SO SPECIAL: Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent (Narrated by Barbara Flynn, Judi Dench and Brendan O’Hea)

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This title offers a series of reflections and conversations between Judi Dench and Brendan O’Hea. Originally created for an archive, the two got the idea to publish a book and release an audio title together, and the reader is so lucky that they made that decision.

Readers get to share in Judi’s life and her professional career. Her love for her husband, her daughter and her craft all come across. She is witty, wise, and the entire work was an absolute pleasure.

Judi Dench and her husband, referred to Shakespeare as the man who pays the rent because they were in so many productions over the years. However, Shakespeare never really became routine for them and Judi brought her best self to every performance.

The first play that is reflected upon is Macbeth. Judi Dench very much views it as a play about the relationship between Lord and Lady Macbeth. She sees the deterioration of their marriage as a true tragedy.

Included here are Dench’s thoughts on nineteen plays interspersed with other reflections. A couple of examples of these are Company and Fireside Ramblings.

For anyone who admires Judi Dench or who wants to more deeply understand the bard, the book or the recording is a must.

I think that I can honestly say that this is one of the best audio books that I have EVER listened to. To hear Judi speak on the plays, to quote from them and to just be so real was the most amazing treat. I cannot recommend Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent enough. I loved it.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this title. All opinions are my own.