Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays The Rent

A LOVE LETTER TO 67 YEARS OF ACTING ON STAGE - THE NO.1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER

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

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

‘Gloriously entertaining. Reading it feels like a chat with an old friend’ Observer

‘A magical love letter to Shakespeare’ Kenneth Branagh

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

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

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

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Praise for The Man Who Pays the Rent

'This book is pure enchantment’ Daily Mail

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

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

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

‘Gorgeous’ Literary Review

‘A wonderful mixture of appreciation and anecdote’ Financial Times, Books of the Year


Instant Sunday Times bestseller, November 2023