Is It Too Late to Make a Run for It?

Brought to you by Penguin.

In her new book, Dame Judi Dench tells us of her life on the stage, on the screen, and, above all, behind the scenes...

In this brand-new memoir, Judi takes us on a heartfelt and hilarious tour of her extraordinary life and career: from growing up in York and being miffed at not getting the part of Mary in the school Nativity, to walking the red carpets of Hollywood and garnering eight Oscar nominations.

Yes despite the accolades, she has been accompanied by doubt. From the movie producer who said she had ‘everything wrong’ with her face to the theatre director who advised her against doing sitcom. Is it any wonder she leaves a bag by the rehearsal room door in case she has to make a run for it?

But stepping out of her comfort zone has been Judi’s guiding principle. And here, she reveals all in this heart-to-heart conversation. She tells stories of pranks (both on stage and off), dissects her greatest screen roles, shares tales of her joyful marriage to actor Michael Williams, as well as her passion for nature and animals.

Written with her friend and writing partner Brendan O’Hea, this is Judi’s story: funny, honest, intimate, enlightening, surprising, moving and deeply inspiring. Over ninety years in the making, this is the story of Britain’s most beloved actor.

© Judi Dench 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026