And Furthermore

by Judi Dench

From the moment Judi Dench appeared as a teenager in the York Mystery Plays it was clear that acting would be her career. Trained at London's Central School of Speech and Drama it was her performance in her twenties as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli's memorable Old Vic production that turned her into a star. In the theatre since she has played every classic role from Titania (three times, most recently in 2010) to Cleopatra. She first became a household name via television, thanks initially to a sit-com, A FINE ROMANCE, in which she played alongside the actor Michael Williams, whom she married in 1971. She has since made nine series of another sit-com, AS TIME GOES BY (with Geoffrey Palmer), as well as plays and classic serials such as CRANFORD. In the cinema her films have ranged from LADIES IN LAVENDER (opposite Maggie Smith) through NOTES ON A SCANDAL with Cate Blanchett to SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, in which she played Queen Elizabeth, a role which gained her a Hollywood Oscar. But it is her role as 'M' in six James Bond films beginning with GOLDENEYE in 1995 that has gained her worldwide recognition. This book is, however, much more than a career record. Her marriage (Michael Williams died in 2001), their daughter, and her impish sense of humour contribute vividly to her account of more than half a century as Britain's best-loved actress.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Memoir, Autobiography, Audiobook, Biography Memoir, Theatre

288 pages, Hardcover

First published October 14, 2010

Reviews

[Jason Koivu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dramatic actors...they're so goddamn dramatic!

This auto/biography (told by her to a biographer, who patched it all together) mostly discusses Judi Dench's time in the theater, so there's plenty of scenes relayed about actors behaving badly. Not only actors, but directors as well...and it seemed to me, mostly men. I don't think Dench intended to bag on theater dudes. It just happens that, for some reason, the male of the species often acts atrociously towards their fellows. I think the embarrassingly obvious, child-like lies are the worst. But I digress. And Furthermore is so much more than all that pettiness.

This is at least Dench's second autobiography. I haven't read the first, but I'm led to believe it is more fleshed out, more of a standard biography. This book fills in some of the blanks missed in the first, apparently. However, it can be read as a standalone and still be enjoyable. I know my three star rating might seem low to some, but I did enjoy this. Contrary to my opening, I do like hearing the behind the scenes stories of what happens backstage or when the cameras aren't rolling, and Dench gives you countless such anecdotes, mostly on the kind, glowing, positive side.

The book reads generally in a linear timeline, starting with a few brief childhood recollections, slipping straight into the beginnings of her stage career - a long, varied and rewarding career - before diving into her movie work. Although she claims not to be adept at penning biographies, her joy and pleasure in acting is readily apparent in her words. If you've admired her work or even if you just have an interest in British theater over the past half century, you could do worse than flipping through these pages - pages and pages of which mention icon stage performances including countless Brit actors name-dropped like hot potatoes!

[Dawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I so wanted to love this book because I love Dame Judi. But I didn't love it (although I still love the Dame). I found it read more like peeking into an appointment diary rather than delving into a personal journal. And there were times when I just didn't understand what she was trying to say even after re-reading the passage. That's not to say that it's all bad - there were passages of interest that really sang off the page in Dame Judi's lovely smokey voice. Nor was I expecting her to dish the dirt - that isn't her style. But I think I was expecting more reflection, more introspection and intimacy. I came away with the sense (and I had a similar feeling with Michael Caine's second autobiography), that everything worth saying had been said in her first autobiography and that this book was a catch all of things forgotten and left out of the first. Not terribly satisfying I'm afraid.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished Feb 2011. Not strictly a bio, as Judi Dench explains in her preface, but an adjunct to an earlier bio (John Miller, 1998), which sets out to fill some of the gaps in this previous work. The focus is mainly on Judi's professional life, not private.

For me, a great fan of the actress, it was a delight to hear her voice direct, and even though she was fairly guarded about giving away personal details, her very warm, appreciative, and fun-loving soul reflected throughout the pages. The most significant eye-opener for me (acquainted only with her performances on screen) was the extent of Judi's work in theatre - absolutely staggering! - and to learn that she continues to perform regularly on stage, ever on the look out for new experiences and opportunities for development.
Much of the interest in this book is provided by the many glimpses into theatre-company life and camaraderie, and those readers familiar with the greats of the English stage (in addition to Judi Dench) will enjoy the flow of lively anecdotes about these folks. The actress's regard and affection for those in the profession who helped enrich her working life is strongly conveyed, as was her intention in taking up the pen for 'And Furthermore.'

A few more details on her filming experiences would have pleased me, and perhaps a little more in-depth discussion about some of her film roles and how she approached them, but I guess one has to draw the line somewhere. Judi does explain, moreover, that she likes to keep some aspects of her craft a mystery, and I resign myself to the thought that mystery adds to the magic of it all.

Recommend to all fans of the actress and to those with an interest in 20th/21st century English theatre.

[Shiloah · Rating 4 out of 5]

12/2023: I tried it again and am so happy I did! I absolutely loved it! Sometimes it just isn’t time for a book in your life. I honor that and certain ones I will try again. Just did that with Hamnet this month too.
I loved her theater stories. The worm that fell on her when she was trying lie down for a scene where she is naked and painted green! Ha!
She also has spiritual gifts and it was great reading about how she trusted those instincts. Because of that she was able to say goodbye to her dad before he passed. She also received a download of an answer on why she went through the process to relearn to walk after her Achilles heel injuries and surgery. So many things to love.


2017 read: She is such an amazing lady. She isn't an interesting writer, however. This was dry as a bone. I'm going to pick up her suggested biography instead, Judi Dench: scenes from my life.

[Sharon Metcalf · Rating 2 out of 5]

And Furthermore by Judi Dench was the book selected for my in person book club for this month. In the spirit of participating in our book discussions I always try to read and finish the chosen book even if I'm not enjoying it. I definitely tried, I mean I really tried, but this book and I just did not hit it off!!

Of course I know who she is but I'm not sure I've ever watched one of her movies so that put me at a bit of a disadvantage I suppose. I'm also not terribly cultured. I love musicals but rarely attend the theatre and haven't a clue about Shakespeare stage productions. She wrote at length about many of these telling readers who played which parts. All over my head I'm afraid.

I properly read the first 100 pages but I struggled to get to that point. I contemplated putting it aside and marking it as a DNF but instead of doing that I skim read the remaining 200 or so pages. I selectively read any parts that seemed remotely interesting to me and skipped the rest. I looked at all the photos - thankfully there were several pages of these - and I read any parts where she spoke about her husband Michael or their daughter Finty. There were some sections where she mentioned movies I'd heard of and she name dropped a few Hollywood actors I knew of so I read these sections too.

And there it is, the main reason why I couldn't/didn't enjoy this book. Reading it felt just like reading an endless list of names of people - virtually none of whom I recognised - and an almost equally long list of stage plays and movies she'd appeared in. Granted it was impressive just how many shows, theatre companies and movies she's performed in but there wasn't very much substance to go with all the names. Every now and then she threw in what I'm sure was a funny little anecdote. I could tell she thought these were hilarious but sadly I completely missed her humor and I'd be scratching my head wondering what was so funny - thinking I guess it's one if those "you had to be there moments".

The book has a 3.5 average rating but my inclination was to go with 1 star but considering I skim read many sections that felt unfair. I'm sure this is a case of I was not the right audience for this book so don't let my thoughts dissuade you from reading it, particularly if you are a theatre lover or fan of Judi Dench.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A writer she is not, but there's much to admire about the long and fantastic career of Judi Dench.

The first section of the book focuses almost exclusively on her theatre work (what character she played, when she played it, and who she played it with). Since I'm not keen on live theater, this section was somewhat boring. However, it was still interesting to see all the plays she's been involved in and all the big names of stage she's acted with. Her TV and film work was more to my personal taste, especially her work as Queen Victoria, M, Elizabeth I and, of course, Jean Pargeter in As Time Goes By (one of the best TV shows ever made IMO and one of my absolute favorites). She had some funny anecdotes about her work and some good advice and wisdom on being an actor, but she was very closed about any personal revelations. While I respect her for her privacy, it was still frustrating as a reader not to gain any insight into her life.

As I said earlier, she's not a good writer, and the narrative had a tendency to jump around and sometimes make no sense. That being said, I'll cut her slack because she's so brilliant in everything she does on screen (and I'm sure on the stage). She comes across as one funny lady with a zest of life. I hope she realizes her desire to keep doing what makes her happy (and what her fans appreciate about her) until the very end.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read for theatre lovers and to compliment her earlier memoir.

[Graceann · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started reading "And Furthermore," I was a bit worried. Dame Judi spans her early life and career in about 20 pages and it's all very superficial. "And then I was in this production with that person and then this production with this other person." It wasn't until a good 75 pages in that we start to hear her personal opinions and stories regarding her experiences on the stage and, later, television and cinema screens.

Miss Dench has a wicked wit and all too rarely she lets us know how she *really* feels about some of the people with whom she's worked. Some directors, and other actors, were ill-behaved, and she doesn't protect them. The sweet thing is then she refers to herself as "difficult when I want to be," when she actually is taking part in thoroughly appropriate behavior for the circumstances.

Once this book gets rolling, it's a page-turner and full of great stories that were hugely enjoyable to read. Reading the whole thing is worth it for the poem that John Moffat wrote for her. She also refers devotedly throughout to "My Michael," her loving and much-loved husband of 30 years. It is only when you reach the end that you realize she has kept you vastly entertained and still kept the secrets she always intended to keep. When you can be that reticent and still provide as many stories as "And Furthermore" does, that's something truly special.

[Doug · Rating 3 out of 5]

N.Y. Times provided a commentary on March 6, 2011...a must for fans of Judi Dench. However, the book is disappointing for those looking for more intimacy in Dench's theatrical and personal history. This book is a glamorous review of her wonderful creative life reflecting her committed and energetic activity in stage and screen. The book contains an inclusive look at her theatre history and highlights her many thespian associates and theatrical personalities in Britain especially. For all that, the level of perceptive penetrtaion is slight.

[Bonnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm still a fan but this was boring.

[Sean Peters (A Good Thriller) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Firstly I must agree with Dame Judi Dench, this is NOT an autobiography, well really. It's a rollercoaster ride on her career. You can read three or four pages and four or five stage shows have been mentioned starred in and whizzed past.

I agree Dame Judi Dench is one of Britain's greatest actress's alongside Dame Maggie Smith, a unique career. Really a bit actress in the 60's, but a huge stage star, a huge television star in the 80's and 90's, then a huge film career. A fantastic long career, enormously successful career.

From the moment Judi Dench appeared as a teenager in the York Mystery Plays it was clear that acting would be her career. Trained at London's Central School of Speech and Drama it was her performance in her twenties as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli's memorable Old Vic production that turned her into a star. In the theatre since she has played every classic role from Titania to Cleopatra.

She first became a household name via television, thanks initially to a sitcom, A FINE ROMANCE, in which she played alongside the actor Michael Williams, whom she married in 1971. She has since made nine series of another sitcom, AS TIME GOES BY (with Geoffrey Palmer), as well as plays and classic serials such as CRANFORD. In the cinema her films have ranged from LADIES IN LAVENDER (opposite Maggie Smith) through NOTES ON A SCANDAL with Cate Blanchett to SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, in which she played Queen Elizabeth, a role which gained her a Hollywood Oscar. But it is her role as 'M' in seven James Bond films that has gained her worldwide recognition.

Her marriage to Michael Williams, their daughter, and her impish sense of humour contribute vividly to her account of more than half a century as Britain's best-loved actress.

Enjoyable, but feel I been taken on a journey of her career in a flash.

[Nikki Bywater · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really interesting and entertaining read. In this great book the well-known actress Judi Dench shares her own memories and personal experiences about her life and work. From her work in the theatre to her role in the James Bond films as ‘M’. Judi Dench gives a very honest account of her life in acting. There is never a dull moment in this book. Judi talks about the people who have inspired and influenced her the most and this book would give inspiration to many aspiring actors and actresses and a few handy hints too about working in the profession. If you are a fan of Dame Judi or just like interesting books about people then you will find this book a great read.

[Susan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I like Dame Judi Dench a great deal but this is a boring, boring book. It seems to be nothing but a list of her work and a listing of people who worked on it from actors to make-up people. Yawn.

[Terris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love her! And I really enjoyed her story!

[WhatShouldIRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful reminiscing by Judi Dench of her stage, screen and TV appearances and co-stars and directors she worked with. Having watched British dramas and comedies for many years it was fun to see who worked with Ms. Dench and on what productions.

I really enjoyed this book, being the Anglophile that I am!

[Isabella Lash · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5! Charming, easy read, but I'm not sure I'd recommend it to someone who isn't an actor or at least interested in that world.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This audiobook is a fantastic autobiography of Judy Dench, the British actress! You get to know her life and her feelings about acting.

[Feisty Harriet · Rating 3 out of 5]

I knew Dame Judi Dench spent a lot of time in the theater, but I did not realize that was her primary career as an actor. This is chock full of lovely little bits from her life, a working knowledge of Shakespeare's plays would be helpful to understand her various roles, and I probably would have benefited of a "Who's Who" guide of famous British Actors Of A Certain Age, because there is a lot of mentions of those. Overall, however, a charming memoir, read by her, which I almost always love.

[Ryan Ceresnak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Dame Judi Dench and was very excited that she had a memoir coming out. I ended up getting the Audiobook edition of it because I wanted to hear Judi tell me her story in her own voice (similarly to my love of the audiobook of Julie Andrew's memoir - HOME). I was surprised to find just a short introduction read by the actress and the rest of the book read by actress Samantha Bond. Despite the initial weirdness of hearing Samantha Bond's voice tell Judi Dench's story in the first person, I enjoyed it immensely! After a short while I even almost forgot a different person was reading the story, as Ms. Bond took on, what I believe to be, some fairly distinct intonations and rhythms in her reading to give her voice (which I do enjoy and she, too, is a marvelous actress) the same feel as Judi's -- she didn't try to impersonate Judi, but the little subtleties made the recording much better. As Judi says in the introduction, this is not a traditional biography/autobiography, but rather a reminiscing on her career and life and all the theatre, movies, and television she has been in and all the people she has worked with. Other reviews have chided the book for reading like a "Who's Who" in all the productions she's been in. I, however, quite liked hearing about each of the people she worked with, and the origins of some amazing productions (maybe since I'm a theatre-nerd I find that all more fascinating than those who are just fans from her movies). I highly recommend that anyone who is a fan of Dame Judi, a theatre lover, or an actor read, or listen to this book!

[Taffy · Rating 2 out of 5]

So disappointed. I love Judi Dench and wanted insight into her beautiful mind, but this book was just list after list of what play she was in and who directed it and who she acted with. There was no emotion or depth in it. Even the "chapter" dedicated to the death of her husband was only a mere 4 pages in length and she truly only mentioned his passing and the effect it had on her in 4 brief paragraphs. Perhaps she is just a private person and I respect that, but then why bother writing an autobiography at all?

[Hildegunn Hodne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was challenged to read this book by a friend who said she couldn't hear Judi's voice while reading it, and wondered if I would have the same experience. I didn't. My reading experience was the complete opposite: Throughout the entire book it felt like listening to a soliloquy spoken softly and directly to me by Judi Dench. Being a big fan of hers, and a big fan of her voice, it was a very pleasant experience. She had me laughing out loud, and as I mostly know her from her films, it gave me insight into the bigger and more important part of her life; the theatre.

[Helen · Rating 1 out of 5]

The whole book was just about her talking about her acting parts and name dropping all the actors she worked with. Pretty boring unless you a huge fan of hers and the English theater scene

[Kirsten · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seit sie das erste Mal eine Theaterbühne betrat, war für Judi Dench klar, dass es keinen anderen Beruf für sie geben kann. Sie machte ihre Ausbildung an der London's Central School of Speech and Drama und begann ihre Karriere bei der Old Vic Company, wo sie schnell Aufmerksamkeit erregte. Judi Dench brillierte in klassischen Rollen, bevor sie sich dem Fernsehen und Kino zuwandte. Sie bekam einen Oscar für die Rolle der Elisabeth I. und übernahm später den Part von M in den James-Bond-Verfilmungen.

Judi Dench sagt über dieses Buch, dass es keine Autobiografie sein soll, sie will nur über ihre Arbeit und ihr Leben erzählen. Das macht sie auf eine sehr angenehme Art und über weite Strecken der Lektüre bin ich mir wie bei einer Einladung zum Tee vorgekommen, bei der die Gastgeberin über ihr Leben plaudert. Sie erzählt von Freunden und Kollegen, kleinen Pannen und großen Erfolgen. Ihre erste Nominierung für den Oscar für die Rolle der Königin Victoria in "Ihre Majestät Mrs. Brown" war für sie eine so große Ehre, dass es ihre fast nichts ausmachte, die Auszeichnung nicht bekommen zu haben. Dagegen war die Hektik mit Terminen für Presse und auch Parties, nachdem sie einige Jahre später tatsächlich ausgezeichnet wurden, fast ernüchternd.

Die Schauspielerin erzählt sehr liebevoll von ihrem Mann Michaels und ihrer Tochter und wie sie Familie und Karriere miteinander verbinden konnte. Den ersten Heiratsantrag ihres Mannes wollte sie nicht hören, weil ihr die Situation zu sehr wie ein Klischee vorkam. Vielleicht war das das Geheimnis ihrer glücklichen Ehe. Über Michaels Verlust schreibt sie mit wenigen Worten, aber der Schmerz über ihren Verlust ist deutlich zu spüren.

Mir ist beim Lesen aufgefallen, in wie vielen Filmen ich Judi Dench gesehen habe, das erste Mal bewusst in der Rolle von Iris Murdoch. Von ihren KollegInnen spricht sie nur mit Respekt und erzählt nur heitere Episoden. Aber genau hier hätte ich mir ein wenig mehr Feingefühl erwartet, denn sie erwähnt auch Namen, die im Namen von MeToo einen mehr als negativen Beigeschmack bekommen haben. Auch wenn die Zusammenarbeit offensichtlich ohne Missstimmungen war und sie es natürlich das Recht der Autorin ist, in ihrem Buch das zu schreiben, was sie möchte, fand ich es schwierig, darüber zu lesen. Es hat auf mich gewirkt, als ob sie das Wissen über die Taten bewusst ausgeblendet hat und das finde ich falsch. Ich hätte mir gewünscht, dass sie einen Standpunkt dazu bezieht, was sie nicht getan hat. Tatsächlich hat dieses Schweigen dazu geführt, dass ich an das Buch mit gemischten Gefühlen zurückdenke.

[Susan Jones · Rating 1 out of 5]

No stars really but then, if I did that, if wouldn't show in reviews? Stopped as soon as started it!

I do admire Dame Judi Dench as an actress. I actually picked this up for my mother, from the library van that calls to my area, as it was large print (but not large enough print), and she has told me before that she doesn't really like these sort of books! So thought I would try it. Gave up after the first page I'm afraid. Constant use of "Mummy" and "Daddy" I'm afraid did it for me. Not sure how old she was when this book was done, but surely Mother and Father would be better at "a certain age". So no, sorry this one not for me

[Tess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a full biography/autobiography, just little snippets of Dame Judi Dench's life as she remembered different stories. I knew next to nothing about her before listening to this book, and I am intrigued by the glimpses into her life she has written. She mentions biographies that have been written about her in the foreword, so I think I will look up one of those in the future.
I loved hearing so much about the theatre since, as an American, I only know her for her film appearances.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be honest, I was disappointed.
I love Judi Dench and her work but this left me wanting so much more. It felt sometimes like she was just reading down the list of her roles at the back of the book and barely explaining how she got cast or which theater it was in and who else was in the cast. I wanted more anecdotes, more personal stories about her life and times in theater.
It is well written and moves fast but left me wanting more.

[AngelaC · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sorry, this one didn't do it for me. Judi Dench is one of my favourite actresses and she stated quite clearly at the beginning of this book that it is not an autobiography, so I should not have been as disappointed as I was.
It is an overview of all the plays, films and television programmes she has been in and while it may be worthwhile (perhaps even essential) reading for drama students, I found it quite dull.
I understand the actor's opinion that, just because she is a public figure, she should not feel obliged to reveal much about her private life, but I wonder what persuaded her to write this book when so much has been written elsewhere.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing earth-shaking, but diverting | I listened to this in one sitting and enjoyed it throughout. The reader does give an excellent job of using Dench's speaking patterns, but good lord does she have a terrible "American" accent. Bad enough that I would consider not listening to other audiobooks if she's the reader, if it seemed likely that she would adopt the weird sound she used to represent all Americans.

[Carey Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why yes I would like Dame Judi Dench to tell me theater stories today.

I recommend the audiobook version as I feel the anecdotal nature of the book is more suited to the format. I fell into the theater stories easily, but the glimpses of her diva nature were jarring. There really are people that full of themselves.

There is an economy of language to the way a classical actor relays stories. A novelist she is not. I found myself marveling at the bare words delivering clear and punchy images as if her entire life played out on a beloved sitcom set. As a fan and an actor I enjoyed this.

[Mary Lofthouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favourite biography, but glad I stuck with it and got through to the end.