National treasure Dame Judi Dench invites her great friends for tea at her Surrey home.
EPISODE 1 - Sir Kenneth Branagh
Dame Judi Dench invites her great friend of more than forty years, Sir Kenneth Branagh, for tea at her Surrey home.
Over potato cakes (a nod to their shared Irish roots), they swap star-studded stories and tales from the dressing room, sharing their views on critics, Shakespeare, the movies they’ve taken part in and what the actor’s life is really like.
From Judi’s first role as Ophelia and the terrible reviews that followed, to Ken’s dodgy Welsh accent in Henry V, this is a funny, revealing and ultimately moving portrait of a long and remarkable relationship and two stellar careers.
EPISODE 2 - Sir Ian McKellen
Dame Judi Dench is joined by her great friend Sir Ian McKellen for tea and a warm, candid conversation about their extraordinary lives both on stage and off.
From Shakespeare, stage fright and the insecurities of acting to the worldwide fame of the Lord of the Rings and James Bond movies, they reflect on success, failure and the importance of never taking either too seriously. A long the way Ian speaks movingly about coming out, his defining role in the fight against Section 28, and one of his greatest regrets; never sharing the truth about himself with his parents.
***** [Five stars]
HEAT
**** [Four Stars]
THE TIMES
**** [Four Stars]
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
**** [Four Stars]
THE GUARDIAN
"It's a delight."
RADIO TIMES
"Touching."
THE TELEGRAPH
"Warm and candid."
CLOSER
"A thoroughly entertaining programme."
WHAT'S ON TV
"TV that will make you cry thunderous tears."
THE GUARDIAN
"It’s a joy to listen to Judi Dench and Ian McKellen’s televised natter."
THE TELEGRAPH
“Wickedly funny and hugely moving.”
THE GUARDIAN
"A gentle, upbeat, occasionally sobering conversation."
THE TIMES
"Thoughtful, wise, unhurried...This format gives them time to ponder and peruse."
THE DAILY TELEGRAPH
"An intimate watch that feels like we're eavesdropping on two national treasures."
TV & SATELLITE WEEK
"Dench is mesmerising, and McKellen is such a devilish guest that he’ll make you weep and giggle too."
THE GUARDIAN
"Two icons share cake and take us on a touching trip down memory lane."
THE GUARDIAN
"The most touching TV you’ll watch all Christmas."
THE GUARDIAN