Judi Dench - Send In the Clowns, 1996

Her Olivier Award winning performance from "A Little Night Music", given here on a British talkshow as a promo spot done during the run on London's West End in 1996.

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  Entertainment

[goblinonacloud]

I have said it before, finally a singer who sings this song as the dark, bitter, angry and self pitying song it was written as. Bravo to Dame Judi Dench. She got it exactly right. Gives me chills..

[TheCressyboy]

It is odd that the definitive version of this song is recorded on a chat show with Britain's favorite gardener. However, I've watched many versions on youtube and this is by far the greatest. The sheer emotion you can see and hear is astonishing. It breathes life in to a much maligned song. Every phrase and expression shows what Sondheim meant when he wrote the music and verse. There truly is no better performance. Now pass the bloody tissues my eyes are soaking wet.

[cynaraslover]

I had the privilege in January of 1997 seeing Dame Judi play Desiree, along with the sublime Sian Phillips -- who is only a couple of years older than Dench -- as Mme Armfeldt, and the amazing Issy van Randwick stopping the show with "The Miller's Son." All were good, and Peters was as well. However, I saw Jean Simmons, who was even better, in the West End debut of the show and on the London original cast recording. Sondheim himself, and Arthur Laurents as well, concurred with this.

[Kt Bunge]

Sang this song at all state choir solo, won 3rd place in state, so many years ago... such a sad song

[William Wood]

So beautiful, a story told & sung with real drama, real emotion, real tears - tears from me as well. It parallels my own story about a magical love story with a beautiful lady who lives an ocean way. I watch this video often just to be with her. I love you sweetie xox.

[jamminerva]

utterly heartbreaking

[Kerry O'Donovan]

Do you have the full episode? I saw this production in 1996 in London and have always wanted to see a DVD of it, but this promo might be the closest I get!

[pixargod]

Brilliant performance from an acting legend!

[LusciousBaybee]

sublime

[pixargod]

She is a legend.

[regency08]

a legend.