From the moment Judi Dench appeared as a teenager in the York Mystery Plays it was clear that acting would be her career. Trained at London's Central School of Speech and Drama it was her performance in her twenties as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli's memorable Old Vic production that turned her into a star. In the theatre since she has played every classic role from Titania to Cleopatra. She first became a household name via television, thanks initially to a sitcom, A FINE ROMANCE, in which she played alongside the actor Michael Williams, whom she married in 1971. She has since made nine series of another sitcom, AS TIME GOES BY (with Geoffrey Palmer), as well as plays and classic serials such as CRANFORD. In the cinema her films have ranged from LADIES IN LAVENDER (opposite Maggie Smith) through NOTES ON A SCANDAL with Cate Blanchett to SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, in which she played Queen Elizabeth, a role which gained her a Hollywood Oscar. But it is her role as 'M' in six James Bond films that has gained her worldwide recognition. This book is, however, much more than a career record. Her marriage to Michael Williams, their daughter, and her impish sense of humour contribute vividly to her account of more than half a century as Britain's best-loved actress.

An engaging and revealing parade of plays and players, also containing anecdotes about her family THE JOURNAL Judi's professionalism, loyalty and sense of humour shines through... TAKE A BREAK FICTION FEAST National treasure Judi Dench's collection of anecdotes from her career and family life makes this a sharp-witted memoir. DAILY EXPRESS Affectionate and witty, this is a very entertaining memoir. SOUTH WALES ARGUS ...an entertaining slice of autobiographical reflection. The Good Book Guide (March)

Judi Dench is the foremost actress in the British theatre. She was created a DBE in 1988 and a Companion of Honour in 2005.