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.
This is one of the most unbelievable performances I've ever seen, I think. The acting... to be so wounded, so betrayed, so sad, so hopeless, and yet still so regal... Dame Judi Dench is just incredible.
This is an acting master class, acting through song, you can have the most technically beautiful voice but if you don't connect with the underlying emotional story of the song you will fail to touch your audience. Judi Dench does this so beautifully, she tackles a Sondheim lyric with the same commitment as she would a Shakespeare soliloquy, this is the definitive version for me.
Well being 56 and having experienced my own fair share of heartache and a lost love, I can certainly empathise and sympathise with the sentiments expressed in this song. You have to have LIVED and truly LOVED, as well as to have LOST, to really portray effectively the real true, raw emotion that she conveys. A consummate actress and professional, she clearly draws not only on her acting prowess - but from life itself, and the combination provides the viewer with a truly outstanding performance.
Brilliant. She really acts this song, and doesn't just sing it. She really captures all the anger, bitterness and regret that it expresses. What a star!
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.
What other actress can cram so many emotions in a 3 minute song? Judi sings her bitterness, regret pride self assurance...then comes the the loss the sorrow and finally a bit of hope in the last line. Brava Judi!
This is as tough and brilliant as it gets. As an actor asked to break down, many would find those tears only by letting the rage come out. But when you have to control that emotion by being on key and holding notes simultaneously, well, that takes a great actor.
THis video makes me want to bawl my eyes out like a baby. My heart feels like its breaking with hers when she sheds that tear. God Judi is amazing!!!! I wish i had her skills.
The most wonderful rendition of this song EVER. Judi's talent is beyond words. She may not have the "vocal chops" of Sarah Vaughan or Babs, but NO ONE can sell this song like Judi.. This is the perfect example of how to act out a song with many layers of intention. Amazingly subtle and so very precise. Judi is extraordinary.
This is the first time I have ever seen this song performed, and not only seen, but felt the pain that the she was going through. Wonderful performance. spellbinding.
I knew she was a good actress, but now I realize she may be one of the greatest of all time. She moved me to tears. I've heard this song all my life, but this time it was as if I heard it for the first time.
This woman is an absolute LEGEND she a national treasure, its the 1st time i've heard her sing, i had heard she'd done musical theatre.........and like with everything this woman does its outstanding
I discovered Judy Dench watching the series 'As Time Goes By' little did I know initially what a famous & wonderful actress she is. Great performance here!
hands down, the most emotionally insightful performance of this song i've seen. she's not "acting" here, it's clear she feels this in a very deep part of herself! brilliant!
Never knew Dame Judi could sing. And boy could she! Beneath the world-weary voice which demanded the reason for a failed romance is the fragile tremble of a wounded bird. Heart-breaking and beautiful. What a great video. Bravo!
BRA-FREAKIN-VO!!!!!!!! I have NEVER heard or seen this performance done with this much honesty!!! I have always loved Dame Judith, but I am an endebted fan to such a pleasurable, life-changing performance. I really KNOW now what Desree meant! Thank you, Judy! I won't be able to get you out of my head for MONTHS!!! And ENJOYABLY so!
Oh. My. Gosh. I have NEVER EVER seen this song done with so much depth, and so many layers... and so much importance before. Usually it is sung with a sad tone and a "this is the main song" aura. Even in professional productions. Amazing!!!! I never before "got" every word in the song before. Now each word --- each note makes complete sense! I am in awe of her.
ive watched this video so many times... and also even without watching her sing and just clickingthis video brings tears to my eyes... thinking about the emotion in her performance... wow thats true acting.
Watching this performance is truly watching a master artist at work. Telling a story that touches ones heart to its core. Only the best can do this with such perfection. JMR
This song never made sense to me until I watched this video - the way Judi Dench sings it is so moving and expressive and real - absolutely heart-rending!
What an actress! This song is so powerfully charged with emotion, and Dame Judi is obviously feeling it as she sings. An amazing performance by an extraordinary talent.
Goosebumps, tears, admiration; and I'm not all together sure if it's for the character, the performance, for Judi herself. All I know is I keep watching this, over and over, and all those emotions wash over me again. If this perfoamce was a baseball player, they would retire the jersey because who could imagine someone outdoing this? Or even coming close.
So true! Not til I saw Judi Dench's performance of this on Hey! Mr. Producer did I really 'get' the song, though it's been a favorite for years. Her rendition here is absolutely breathtaking!
What an awesome rendition! Dame Judy had me speechless throughout, as with all her performances. You can see her effort and feeling right across the performance. In a word ? MASTERPIECE!!!
This truly is an extraordinary performance, the best "Send in the Clowns" I've ever heard. She expresses such a range of emotions - much more anger than other performers, and deeply felt pain. This powerful rendition of the song captures its essence and breaks your heart. Bravo!
when i first heard this song and listened to the lyrics, i knew it had so much potential. but i could just not find anyone who did it justice. after watching this video, i knew i found what i was looking for. she does such a beautiful and true rendition. everything i wanted in this performance she gave. her emotion is so believable, and i love how in to it she got. absolutely wonderful. best rendtion EVER.
This is my second comment on this theme, I rarely watch youtube on a regular basis, I ALWAYS turn to this. Us watchers say it all, it is very rare to have an old blog which has 5 stars day in day out. Dame Judy IS the best, and I am Pleased that she is appreciated by all! No better performance, and Dame Judy sets one hell of a benchmark!!!
It is absolutely amazing how truly real she seems to feel this song. I can sometimes feel the intensity when she sings it. My alltime favorite actress,poet.
To bring so much real emotion to a 3 minute song is pure genius. I can only pray that one day I might acquire half her talent with a lot of hard work and commitment.
15 лет назад+2
This is one of the most amazing performances I have ever seen, no, it IS the best I have EVER seen! The emotion! Utterly AMAZING!!
omg ... i had an inkling when i was a little girl hearing this play in the house that it was about sadness. i never thought that there was SO much of it once she explained the history. i for one can attest to such tragedy ... maybe next year.
This song always makes the tears flow. Dame Judy has always acted with her heart. Now I've seen her sing with it! AWESOME!!! Emotion is a feeling to cherish, not hide away. You need courage to share it and strength to protect it. Thank you Judy and thank you to the person who posted the video, I knew it was worth getting out of bed this morning......
I've never been satisfied with anyone's performance of this song... Until I found this one. The *acting* is amazing. You can hear Desiree's whole life story in this song; and the pain of her self-awareness coming too late. She really has the sound of life experience to back it up; I don't know how else to characterise it, only that it seems so REAL, with that edge of bitterness and disappointment and how it HURTS to hope, but she can't stop herself from still hoping anyway.
It's great to hear her discuss the role & the context of the song in the musical, so we understand what the song is really all about. Very moving ! It's not for nothing that she received the Olivier Award for her performance.
I saw this production several times. The whole show was great, but she was beyond magnificent. The song is so humiliating and degrading and GORGEOUS and she freakishly pulls it off without ever looking as though she is acting. And he just walks on out.
I remember watching this episode when it was aired in 1996. I thought Judi Dench was awesome. Now I'm much older and have been watching musical theatre for 20+ years. I still think Judi Dench is awesome. She owns this song.
That left me speechless, I was introduced to this song yesterday , and i had to search for better covers Judi Dench made this song with emotion , Thank you
If a singer could conveyed the emotional depth that Dame Judi had done with this song, I have yet to hear it. A Heart-breakingly beautiful performance that grabs you and would not let go. One sits stunned until long after the final note was sung.
Definetly the best version. Judi Dench is an extraordinary actress and I think she's captured the sense of the song. I'm also jealous of the lucky viewers of the play
This has to be the finest portrayal of Desiree by ANY artist and this scene the most emotional . A wonderful talent.
This is one of the most unbelievable performances I've ever seen, I think. The acting... to be so wounded, so betrayed, so sad, so hopeless, and yet still so regal... Dame Judi Dench is just incredible.
Unforgettable....her voice is perfect for this song...not showy...but brutally vulnerable and honest
This is an acting master class, acting through song, you can have the most technically beautiful voice but if you don't connect with the underlying emotional story of the song you will fail to touch your audience. Judi Dench does this so beautifully, she tackles a Sondheim lyric with the same commitment as she would a Shakespeare soliloquy, this is the definitive version for me.
Well being 56 and having experienced my own fair share of heartache and a lost love, I can certainly empathise and sympathise with the sentiments expressed in this song. You have to have LIVED and truly LOVED, as well as to have LOST, to really portray effectively the real true, raw emotion that she conveys. A consummate actress and professional, she clearly draws not only on her acting prowess - but from life itself, and the combination provides the viewer with a truly outstanding performance.
Brilliant. She really acts this song, and doesn't just sing it. She really captures all the anger, bitterness and regret that it expresses. What a star!
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.
What other actress can cram so many emotions in a 3 minute song? Judi sings her bitterness, regret pride self assurance...then comes the the loss the sorrow and finally a bit of hope in the last line. Brava Judi!
I think it's the best performance of this song that I've ever seen. So well interpreted it!! Judi Dench is the best!!
She is incredible.
Now this is what acting is about. Truly a moving performance and a master class
In my humble opinion this is the best version of this song ever. She is outstanding!
My heart just about breaks at 4.17. And finally, a performance where the lyrics and the singer's emotions match.
she is truly one of the most gifted actresses to ever walk on earth.
this song is perfect
and she is perfect singing it
This is as tough and brilliant as it gets. As an actor asked to break down, many would find those tears only by letting the rage come out. But when you have to control that emotion by being on key and holding notes simultaneously, well, that takes a great actor.
Been there … riding that razors edge of control, just shy of tears…
Man. The way Judi sings this... She absolutely tears my heart out with the last verse.
Stunning. Just stunning.
THis video makes me want to bawl my eyes out like a baby. My heart feels like its breaking with hers when she sheds that tear. God Judi is amazing!!!! I wish i had her skills.
There is NOONE who can sing this like Judi. She adds the emotion that is seldom seen in any other performance. She is REMARKABLE.
The most wonderful rendition of this song EVER. Judi's talent is beyond words. She may not have the "vocal chops" of Sarah Vaughan or Babs, but NO ONE can sell this song like Judi.. This is the perfect example of how to act out a song with many layers of intention. Amazingly subtle and so very precise. Judi is extraordinary.
Wow... that was just devastating to watch. The song has a whole new meaning when you see it performed this way... and I think as it was meant to be.
This is the first time I have ever seen this song performed, and not only seen, but felt the pain that the she was going through. Wonderful performance. spellbinding.
Im Overwhelmed With Judi Dench's Raw Talent & Her Voice In This Perfect Performance
I knew she was a good actress, but now I realize she may be one of the greatest of all time. She moved me to tears. I've heard this song all my life, but this time it was as if I heard it for the first time.
one word...
AMAZING.
A tear came to my eye watching this..
wow!
This woman is an absolute LEGEND she a national treasure, its the 1st time i've heard her sing, i had heard she'd done musical theatre.........and like with everything this woman does its outstanding
I discovered Judy Dench watching the series
'As Time Goes By' little did I know initially what a famous & wonderful actress she is. Great performance here!
dame judi is SO extremely talented. words cannot describe how fantastic she is. this is such a beautifully heart-wrenching performance.
One of the most captivating artists of all times. Why do we fall in love with her over and over again? :)
hands down, the most emotionally insightful performance of this song i've seen. she's not "acting" here, it's clear she feels this in a very deep part of herself! brilliant!
Never knew Dame Judi could sing. And boy could she! Beneath the world-weary voice which demanded the reason for a failed romance is the fragile tremble of a wounded bird. Heart-breaking and beautiful. What a great video. Bravo!
Pure magic!
BRA-FREAKIN-VO!!!!!!!! I have NEVER heard or seen this performance done with this much honesty!!! I have always loved Dame Judith, but I am an endebted fan to such a pleasurable, life-changing performance. I really KNOW now what Desree meant! Thank you, Judy! I won't be able to get you out of my head for MONTHS!!! And ENJOYABLY so!
Oh. My. Gosh.
I have NEVER EVER seen this song done with so much depth, and so many layers... and so much importance before.
Usually it is sung with a sad tone and a "this is the main song" aura. Even in professional productions.
Amazing!!!!
I never before "got" every word in the song before. Now each word --- each note makes complete sense!
I am in awe of her.
i got goosebumps watching judi dench sing this! bravo.. what an actress!
This version touches me as no other. It brings tears to my eyes for the longing of what might have been and would not be.
Is there anything this wonderful lady cant do?
Never disappoints.
Beautiful... it makes me tear up.
ive watched this video so many times... and also even without watching her sing and just clickingthis video brings tears to my eyes... thinking about the emotion in her performance... wow thats true acting.
The best version of this song I've ever seen. I don't think anyone could outperform her on this. So heart-wrenching and perfectly placed emotion.
Watching this performance is truly watching a master artist at work. Telling a story that touches ones heart to its core. Only the best can do this with such perfection. JMR
This song never made sense to me until I watched this video - the way Judi Dench sings it is so moving and expressive and real - absolutely heart-rending!
SHE IS SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GOOD
In a word...brilliant!
and i am crying! beautiful, simply stunning.
beautiful an amazing performance especially those last few bars when the tear runs down her cheek
Oh my days! What an amazing performence!
Now THAT is musical theater!!! Simply stunning.
What an actress! This song is so powerfully charged with emotion, and Dame Judi is obviously feeling it as she sings. An amazing performance by an extraordinary talent.
Goosebumps, tears, admiration; and I'm not all together sure if it's for the character, the performance, for Judi herself. All I know is I keep watching this, over and over, and all those emotions wash over me again. If this perfoamce was a baseball player, they would retire the jersey because who could imagine someone outdoing this? Or even coming close.
really can't get enough of seeing her perform this!
fantastic version of the song!!!
I'm from Spain and I love this song. However, I had never heard of this lady. Oh, what I had missed! Just great. She puts her heart in every note!
Perfection. No one presents this song and mood like Judi. I remain in awe.
Phenomenal performance!! What a treasure!!
xxx
she made me cry, wow.... what a phenomenal actress...
So true! Not til I saw Judi Dench's performance of this on Hey! Mr. Producer did I really 'get' the song, though it's been a favorite for years. Her rendition here is absolutely breathtaking!
Absolutely Superb! A masterpiece performance!
Dame Judi,Dame Judi, Dame Judi, You are phenomenal!!!!!!
Most amazing thing I have ever seen or heard acted. Judi is a true insiration for actors everywhere!!!!
What an awesome rendition! Dame Judy had me speechless throughout, as with all her performances. You can see her effort and feeling right across the performance. In a word ? MASTERPIECE!!!
This truly is an extraordinary performance, the best "Send in the Clowns" I've ever heard. She expresses such a range of emotions - much more anger than other performers, and deeply felt pain. This powerful rendition of the song captures its essence and breaks your heart. Bravo!
Did you know that this is amazing? Cuz it kind of is.
It's absolutely amaaazing.
I almost cried. :]
Brava, Dame Judi Dench! You're the best!!
when i first heard this song and listened to the lyrics, i knew it had so much potential. but i could just not find anyone who did it justice. after watching this video, i knew i found what i was looking for. she does such a beautiful and true rendition. everything i wanted in this performance she gave. her emotion is so believable, and i love how in to it she got. absolutely wonderful. best rendtion EVER.
This is my second comment on this theme, I rarely watch youtube on a regular basis, I ALWAYS turn to this. Us watchers say it all, it is very rare to have an old blog which has 5 stars day in day out. Dame Judy IS the best, and I am Pleased that she is appreciated by all! No better performance, and Dame Judy sets one hell of a benchmark!!!
I never really got the whole emotional truth of this song before I saw this performance. Brava, Dame Judi!
I love Judi Dench. She's amazing.
you have just seen a masterclass in acting and musical theatre total commitment to the part and so real
It is absolutely amazing how truly real she seems to feel this song. I can sometimes feel the intensity when she sings it. My alltime favorite actress,poet.
She is so amazing each time I watch it I cry with her, such a performer.
Judi plumbs the depths of the human soul. Just amazing.
i think its definatly deserved the Olivier award -a good song and she sings it well
Your comment is so true for me too! I love this song, and in her version I finally "got" every word too. All I can say is WOW!
To bring so much real emotion to a 3 minute song is pure genius. I can only pray that one day I might acquire half her talent with a lot of hard work and commitment.
This is one of the most amazing performances I have ever seen, no, it IS the best I have EVER seen! The emotion! Utterly AMAZING!!
I absolutely love this now and when I fist saw her in this role on the stage in London
Utterly, utterly outstanding.
I don't usually get too emotional, but I have to admit, this version put tears in my eyes.
Wow....all i can say is bravo. it was a beautiful peace, and she made it beautiful.
omg ... i had an inkling when i was a little girl hearing this play in the house that it was about sadness. i never thought that there was SO much of it once she explained the history. i for one can attest to such tragedy ... maybe next year.
This song always makes the tears flow. Dame Judy has always acted with her heart. Now I've seen her sing with it! AWESOME!!! Emotion is a feeling to cherish, not hide away. You need courage to share it and strength to protect it. Thank you Judy and thank you to the person who posted the video, I knew it was worth getting out of bed this morning......
I've never been satisfied with anyone's performance of this song...
Until I found this one. The *acting* is amazing. You can hear Desiree's whole life story in this song; and the pain of her self-awareness coming too late. She really has the sound of life experience to back it up; I don't know how else to characterise it, only that it seems so REAL, with that edge of bitterness and disappointment and how it HURTS to hope, but she can't stop herself from still hoping anyway.
Amazing. From Bond's "M" to this wonderful performance. What a wonderfully gifted actor. Simply beautiful.
It's great to hear her discuss the role & the context of the song in the musical, so we understand what the song is really all about.
Very moving ! It's not for nothing that she received the Olivier Award for her performance.
Judi Dench is just so gifted and lends so much character to all the roles she plays.
I saw this production several times. The whole show was great, but she was beyond magnificent. The song is so humiliating and degrading and GORGEOUS and she freakishly pulls it off without ever looking as though she is acting. And he just walks on out.
I remember watching this episode when it was aired in 1996. I thought Judi Dench was awesome.
Now I'm much older and have been watching musical theatre for 20+ years. I still think Judi Dench is awesome. She owns this song.
Outstanding
Thats emotion pure - the best "Send in the clowns" I ever have seen.
That left me speechless, I was introduced to this song yesterday , and i had to search for better covers Judi Dench made this song with emotion , Thank you
This is great! I didn't know she sang until I saw this.
If a singer could conveyed the emotional depth that Dame Judi had done with this song, I have yet to hear it. A Heart-breakingly beautiful performance that grabs you and would not let go. One sits stunned until long after the final note was sung.
this gave me the chills. . .
so wonderful
she looked and sang like her heart was actually breaking it brought tears to my eyes its one of the best versions i have ever heard
Definetly the best version. Judi Dench is an extraordinary actress and I think she's captured the sense of the song. I'm also jealous of the lucky viewers of the play
Exactly! It's sang, it's acted! it's absolutely marvelous!
Perfection.
amazing.