Tea with Judi Dench featuring Ian McKellen

Incoming Editorial Team·Verified August 29, 2026

Dame Judi Dench is joined by her great friend for tea and a warm, candid conversation about their extraordinary lives both on stage and off. From Shakespeare, stage fright and the insecurities of acting, to the worldwide fame of the Lord of the Rings and James Bond movies, they reflect on success, failure and the importance of never taking either too seriously. Along the way, Ian speaks movingly about coming out, his defining role in the fight against Section 28, and one of his greatest regrets; never sharing the truth about himself with his parents.