Dame Judi helps Berkshire theatre
The acting legend has raised more than £20,000 by guesting at a special one-off show
Newbury’s The Watermill Theatre has welcomed Dame Judi Dench for an exclusive, one-off fundraising event - Shakespeare: Judi Dench in conversation with Brendan O’Hea
The event saw Dame Judi Dench give a unique insight into her illustrious career, alongside her friend, actor/director Brendan O’Hea (who directed Under Milk Wood at The Watermill in 2017). Judi shared Shakespearean stories and anecdotes from her illustrious career in the intimate auditorium, against the backdrop of the theatre’s 2024 Shakespeare production – Much Ado About Nothing. Judi also spent time with the acting company, hearing about their experiences and sharing her own insights and stories.
Tickets sold out within hours of going on sale, and the whole event raised over £20,000. The money raised will go to support the theatre to continue to work with local communities and produce a world class programme on stage.
Generous
Artistic Director Paul Hart said:
“We were delighted to welcome Dame Judi Dench and Brendan O’Hea to the Watermill Theatre. It’s so generous of them to give up their time to support our fundraising following a complete cut to our Arts Council grant.
"It was particularly fitting that Judi came and spoke about her career of performing Shakespeare on the set of our current production of Much Ado about Nothing. Her recent book highlights the importance of regional theatre in giving opportunities to actors of all ages but particularly to young performers.
"So many actors have gone on to great things having had early opportunities at the Watermill including Ncuti Gatwa, Johnny Flynn even Sean Bean! And that’s not to mention all the people working backstage and in our creative teams.
"Judi and Brendan have long been supporters of the work at the Watermill and their help has come at an invaluable time for us as we continue to navigate the future without any statutory funding.”