@ValtronW On another clip of her singing this on youtube (an appearance on a talk show), she said she enjoyed the role "hugely," and "never got tired" of playing it.
For everyone "downing" her performance...it's about more than the singing, and incidentally, she sings just fine. She won an "Olivier" for this role, which is British Theater's highest honor. Every performer puts their own into the role, and she is no exception.
@kamwrites I agree. Musical theatre is not just about singing but also about acting and telling a story. Its most important that we BELIEVE the story. Judy makes you believe what her character is feeling. And frankly she brought me to tears.
Saw her in this role at the NT and it made us all cry. You feel how much she loves him and how gutted she is. Mesmerising to be in a theatre with an actor making you feel that. Sheer magic.
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Its funny, this song is expressly written for someone who can't sing. Short lines, no breath required, and yet people still gush over the ones who cant sing... Like this one.
At least Judy Collins can actually sing and can do this song justice.
I like it visually, but i have the cast album that she made and I like her performance less on the CD when I can't see her. All in all a wonderful performance, but I also enjoy performances that are more comandingly SUNG.
During the recording of "The Electric Co.", Bono included a 27 second snippet of Stephen Sondheim's "Send in the Clowns". When Under a Blood Red Sky was released, U2 failed to get permission and pay the appropriate licensing and royalty fees to include that piece of Sondheim's tune on the album. When Sondheim objected, U2 agreed to pay a $50,000 (US) penalty for the unauthorized use and to press all future releases with a new version that did not include the snippet.
I came here to see this performance due to certain people suggesting it was better than Streisand's version, crack of baloney! as much as i love judi dench, she cant sing to save her life, i was bored beyond words with this lackluster performance, forget the emotions; when the notes r flat and theres no softness period! and to think some idiot would dare say she's better than barbra, in ur dreams!
@westin10000 Sondheim isn't singing. Having been in many Sondheim productions, his note structure follows the rhythm of the speaking voice, and are often meant NOT to be sung or supported. Listen to Bernadette Peters sing "Children and Art" from Sunday in the Park w/ George...that's a master class on how to sing Sondheim's work.
@jstrick362 To say "Sondheim isn't singing" as a blanket statement is silly. Just because he's a master at properly scanning lyrics it doesn't undermine the importance of his melodies. This particular song benefits greatly from a sensitive singing voice. If Dench could really sing it she would, she simply doesn't have the voice so she has to rely on her acting abilities.
@greyztone Proper singing technique is thrown out the window for most of his work. It doesn't mean you don't support with breath control etc, but the style is brushing across the note. It emphasizes the lyric and meaning behind the note instead of the music itself. As I said before, his melodies are very important, but they follow the natural speaking voice's patterns. Every time I do any of his work, I have to let go of what's not important...it's just different.
@greyztone I have to say, I prefer a song interpreted by a great actor who doesn't sing so well over a great singer who doesn't act so well. Dench's performance is what first helped me feel this song.
Don't judge Technique beacause this song i beyond that! the way she delivers it is amazing. So honest and true. it wouldn't be this great if she belted though it....
its a hard hard song to give life to but she gave it more.....
If you want to see a truly abysmal performance, watch Elizabeth Taylor do it in the movie. Glen Close does a good job on this song, but my all time favcorite is Judy Collins.
If you want to see a truly abysmal performance, watch Elizabeth Taylor do it in the movie. Glen Close does a good job on this song, but my all time favcorite is Judy Collins.
Sondheim doesn't always require the greatest of singers, Carol Burnett for example, to do a brilliant performance. This is how the song is done. This is the emotion, the pain and bittersweet nature, that is Send In the Clowns. Not about hitting the note, it is about feeling it. This performance just breaks my heart evertime... just like Carol doing Putting It Together.
My goodness! What a truly amazing rendition of this beautiful song. And a tear came to my eye too.off to watch the Zeta Jones version now as a compare and contrast.
Every singer should hear this performance, it is a complete education in timing, expression and emotion. Beyond any issues of voice quality she more acts than sings in a performance which outshines any of the great singers who have recorded this piece. Bravo
wow, amazing! I had goosebumps all over and tears in my eyes - that's what this song should achieve when being well, very well done! bravo, bravo, bravo!
Being a great Stephen Sondheim fan, I think I have heard every version of this classic song that has been recorded. But I never really heard it at all until this interpretation.
Absolutely brilliant Judy Dench brings the true meaning and feeling of the song to new heights. She is beyond moving here....she is emotionally astounding while, at the same time, being very simple. This, my friends, is art.....
@photojean1 I'm with you. I have heard this song, through many interpretations, but thanks to Dame Judy, I now know the words by heart...because she sings them from the heart.
@photojean1 I agree. It is the simplicity, subtlely, and ture honesty of her emotions that move us so. A lesson that others can learn from (no names). All the "acting" and "interpreting" in the world cannot stand up next to such TRUTH in a performance.
I loved the Catherine Zeta-Jones' Tony version. I love edgy, over the top things. And her voice was amazing. Rich and raspy. It gave the performance a new flavor. The Dame is great but I prefer CZJ. Sorry kids. Just my artistic bent.
@fliboi78 i agree, Jones didnt ruin it, she just did ti her own way. She approached it as being angry and trying not to lose it, but by the end, she breaks down and cries, perfectly logical way of playing it.
I keep coming back to this version. I've watched many others, but this one, by far, is the most compelling. Both actors are incredibly believable, I couldn't see them playing any other roles. She IS Desiree.
I had to log in just to like and comment on this. Even better than Streisand's version...not vocally of course, but it's just such a transcendent and emotional and grandiose interpretation.
i almost forgot about this.....truly brought out the meaning of the song. i feel bad for michael ball for following this performance tho. :( it's a hard act to follow.
Just stunning! I love seeing Bernadette Peters watching her upstage as she does this... taking notes and then currently breaking hearts on Broadway with this very song.
I just saw Bernadette do this, and all props to the glorious Ms. Peters (she was fabulous by the way! Go see, only till the first week of Nov.!), whenever I think of this song, I think of Judi Dench.
I've been told this is a sad song, and I've heard it before and while thinking it sounded quite beautiful didn't have much emotion towards it. But this rendition changes it. Before I thought it was silly when they sang send in the clowns, but not I get it, send in the fools. This one I love the most.
I was lucky to see "A Little Night Music" with Judi Dench at London's National Theatre. It was a magnificent version of the show, and Dame Judi (as is reflected here) was the best Desiree Armfeldt ever.
This performance makes me cry every time. All I know of this musical is this performance and a wikipedia synopsis yet Dame Judi still manages to affect me every time.
BRAVO! The BRILLIANT woman has taken this piece of music and given it life! She brought tears and chills and I've heard it done many times over. Never like this. Just proves there is nothing this excellent actress can't do! Bravo seems inadequate. Dame Judi. I love ya!
After that horrid performance by Catherine Zeta-Jones at the Tonys, I had to come back to this video to appreciate how Sondheim SHOULD be done. Brilliant Dame Judy.
@jstrick362 I could not agree more, and I like Catherine Zeta-Jones' work (I thought she was sensational in the movie version of Chicago). But I could not believe what she did to this little jewel: ("Isn't it .................................(long pause to over-emote)...............................rich", etc.). If this wasn't lily-gilding, I don't know what is.
I also agree with you about Judy Dench. She's amazing, and she does it without much of a voice.
One of the greatest musical perfomances of all time! I was lucky enough to be at the production at The National and I am now a professional actor due to that performance. I watched it....and immediately said that's what I want to do...move people like that. Not that anyone can ever compare to Judi.. Just stunning..she is utterly brilliant.
This song belong's to judy. A flawless performance everytime - so full of emotion - yes i feel a tear!!! This son represent's woman power for me!! very captivating
By far the best version, with true emotion and this coming from someone that really disliked her version of Cabaret. The only version that is fit to be in the same room as this one is Glenn Close.
there are really not enough words to describe how painfully, yet beautifully poignant this performance is. It is just pure perfection in 4 minutes and 35 seconds, and one that should be treasured for a long time to come.
I've never actually seen the show and up till I saw this I always thought it was just another nice ballad. Having seen this now, all I can say is - Wow. I never knew.
@rhenryedwards - I feel exactly the same way. I've never seen the show either, but have heard countless versions, they made the song seem very trite/cheesy. I never understood what the song was about until I watched this performance by dame Judi. I sobbed after watching this, it was so achingly beautiful.
With a talent like Judi Dench, you could almost write the review in advance. She never disappoints, always enchants and radiates magic. Sheer perfection. The best acted version I have ever seen. But I do wish Julie Christie had attempted this role sometime in her career.
She's so provoking in her delivery, even with the orchestra & the other people in the background, I feel as though I'm 'intruding' on a private matter. BRAVA, Dame Judi!!!
It's briliant, she isn't the best singer but it doesn't matter because you don't even notice, due to the fact that she is so talented, such a great actor, such emotion!
It's briliant, she isn't the best singer but it doesn't matter because you don't even notice, due to the fact that she is so talented, such a great actor, such emotion!
Now this is extraordinary! And I thought nobody could match Elizabeth Taylor in the movie! And we are, of course, not talking about singing, not here, but of acting! Bravo Judi!
This was suppose to be sung by someone throaty like Ms. Dench she is not as a sultry singer, like in the movie Nine she is a Caberet singer like in the old days the smoke filled basements type singer.
i agree fourdimonius, the song was written to be acted, not sang, having been written for an actress who wasnt really a singer (glynnis johns) sondheim is a master of wiriting song to actor or singers unique voices
Last time I check the theater capital was BROADWAY not the west end. great performance, but that one performance doesn't make brithish theater better, but the same can be said in reverse
I would give anything to be half as good as this woman.
Mithnoviel 1 week ago in playlist Good Songs
Tres Bien !
BH21206 1 month ago in playlist Send in the Clowns
wow...
AlezandroMark1979 2 months ago
Wonder if she ever got depressed singing this after a while. I think I would.
ValtronW 2 months ago
@ValtronW On another clip of her singing this on youtube (an appearance on a talk show), she said she enjoyed the role "hugely," and "never got tired" of playing it.
noahsdad61 2 weeks ago
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the beauty of this song perfectly incapsulated in this video..
/watch?v=YiKPpt58AeI
SmithTubess 3 months ago
Best version of this song EVER.
emma8thompson 3 months ago
amazing! I am speechless!!! Best version of this song!
ladyduchess82 3 months ago
Dame Dench is superb. This version almost brings tears to my eyes...
JRCC1 3 months ago
Amazing
TheLongTimeObserver 3 months ago
SO moving
Erictheeviltwin 4 months ago
For everyone "downing" her performance...it's about more than the singing, and incidentally, she sings just fine. She won an "Olivier" for this role, which is British Theater's highest honor. Every performer puts their own into the role, and she is no exception.
kamwrites 4 months ago 2
@kamwrites I agree. Musical theatre is not just about singing but also about acting and telling a story. Its most important that we BELIEVE the story. Judy makes you believe what her character is feeling. And frankly she brought me to tears.
BlinkinFirefly 2 months ago
Gives me physical chills, goosebumps, every time I hear this. Wow. Just wow. She is incredible.
Carrie120505 4 months ago
Only 2 words to describe this......Bravo Maddame..
aa4285 5 months ago
Just brilliant! What a stunning interpretation. Judy Dench is a incredible performer
rod6771 6 months ago
Saw her in this role at the NT and it made us all cry. You feel how much she loves him and how gutted she is. Mesmerising to be in a theatre with an actor making you feel that. Sheer magic.
TheBarbraStreisand1 6 months ago
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Its funny, this song is expressly written for someone who can't sing. Short lines, no breath required, and yet people still gush over the ones who cant sing... Like this one.
At least Judy Collins can actually sing and can do this song justice.
balmainguy 7 months ago
The sadness, passion, and heartbreak that Dame Judy presents in this performance would melt granite.
trp3141592 7 months ago 7
lol
COMMUNISTPHILOSOPHY 7 months ago
she made me cry!
letoamp 7 months ago 3
She a saphire.x
ashleyartus 7 months ago
raw, human and natural. sublime.
TheCherryBomber1 7 months ago 3
this song is from "a little night music" haha :) but really...dame judi dench gets me every time.
LilMissHamilton94 7 months ago 2
Who's the guy?
laurentitmus 8 months ago
WOW absolutely brilliant performance of this classic..
timothyj1966 8 months ago 4
I like it visually, but i have the cast album that she made and I like her performance less on the CD when I can't see her. All in all a wonderful performance, but I also enjoy performances that are more comandingly SUNG.
Snowydog123 8 months ago
Dame Dench is FOREVER fabulous. Wonderful performance.
DamonesIsLegend 8 months ago 15
@DamonesIsLegend elsker den!!!!!
MrGrundig55 2 months ago
Legg inn respons på denne videoen elsker den!
MrGrundig55 2 months ago
She's so beautiful
hanluy1215 9 months ago 2
Met her..she is a force of nature.
ribbaable 9 months ago 2
well I thought it was amazing.
LittleMissAmbiguous 9 months ago
She probably couldn't get away with it if she wasn't Judy Dench.
petele345 9 months ago
Bernie was better.
aasjb4ever 9 months ago
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Holy crap, is she raping a cat ??? Bono does a better job than this hag
Poncke 9 months ago
During the recording of "The Electric Co.", Bono included a 27 second snippet of Stephen Sondheim's "Send in the Clowns". When Under a Blood Red Sky was released, U2 failed to get permission and pay the appropriate licensing and royalty fees to include that piece of Sondheim's tune on the album. When Sondheim objected, U2 agreed to pay a $50,000 (US) penalty for the unauthorized use and to press all future releases with a new version that did not include the snippet.
Poncke 9 months ago
True class
SuperStonerose 10 months ago
krusty does it better
chamzyy 10 months ago
absolutely terrific but what else would you expect from dame judy dench she brought me to tears with this rendition of the song love it !!!!!!!!!!
annejody1 10 months ago 2
I came here to see this performance due to certain people suggesting it was better than Streisand's version, crack of baloney! as much as i love judi dench, she cant sing to save her life, i was bored beyond words with this lackluster performance, forget the emotions; when the notes r flat and theres no softness period! and to think some idiot would dare say she's better than barbra, in ur dreams!
westin10000 10 months ago
@westin10000 Sondheim isn't singing. Having been in many Sondheim productions, his note structure follows the rhythm of the speaking voice, and are often meant NOT to be sung or supported. Listen to Bernadette Peters sing "Children and Art" from Sunday in the Park w/ George...that's a master class on how to sing Sondheim's work.
jstrick362 10 months ago
@jstrick362 To say "Sondheim isn't singing" as a blanket statement is silly. Just because he's a master at properly scanning lyrics it doesn't undermine the importance of his melodies. This particular song benefits greatly from a sensitive singing voice. If Dench could really sing it she would, she simply doesn't have the voice so she has to rely on her acting abilities.
greyztone 10 months ago
@greyztone Proper singing technique is thrown out the window for most of his work. It doesn't mean you don't support with breath control etc, but the style is brushing across the note. It emphasizes the lyric and meaning behind the note instead of the music itself. As I said before, his melodies are very important, but they follow the natural speaking voice's patterns. Every time I do any of his work, I have to let go of what's not important...it's just different.
jstrick362 10 months ago 2
@greyztone I have to say, I prefer a song interpreted by a great actor who doesn't sing so well over a great singer who doesn't act so well. Dench's performance is what first helped me feel this song.
apeygirl 9 months ago 2
@westin10000 Whatever.
kamwrites 4 months ago
Don't judge Technique beacause this song i beyond that! the way she delivers it is amazing. So honest and true. it wouldn't be this great if she belted though it....
its a hard hard song to give life to but she gave it more.....
JrDancerSwe 10 months ago
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If you want to see a truly abysmal performance, watch Elizabeth Taylor do it in the movie. Glen Close does a good job on this song, but my all time favcorite is Judy Collins.
michaelweho2000 10 months ago
If you want to see a truly abysmal performance, watch Elizabeth Taylor do it in the movie. Glen Close does a good job on this song, but my all time favcorite is Judy Collins.
michaelweho2000 10 months ago
obv catherine's performance wasn't bad otherwise she wouldn't of won a tony? both stunning performances !
asb107 10 months ago
I swear she can't sing to save her life but she makes me cry everytime. She is amazing!!
Moosegrove1989 10 months ago
Sondheim doesn't always require the greatest of singers, Carol Burnett for example, to do a brilliant performance. This is how the song is done. This is the emotion, the pain and bittersweet nature, that is Send In the Clowns. Not about hitting the note, it is about feeling it. This performance just breaks my heart evertime... just like Carol doing Putting It Together.
Kris1907 10 months ago
This woman just gets it. This is perfect. Judi, youre a national treasure!
colin26colin 10 months ago
8 people clicked dislike by mistake because of the tears in their eyes..
spof7 10 months ago 2
wow...thats a powerful performance...
eviefahy 11 months ago
at 3:16 I said "douche" out loud. Great song!
ImJustSayin2014 11 months ago
Stunning! Absolutely perfect!
SondheimFanatic1 11 months ago
My goodness! What a truly amazing rendition of this beautiful song. And a tear came to my eye too.off to watch the Zeta Jones version now as a compare and contrast.
nomisnohj 11 months ago
Judi Dench may not be a great singer, but this is the definitive performance of this song. I've cried each one of the upteen times I've seen it.
Hylas19 11 months ago
My fave!!!!
marekerhardt 11 months ago
Judi is so very talented, she can do anything. Thanks for this great post. :-)
stevescissors 1 year ago
Every singer should hear this performance, it is a complete education in timing, expression and emotion. Beyond any issues of voice quality she more acts than sings in a performance which outshines any of the great singers who have recorded this piece. Bravo
Daverave99 1 year ago
WOW BEST TO DATE!!!
uptboi31 1 year ago 2
wow, amazing! I had goosebumps all over and tears in my eyes - that's what this song should achieve when being well, very well done! bravo, bravo, bravo!
12cowwoman 1 year ago
Dame Judi proves that this song is meant to be acted as well as sung. And the singing must come from the depths of the heart.
Beautiful Dame Judi, thank you!!
emberton4u 1 year ago
@emberton4u Absolutely, you took the words right out of my mouth.
toxophilist2009 1 year ago
@emberton4u Absolutely, you took the words right out of my mouth.
toxophilist2009 1 year ago
Judy Dench is much better than that ridiculous Richard Burton was
92af 1 year ago
thats an odd comparison? did he sing this song?
sweeney60 11 months ago
@sweeney60 no im saying that Judi Dench is a much better actor than Richard Burton was
92af 11 months ago
Unbelievable. This is perfect in any aspect!
BernhardWangler 1 year ago
To the seven people who dislike this.
Fuck you
Judi Dench is flawless.
JadedBass 1 year ago 5
@JadedBass AMEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
marekerhardt 11 months ago
Being a great Stephen Sondheim fan, I think I have heard every version of this classic song that has been recorded. But I never really heard it at all until this interpretation.
Absolutely brilliant Judy Dench brings the true meaning and feeling of the song to new heights. She is beyond moving here....she is emotionally astounding while, at the same time, being very simple. This, my friends, is art.....
photojean1 1 year ago 51
@photojean1 i could NOT agree more.....astonishing performance...one HELL of a woman!
GayClassClown 7 months ago 3
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WaitIamWatching 7 months ago
@photojean1 I'm 100% with you, one of the most moving performances i have ever seen/heard. this is why she is a Dame!
WaitIamWatching 7 months ago 3
@photojean1 I'm with you. I have heard this song, through many interpretations, but thanks to Dame Judy, I now know the words by heart...because she sings them from the heart.
Jim382 7 months ago
@photojean1 I agree. It is the simplicity, subtlely, and ture honesty of her emotions that move us so. A lesson that others can learn from (no names). All the "acting" and "interpreting" in the world cannot stand up next to such TRUTH in a performance.
mjmacmtenor 3 months ago
I love that Bernadette is sitting watching this, not knowing that she would be singing it in a few years!
kyle8246 1 year ago 4
I loved the Catherine Zeta-Jones' Tony version. I love edgy, over the top things. And her voice was amazing. Rich and raspy. It gave the performance a new flavor. The Dame is great but I prefer CZJ. Sorry kids. Just my artistic bent.
fliboi78 1 year ago
@fliboi78 i agree, Jones didnt ruin it, she just did ti her own way. She approached it as being angry and trying not to lose it, but by the end, she breaks down and cries, perfectly logical way of playing it.
sweeney60 11 months ago
I feel that this is a spectacular preformance.
Judi really gives us the story that her heart is breaking in that very moment, while still being a strong woman.
Really one of the best performers there is, was and ever will be
Sasrffsd 1 year ago
I keep coming back to this version. I've watched many others, but this one, by far, is the most compelling. Both actors are incredibly believable, I couldn't see them playing any other roles. She IS Desiree.
bmh008 1 year ago
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cuntylishus 1 year ago
BEAUTIFUL. Is that Bernadette Peters sitting in the back!?
Locutusofborg789 1 year ago
Stunning, whenever she performs this song Dame Judi is just stunning. Thanks for posting
kinmelboy 1 year ago 2
@kinmelboy yup!
dj12120 1 year ago
She can connect with an audience at a profound level as so few can. What an amazing actress!
rlakins 1 year ago 2
Judi Dench never fails to astound me.
nadare05 1 year ago
The Best ... zeta jones is a joke
Josephmarchisella 1 year ago 2
Best version by far in my book.
LittlPussi 1 year ago
I had to log in just to like and comment on this. Even better than Streisand's version...not vocally of course, but it's just such a transcendent and emotional and grandiose interpretation.
elrynx2 1 year ago
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vanderbiltgrad 1 year ago
i almost forgot about this.....truly brought out the meaning of the song. i feel bad for michael ball for following this performance tho. :( it's a hard act to follow.
jgalt7 1 year ago
I love Judy Collins' version.....sung to perfection.
fobesq 1 year ago
Beautiful dramatic delivery. Brought tears to my eyes.
glory255 1 year ago 3
The definitive version of this.
ribbaable 1 year ago 2
wow, it is a while ago that something brought tears to my eyes. This song with her performans touched me very much!!!
maaike1204 1 year ago
oh my....and I thought only of Judy Collins version...OH JUDI Dench! WOW...thank YOU!
Hofheim2 1 year ago
Just stunning! I love seeing Bernadette Peters watching her upstage as she does this... taking notes and then currently breaking hearts on Broadway with this very song.
Fnessundorma 1 year ago
I just saw Bernadette do this, and all props to the glorious Ms. Peters (she was fabulous by the way! Go see, only till the first week of Nov.!), whenever I think of this song, I think of Judi Dench.
elvenlove 1 year ago
Judy Collins. Hands Down. The ONLY version of this song that is the epitome of Sheer Emotional Wreckage... Listen to that and understand!
KLCC839 1 year ago
Just the absolute best and most emotional!
marekerhardt 1 year ago
songs should never be technical. this proves it. emotion and passion. like it should be. judy you broke my heart.
alsmed 1 year ago
Comment removed
Joe9017 1 year ago
One of the prittiest songs ever written. You'll never see it sung any better. Bravo Judy!
rylwulf1935 1 year ago
My God I´ve heard this song sung by so many ...but the emotion shown by Dame Judy Dench is by far the best
pauloisilda 1 year ago
Wow Dame Judy is truly amazing. Such an emotional performance of a brilliant song
benshiva 1 year ago
o judy, one of greatest talents in the uk
sunnymarky 1 year ago
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REALLY I RESPECT HER
SHE IS LOVELY AND TOO NICE IN MOVIES SPECIAL IN JAMES BOND FILMS
ALSO SHE IS HAS GREAT LANGUAGE AND SOUND WITH CLEARLY FOCUS TOO MUCH IN HER ACTING ABOUT ALL HER
I WISH WORK WITH HER IN NEW FILM ABOUT MY COUNTRY CASE- IRAQ
OR MAYBE SHE SHOULD ACTING WITH OUR IRAQIS FILM FOR IRAQI JAMES BOND. FILM
jmeeljonson 1 year ago
REALLY I RESPECT HER
SHE IS LOVELY AND TOO NICE IN MOVIES SPECIAL IN JAMES BOND FILMS
ALSO SHE IS HAS GREAT LANGUAGE AND CLEARLY FOCUS TOO MUCH IN HER ACTING ABOUT ALL HER
I WISH WORK WITH HER IN NEW FILM ABOUT MY COUNTRY CASE- IRAQ
OR MAYBE SHE SHOULD ACTING WITH OUR IRAQIS FILM FOR IRAQI JAMES BOND. FILM
jmeeljonson 1 year ago
Is there anything she can't do?
kwebster640 1 year ago
Hey Isnt that M from whats the name of that movie!!!
msgoldie1102 1 year ago
Magnificent !!
keepthemusicplaying0 1 year ago
I've been told this is a sad song, and I've heard it before and while thinking it sounded quite beautiful didn't have much emotion towards it. But this rendition changes it. Before I thought it was silly when they sang send in the clowns, but not I get it, send in the fools. This one I love the most.
CrimsonAura 1 year ago 3
What an artist! Glenn Close SINGS it best...but Dame Judi LIVES it -- and leaves me in tears.
nationreader42 1 year ago 3
this makes the hairs on the back stand up.
garnet1952 1 year ago
I was lucky to see "A Little Night Music" with Judi Dench at London's National Theatre. It was a magnificent version of the show, and Dame Judi (as is reflected here) was the best Desiree Armfeldt ever.
kenhamlett1 1 year ago
Of all the performances of this song I have heard, this one best captures its spirit.
archaelius 1 year ago 2
much better than that awful performance by Catherine Zeta Jones at the Tony's.
hrglass54 1 year ago 38
@hrglass54 dench is better at all than zeta jones
orangefrog4 1 year ago
wow! perhaps not the best vocally but amazing performance making it my favourite version by far- i filled up watching this AMAZING
xxbenjiiminxx 1 year ago
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@xxbenjiiminxx Agreed, but it has to be one of the most emotional, and best told versions.
bigbandswinger 1 year ago
She just gets better every year. I never get tired of watching her.
Carlyeio14 1 year ago
Is she like Julie Andrews cousin or something because they are so alike! And it has nothing to do with the short hair and being British.
Akuchan7 1 year ago
A masterclass in how to sing and perform Sonheim. Brava Judi!!
tigtat77 1 year ago
But - Dane Dench is good at everything. Check out Sarah Vaughn's version. Beautiful Beautiful.
mariespurpleshoes 1 year ago
THANK YOU FOR THIS AS I NEVER NEW THAT JUDI DENCH COULD SING.
TheMarch1965 1 year ago
She's great. But CZJ is good.
TheSoubrottes 1 year ago
This performance makes me cry every time. All I know of this musical is this performance and a wikipedia synopsis yet Dame Judi still manages to affect me every time.
misswoopa 1 year ago
Tell me if there is someone else who can deliver this song on stage with such power as Dame Judi Dench for I can't think of anyone.
nocber 1 year ago 3
BRAVO! The BRILLIANT woman has taken this piece of music and given it life! She brought tears and chills and I've heard it done many times over. Never like this. Just proves there is nothing this excellent actress can't do! Bravo seems inadequate. Dame Judi. I love ya!
Metta411 1 year ago
This song has to be acted, not merely sung. Dame Judi owns this!
anamcb56 1 year ago
If Catherine Zeta Jones had a shred of modesty she'd have studied this
clip diligently, before subjecting the public to what has got to be the very
worst rendition of that song, ever. It isn't about having a beautiful singing
voice. It's about phrasing. Judi nailed it. Catherine demolished it. Her
arrogance in that Tony Award performance was staggering. And don't get me started on her vulgar acceptance speech...
Josefesque 1 year ago 4
It doesn't get better than this!
lichtstein 1 year ago
After that horrid performance by Catherine Zeta-Jones at the Tonys, I had to come back to this video to appreciate how Sondheim SHOULD be done. Brilliant Dame Judy.
jstrick362 1 year ago 27
@jstrick362 I could not agree more, and I like Catherine Zeta-Jones' work (I thought she was sensational in the movie version of Chicago). But I could not believe what she did to this little jewel: ("Isn't it .................................(long pause to over-emote)...............................rich", etc.). If this wasn't lily-gilding, I don't know what is.
I also agree with you about Judy Dench. She's amazing, and she does it without much of a voice.
donaldcallen 1 year ago
@jstrick362 Same here. I cringe when I think of Zeta-Jones' performance. She pales in comparison to so many before her.
LuKasAV6 1 year ago
@jstrick362 wasnt catherine doing a piss-take though?
cjvec 9 months ago
Wow! Dame Judith indeed. What can she NOT do? What grace, what poise, what heart, what truth she bring to everything she does.
She takes this beautiful well covered song to another level.
jita08 1 year ago 2
Possibly, the most moving performance I've ever seen.
ThePoetic99 1 year ago
One of the greatest musical perfomances of all time! I was lucky enough to be at the production at The National and I am now a professional actor due to that performance. I watched it....and immediately said that's what I want to do...move people like that. Not that anyone can ever compare to Judi.. Just stunning..she is utterly brilliant.
andywatkins35 1 year ago
This song belong's to judy. A flawless performance everytime - so full of emotion - yes i feel a tear!!! This son represent's woman power for me!! very captivating
julie223783 1 year ago
By far the best version, with true emotion and this coming from someone that really disliked her version of Cabaret. The only version that is fit to be in the same room as this one is Glenn Close.
DeeAndDee 1 year ago
there are really not enough words to describe how painfully, yet beautifully poignant this performance is. It is just pure perfection in 4 minutes and 35 seconds, and one that should be treasured for a long time to come.
Danny064 1 year ago
I was lucky enough to see her live in a Little Night Music & she was absolutely amazing !!!!!
evanstad 1 year ago
I watch this everynow and then to see if I get the same reaction and yip always makes me cry.
Therowan26 1 year ago
I've never actually seen the show and up till I saw this I always thought it was just another nice ballad. Having seen this now, all I can say is - Wow. I never knew.
rhenryedwards 1 year ago
@rhenryedwards - I feel exactly the same way. I've never seen the show either, but have heard countless versions, they made the song seem very trite/cheesy. I never understood what the song was about until I watched this performance by dame Judi. I sobbed after watching this, it was so achingly beautiful.
jetgirl262003 1 year ago
With a talent like Judi Dench, you could almost write the review in advance. She never disappoints, always enchants and radiates magic. Sheer perfection. The best acted version I have ever seen. But I do wish Julie Christie had attempted this role sometime in her career.
roccoh21 1 year ago
I was always afraid to come upon this bit in Hey Mr. Producers because it was just so painfully sad, but well done.
Felicity1247 1 year ago
She's so provoking in her delivery, even with the orchestra & the other people in the background, I feel as though I'm 'intruding' on a private matter. BRAVA, Dame Judi!!!
AzureHvn 1 year ago 4
this is outstanding, she may not be the best singer however she has sung this so emotively, its raw, honest and well executed go Judy!
NorthernFella 1 year ago 2
know i know the true meaning of song...she is brilliant!
tiffanysfo 1 year ago
It's briliant, she isn't the best singer but it doesn't matter because you don't even notice, due to the fact that she is so talented, such a great actor, such emotion!
9lilacwine 1 year ago
It's briliant, she isn't the best singer but it doesn't matter because you don't even notice, due to the fact that she is so talented, such a great actor, such emotion!
9lilacwine 1 year ago
crap
Domblick 1 year ago
Judi....she is superb, beautiful, beautiful,beautiful,
nedemi 1 year ago
Judi you give to this song the perspective of my life, so thank you for that
georgia0666 1 year ago
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lazylatch219 1 year ago
Now this is extraordinary! And I thought nobody could match Elizabeth Taylor in the movie! And we are, of course, not talking about singing, not here, but of acting! Bravo Judi!
jr1844 1 year ago 5
Excellent the best , I can't stop crying so much emotion. Simply the best.
CC
MrRunner07 1 year ago 6
No one could ever do a better job.. Superb.
lrmacey 1 year ago 4
Ich liebe Dame Judy Dench!
Sie ist so wundervoll!
WolligesHangschaf 1 year ago 4
i love this lady so much..i really am sure she is one of the best actresses of our time...much love for her
diamond0prince 1 year ago 5
how can she do this over and over and STIL be this .... welll u know
rhylmark 1 year ago 2
She has got to be thinking of her departed husband...very emotional and sad for her, too...
artj22850 1 year ago 3
This was suppose to be sung by someone throaty like Ms. Dench she is not as a sultry singer, like in the movie Nine she is a Caberet singer like in the old days the smoke filled basements type singer.
Bluedolphingirl01 2 years ago
ms dench she doesn't have the best voice but the emotion.......amazing
rhylmark 2 years ago
Just, amazing.
xbabeexabeex 2 years ago
This song is so terribly sad... I mostly can't bear to see it because it's just so heartbreaking and raw, thanks to Dame Judy Dench.
Felicity1247 2 years ago 3
i agree fourdimonius, the song was written to be acted, not sang, having been written for an actress who wasnt really a singer (glynnis johns) sondheim is a master of wiriting song to actor or singers unique voices
afboyfw 2 years ago 2
absolutely. breathtaking.
africansoulsista 2 years ago 3
Talented actress!
franklindavid 2 years ago
finanlly an iterpreter who gets the message out instead of "singing"
excellent
that is theater!
american's LEARN!!!
american director's watch
fourdominus 2 years ago
Last time I check the theater capital was BROADWAY not the west end. great performance, but that one performance doesn't make brithish theater better, but the same can be said in reverse
onlyalittlewicked 2 years ago
But The West End Is Better, Its Been Voted And Won By Millions. Broadway Is Good But West End Is Just..... Amazing.
AlexxMcD 2 years ago