TEA WITH THE DAMES

Conversational in execution this delightful documentary assembles four extraordinary actresses in an English cottage where they predominantly sit around a table sipping tea reminiscing about their remarkable lives and careers.

Eileen Atkins, Judi Dench, Joan Plowright and Maggie Smith are award winning screen icons who have all received damehoods.

Nothing is sacred as these humorously vivacious and charismatic dames discuss all aspects of their lives; aspirations as children, how their careers developed, their experiences on film sets/on stage, ageing and even death.

The actresses recollect their association with directors and actors, opening nights and meeting the royal family. Audiences should be astounded as one of the ladies mocks the questionable behaviour of a fellow stage actor she performed with early in her career.

Their sense of humour should allure audiences, exemplified by a laugh out loud moment when asked: ‘what was it like working with your husband?’ One of the ladies responds: ‘which one?’

Faded memories are complemented by archived photographs and footage as they share many stories probably for the first time on film.

Insightful and a joy to watch audiences should have as much fun watching this documentary as these exceptional ladies apparently had making it. (MMo)

★★★★