Judi Dench Donates SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE Sets for New International Festival

Stage and screen vet Dame Judi Dench, Oscar winner for her portrayal of 'Elizabeth I' in SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, has donated sets from the 1999 Best Picture in hopes of founding a new, international summer festival.

The Daily Mail writes that a replica of Shakespeare's open-air theatre from the film will be reassembled in Knowsley over the next three years, as part of Shakespeare North Theatre's ongoing expansion projects.

The sets, which Dench secured from SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE producers David Parfitt and Harvey Weinstein, are currently being held in Knowsley Safari park.

Chair of the project's development committee and drama professor Kathy Dacre joked to the Mail: "They're being guarded by lions and tigers, so the insurance is very low."

She and Dench have envisioned the new 350-seat, Merseyside Playhouse as a way to draw "regional and UK Shakespearean companies, leading theatre scholars, thespians and international students, as well as tourists" to an area in need of some "regeneration."

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. She appeared this year as part of The Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company's inaugural season. Her film roles include Queen Victoria in MRS BROWN, M in the Bond series and Queen Elizabeth I in SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE.