Dame Judi Dench on Acting: 'The More You Do, the More Frightening It Is'

According to The Stage, Judi Dench, who will soon appear in THE WINTER'S TALE for Kenneth Branagh's new theatre company's West End debut, said at an event to celebrate Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts' 70th birthday that she "lives in fear as an actor."

"I have a fear of that unbelievable silence you get in a theatre when you dry. The fear that an audience sees that thing in your eyes and thinks, 'Oh, she's gone'. It's a shattering silence."

Dench went on to say, "I have a fear of everything -- of not fitting into that slot, of not fulfilling that piece you are asked to do. I get more frightened [the more I do]. The more you do, the more frightening it is anyway, as you are much more aware."

She also told the audience she is "very critical" of her performances and often worries whether she is "going to be asked again". She added, "Don't let's fool ourselves -- don't let's stop for a minute to not remember that right here at my shoulder is someone standing, and behind her is someone else and someone else."

Very humble, Dame Judi, but there's no one like you!

Dench one of the country's best-known and well-loved actors. She made her professional debut in 1957 with the Old Vic Company and her career has encompassed award-winning work for the RSC and National Theatre as well as a glittering screen career. Her film roles include Queen Victoria in MRS BROWN, M in the Bond series and Elizabeth I in SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, for which she won an Oscar.