in hearing her delivery, her laughter, and her actual voice. It is a real treasure. I highly recommend it.
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: G
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Besties Shelf: Yes
Status: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Level: 🎭
Format: 🎧
Narration: +
Cover: +
Title: +
Book Club Worthy: Yes
Communicated Energy/Vibe: 👑
Sincere and heartfelt appreciation is extended to the authors, to the publisher (Macmillan Audio), and to NetGalley. Thank you so very much for approving my access to an ALC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was an absolute pleasure to review. I cannot wait to secure a copy of this audiobook for my home library. It is a keeper, without a doubt. I am grateful for the opportunity.
My Review: Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? by Judi Dench with Brendan O'Hea is categorized under "Biographies & Memoirs." The audiobook was released TODAY (11/3/26). 🥳
About the Book: "In Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? Judi Dench and Brendan O’Hea take us on a heartfelt and hilarious tour of her extraordinary life and career.
... she reveals all to Brendan - her friend and writing partner. She tells stories of pranks (both onstage and off), dissects her greatest screen roles, shares tales of her joyful marriage to actor Michael Williams, and talks about her passion for nature and animals."
The Hook: "Judi Dench and Brendan O’Hea chat about her life on the stage, on the screen, and, above all, behind the scenes…"
In My Own Words: An entertaining catalog of Dame Judi Dench's life, loves, and experiences
About the Audiobook: This book was brilliantly narrated by Barbara Flynn, Brendan O'Hea, and Judi Dench. The narration style used was perfectly rich with warmth, humor, wit, and more. I loved the conversational back and forth, as well as the expressed playfulness between the parties. The entire listening experience was like sitting beside a warm and toasty fire, sipping a spot of tea, and hearing history both in black & white and color.
My Final Say: I have long admired Judi Dench. I think she is a powerhouse who still explodes onto any stage, screen, or production. Hearing her speak and share anecdotes, reflections, learned lessons, and gained wisdom about who she is and about what she's lived through was wondrous. Even as she communicated her truths, she was gracious, kind, humble, stern, and real.
The interaction in the book was so organic. The questions, the answers, and everything in between invited interest. I was thoroughly entertained.
Despite her unique challenges and the unexpected obstacles she's faced, she still gives off a living legend resilience and strength that I totally appreciate. Her frankness on Cats and macular degeneration, in particular, was a priceless artifact from a life lived through time. I loved the way she did not take herself too seriously while she also demonstrated a regal posture. It provided deep food for thought. It made me adore her even more.
This book, by far, is one of the best biographical/autobiographical memoirs I have read/listened to in a very long time. Bravo!
A Special Note: There are so many performances that Dame Judi Dench has executed. This is her most magnificent. I recall watching her comedy sketch from the Royal Shakespeare Company's historic Shakespeare Live! gala where she famously spoke the words: "To be or not to be..." My response then and even more so now after hearing her tell about her life and works is this: She exudes a "to be" life. She is unapologetically who she is, AND she is still becoming who she was always destined to be.
Judi Dench deserves much applause for showing up and showing out in this raw, revealing work.
Other: Readers who enjoy entertaining histories about extraordinary people will love this book. I think this audiobook will hold massive appeal for those interested in hearing her delivery, her laughter, and her actual voice. It is a real treasure. I highly recommend it.
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: G
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Besties Shelf: Yes
Status: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Level: 🎭
Format: 🎧
Narration: +
Cover: +
Title: +
Book Club Worthy: Yes
Communicated Energy/Vibe: 👑
Sincere and heartfelt appreciation is extended to the authors, to the publisher (Macmillan Audio), and to NetGalley. Thank you so very much for approving my access to an ALC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was an absolute pleasure to review. I cannot wait to secure a copy of this audiobook for my home library. It is a keeper, without a doubt. I am grateful for the opportunity.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy - pub date 11/3/2026. Queen Elizabeth I. Queen Victoria. M. Dame Judi Dench is known for unflinching, powerful women in big movies but do you know about the billion other things she has done from plays to TV? Did you know she didn’t even really plan on being an actor until her ego took a blow while pursuing an arts degree and her brother pushed her towards acting? How she then fell in love with it? Speaking of love, did you know about her beloved husband and daughter and grandson? Or what about her animals? Her trees? As the tagline says, this book was 90 years in the making…
But it took almost no time to read because it is just completely delightful. Written as various themed conversations with her good friend Brendan O’Hea, this book flies by with laughter, gasps, and a few tears. Judi herself never gets particularly maudlin but you can read between the lines at the depth of feeling when faced with losses and trauma. Above all, though, is a spirit that is determined to see the bright side of things. She may whinge but then she’ll move on and remember the good things. Perhaps this can be attributed to living through WWII and the rationing and the bomb scares. Though she would be quick to impress upon you how lucky she and her family were, how much happiness they found in each other.
Dame Judi never hesitates to name-drop and, rather than pretentious, it comes across as charming. Mostly because she is so unaffected about it and grateful for all of the relationships she has formed over the many years. Reading her views on camaraderie backstage and the importance of a company working together restores your faith in teamwork. It certainly made me pause and long for those high school theater days when we were all out of our depth, just had to trust each other, and spent hours working and laughing.
On a totally different note, she has also come up with the most wonderful way of remembering her beloved friends and family after they pass. She plants a tree for them in her garden and she specifically picks one based on the person. How simply lovely is that? The meaning is all her own, too, and as sly and funny as the woman herself. Who else would dare have a Maggie Smith memorial tree be a crabapple?
If you’re looking for a salacious tell-all, you will have to go elsewhere. However, if you are looking for the story of a truly extraordinary actress who remains humble and terribly mischievous and very much appreciative of every job and friend she has? This is your good-time read!
But it took almost no time to read because it is just completely delightful. Written as various themed conversations with her good friend Brendan O’Hea, this book flies by with laughter, gasps, and a few tears. Judi herself never gets particularly maudlin but you can read between the lines at the depth of feeling when faced with losses and trauma. Above all, though, is a spirit that is determined to see the bright side of things. She may whinge but then she’ll move on and remember the good things. Perhaps this can be attributed to living through WWII and the rationing and the bomb scares. Though she would be quick to impress upon you how lucky she and her family were, how much happiness they found in each other.
Dame Judi never hesitates to name-drop and, rather than pretentious, it comes across as charming. Mostly because she is so unaffected about it and grateful for all of the relationships she has formed over the many years. Reading her views on camaraderie backstage and the importance of a company working together restores your faith in teamwork. It certainly made me pause and long for those high school theater days when we were all out of our depth, just had to trust each other, and spent hours working and laughing.
On a totally different note, she has also come up with the most wonderful way of remembering her beloved friends and family after they pass. She plants a tree for them in her garden and she specifically picks one based on the person. How simply lovely is that? The meaning is all her own, too, and as sly and funny as the woman herself. Who else would dare have a Maggie Smith memorial tree be a crabapple?
If you’re looking for a salacious tell-all, you will have to go elsewhere. However, if you are looking for the story of a truly extraordinary actress who remains humble and terribly mischievous and very much appreciative of every job and friend she has? This is your good-time read!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? is a warmly humorous memoir full of reminiscence, humor, and some pathos by Dame Judi Dench. Due out 3rd Nov 2026 from Macmillan on their St. Martin's imprint, it's 368 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
The format here is more of an extended conversation between the author and her long time friend Brendan O'Hea. They play off one another and it's a delight to read/listen to. She's very very funny, as everyone knows, but what is especially impressive is her wit and encyclopædic memory for story and narrative. It's a transportive and really engaging read/listen.
The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 10 hours 15 minutes and is read by Mr. O'Hea, Barbara Flynn, and Dame Dench herself. Sound and production quality are very high throughout the read.
Four and a half stars. She's a wonderful actor with a lifetime of experience. It would be an excellent choice for public or home library acquisition, book club, or buddy read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? is a warmly humorous memoir full of reminiscence, humor, and some pathos by Dame Judi Dench. Due out 3rd Nov 2026 from Macmillan on their St. Martin's imprint, it's 368 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.
The format here is more of an extended conversation between the author and her long time friend Brendan O'Hea. They play off one another and it's a delight to read/listen to. She's very very funny, as everyone knows, but what is especially impressive is her wit and encyclopædic memory for story and narrative. It's a transportive and really engaging read/listen.
The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 10 hours 15 minutes and is read by Mr. O'Hea, Barbara Flynn, and Dame Dench herself. Sound and production quality are very high throughout the read.
Four and a half stars. She's a wonderful actor with a lifetime of experience. It would be an excellent choice for public or home library acquisition, book club, or buddy read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
November 1, 2026
“Although she’s a renowned mischief-maker, I haven’t quite realized the extent of her shenanigans.”
Readers of a certain age, anglophiles, and thespian lovers, I invite you to take a break from the chaos of your TBRs and listen to Dame Judi Dench’s memoir! The format is a casual conversation between Judi (narrated brilliantly by Barbara Flynn) and Brendan O’Hea, actor, theater director, and close friend. The afterward, narrated by Dame Dench herself, marks a fine point on the authenticity of the accounts. This inviting book covers Judi’s vast and richly embroidered life, from schoolgirl to award winner, in a detailed and thought-provoking fashion.
The title overlaps two quintessential aspects of her career. M’s final line in her 8th and last Bond film links up with her pattern of leaving her bag near the exit door of any rehearsal room, in case she needs to make a quick getaway. Pardon my French, it’s bloody brilliant.
From West End theaters to Hollywood movie sets, the narrative strikes a balance between hilarious antics and serious reflection. The most powerful anecdote for me was Dench recounting the poem “Remember” by Christina Georgina Rossetti, which she (at the request of the surviving family members) recited at a memorial service for 67 British citizens killed in the 9/11 attack. It truly felt like both a memory of hers and a directive to us, in a subtle way, to address her inspirational 91 years.
Thanks to Macmillan Audio for the early copy in exchange for my honest review!
Readers of a certain age, anglophiles, and thespian lovers, I invite you to take a break from the chaos of your TBRs and listen to Dame Judi Dench’s memoir! The format is a casual conversation between Judi (narrated brilliantly by Barbara Flynn) and Brendan O’Hea, actor, theater director, and close friend. The afterward, narrated by Dame Dench herself, marks a fine point on the authenticity of the accounts. This inviting book covers Judi’s vast and richly embroidered life, from schoolgirl to award winner, in a detailed and thought-provoking fashion.
The title overlaps two quintessential aspects of her career. M’s final line in her 8th and last Bond film links up with her pattern of leaving her bag near the exit door of any rehearsal room, in case she needs to make a quick getaway. Pardon my French, it’s bloody brilliant.
From West End theaters to Hollywood movie sets, the narrative strikes a balance between hilarious antics and serious reflection. The most powerful anecdote for me was Dench recounting the poem “Remember” by Christina Georgina Rossetti, which she (at the request of the surviving family members) recited at a memorial service for 67 British citizens killed in the 9/11 attack. It truly felt like both a memory of hers and a directive to us, in a subtle way, to address her inspirational 91 years.
Thanks to Macmillan Audio for the early copy in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Is there anything more magical than listening to Judi Dench tell a story? I have never read any of her other memoirs or books, but I've watched her interviews and chats, especially here lately. A lot are similar to the conversations here in this book. Which is what this is: Brendan is asking her questions, and she answers, and they often dialogue about it. Dame Judi Dench is so witty, but also has a subtle or dry sense of humor. She is just a fantastic story teller that even the stories about rats in the ceilings are endearing and engaging.
I know little to nothing about her private life, so it is so fun to hear about her love of animals, her accepting nature, and just the genuine love of her craft and the people around her. I love her perspectives and that, if she didn't think it was something she could do, that was what she wanted to do- the challenge.
She also goes into the loss of her husband and her failing eyesight. This story is full of charm, emotion, and feels very honest. I loved this piece, and I will always listen to memoirs or autobiographies in audio version as you can hear the humor and intent behind the words they are expressing. Sometimes the subtlety of their voice can change the meaning behind a scene. Great book for Judi Dench fans. She is brilliant as always.
I know little to nothing about her private life, so it is so fun to hear about her love of animals, her accepting nature, and just the genuine love of her craft and the people around her. I love her perspectives and that, if she didn't think it was something she could do, that was what she wanted to do- the challenge.
She also goes into the loss of her husband and her failing eyesight. This story is full of charm, emotion, and feels very honest. I loved this piece, and I will always listen to memoirs or autobiographies in audio version as you can hear the humor and intent behind the words they are expressing. Sometimes the subtlety of their voice can change the meaning behind a scene. Great book for Judi Dench fans. She is brilliant as always.
October 30, 2026
"I just happen to love the job I do.
And the people in it. I adore the camaraderie, the community, the feeling of family."
I knew going in that Dame Judi Dench had written other memoirs. The only one I'd read previously centered on her Shakespearean expertise. I also knew that she has lost a great deal of her eyesight and that this book would be set up in an interview format. And it really did feel as though I had the privilege of eavesdropping on a conversation between her and an old friend. We begin with her Quaker upbringing and her earliest acting experiences and cover a wide variety of topics: her thoughts on ageing, portraying people who really exist, her great love of animals, and so much more. Dame Judi has had an astonishing career and this is an excellent read for anyone interested in the arts.
My thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
And the people in it. I adore the camaraderie, the community, the feeling of family."
I knew going in that Dame Judi Dench had written other memoirs. The only one I'd read previously centered on her Shakespearean expertise. I also knew that she has lost a great deal of her eyesight and that this book would be set up in an interview format. And it really did feel as though I had the privilege of eavesdropping on a conversation between her and an old friend. We begin with her Quaker upbringing and her earliest acting experiences and cover a wide variety of topics: her thoughts on ageing, portraying people who really exist, her great love of animals, and so much more. Dame Judi has had an astonishing career and this is an excellent read for anyone interested in the arts.
My thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 2, 2026
I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of the audiobook. I knew very little about Judi Dench but from what I knew I thought she was funny and being a comedian, I wanted to learn more.
The book was excellent I particularly like the storytelling aspect and the dialogue of Judi Dench.
The stories were light-hearted and accessible to everyone in their simplicity. The writing is engaging and provides and interesting retrospective look on things that doesn’t take life too seriously, even when difficult or serious topics are being discussed Judi’s approach to them is honesty but not in a way that gets heavy or brings the reader down.
Highly entertaining, quick and easy listen.
The book was excellent I particularly like the storytelling aspect and the dialogue of Judi Dench.
The stories were light-hearted and accessible to everyone in their simplicity. The writing is engaging and provides and interesting retrospective look on things that doesn’t take life too seriously, even when difficult or serious topics are being discussed Judi’s approach to them is honesty but not in a way that gets heavy or brings the reader down.
Highly entertaining, quick and easy listen.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First, thanks to NetGalley and the pubisher for an ARC. I listened to a previous book, Shakespeare, the Man Who Pays the Rent, and loved it! That one focused on Dench's vast experience with Shakespeare's plays. This one continues the conversation but more broadly. If you love acting, Judi Dench, and theatre, you will love this book!
I hope an audio version comes out because it is so wonderful to hear these two in conversation.
I hope an audio version comes out because it is so wonderful to hear these two in conversation.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley & St. Martin's Press for this ARC.
I don't usually rate memoirs, it feels like I'm rating someone else's trauma.
But this was an absolute delight, it felt like listening to your elderly neighbour regale you with adventures of their life.
This had heart and heartbreak, joy and tears.
Would recommend to someone looking for a memoir with a more uplifting premise.
I don't usually rate memoirs, it feels like I'm rating someone else's trauma.
But this was an absolute delight, it felt like listening to your elderly neighbour regale you with adventures of their life.
This had heart and heartbreak, joy and tears.
Would recommend to someone looking for a memoir with a more uplifting premise.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It? by Judi Dench is a fun memoir told primarily in her own voice but with questions from her friend Brendan O'Hea.
I didn't have a problem with the "interview" aspect of the memoir since the questions weren't out of the blue and often diving deeper into something Dench had just said. The chapters open with her remembering or commenting about the period they're about to cover, which keeps the flow of the overall book intact. In addition, her answers are similar to the way you answer a friend's question when you're telling them a story. You respond to what they brought up then continue with your story. So don't be too put off, this isn't a true Q&A situation, it reads more like sitting around listening to Dench and having someone periodically ask a question for clarification or just out of curiosity.
I adore Judi Dench so I was sure I would enjoy a memoir where her storytelling serves as the text. And I did enjoy it. If you're a fan, or simply like to read about how an artist views their craft, you will find a lot to enjoy here. I found it to be a fun read that could be read quickly or revisited as you have the time.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
I didn't have a problem with the "interview" aspect of the memoir since the questions weren't out of the blue and often diving deeper into something Dench had just said. The chapters open with her remembering or commenting about the period they're about to cover, which keeps the flow of the overall book intact. In addition, her answers are similar to the way you answer a friend's question when you're telling them a story. You respond to what they brought up then continue with your story. So don't be too put off, this isn't a true Q&A situation, it reads more like sitting around listening to Dench and having someone periodically ask a question for clarification or just out of curiosity.
I adore Judi Dench so I was sure I would enjoy a memoir where her storytelling serves as the text. And I did enjoy it. If you're a fan, or simply like to read about how an artist views their craft, you will find a lot to enjoy here. I found it to be a fun read that could be read quickly or revisited as you have the time.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.
August 30, 2026
Is it too late to make a run for it
I usually don’t read or like biographies, but since I love Judy Dench as an actress, I thought I would give her life story a try. Unfortunately I was disappointed, I definitely didn’t like the interview format. To me , it felt like in the middle of a story,there is suddenly a question. I also didn’t love the arrangement of the chapters. Judy Dench is a great actress, not such a good writer.
I received a complimentary copy,opinions are my own.
I usually don’t read or like biographies, but since I love Judy Dench as an actress, I thought I would give her life story a try. Unfortunately I was disappointed, I definitely didn’t like the interview format. To me , it felt like in the middle of a story,there is suddenly a question. I also didn’t love the arrangement of the chapters. Judy Dench is a great actress, not such a good writer.
I received a complimentary copy,opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Is it too late to make a run for it? Is a lovely, unexpected look into Dame Judi Dench's life and loves. At first, I was caught off guard by the interview style of the writing. Then I quickly fell in love with it. Brendan O’Hea asks the questions, and it is almost like you are eavesdropping on two old friends' conversation. I found out so much I didn't know and fell in love all over again with Judi. Another plus for me was the way the story didn't follow a birth-to-today timeline. I enjoyed being led to different categories, but not limited to the timeline. Chapters like Gardens and Trees, Animals and Faith were some of my favorites.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
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