Review: Tea With the Dames

Four of Britain’s most respected actresses (Dame Judi Dench, Dame Maggie Smith, Dame Eileen Atkins, and Dame Joan Plowright) apparently get together from time to time. This is one time they let cameras in on the occasion as they talk about their careers, their partners, and getting/being old.

Although this 2018 doco from Roger Michell (“Notting Hill”, “Venus”, the excellent “Changing Lanes”) likely has limited appeal, it personally appealed to me greatly. Film buffs, especially those who enjoy British cinema and its stars will get the most out of this fascinating, enjoyable, sometimes funny film about four of Britain’s finest. They never do drink tea though, which is a bit weird unless the title refers to ‘morning tea’ or ‘afternoon tea’, not the actual beverage. You may question on occasion the authenticity of the gathering this documentary is lensing, but there’s no denying the very obvious long-time friendship and respect these women have for one another.

There’s one helluva lot of cinematic and theatrical history involved in this film, and all four actresses are terrific company. For a film buff like me, the conversation and personalities on show were fascinating enough, but also getting to see snippets of early Judi Dench performances are particularly interesting. Her response to the idea of playing Cleopatra on stage is hysterical (I won’t dare spoil it, but it’s very self-deprecating and droll. Meanwhile, Eileen Atkins was apparently quite a looker in her younger days, and Dame Judi Dench was very Dame Judi Dench in her younger days. We get a really fascinating discussion about naturalism in acting, especially when it comes to Shakespeare. Those who know a little something about the four actresses will probably be keen to hear Dame Maggie talking about Dame Joan’s husband Lord Laurence Olivier and how terrified they apparently were of each other. I believe it, because while Olivier’s stature as a theatrical icon is well-known, I also wouldn’t want to get on Dame Maggie’s wrong side, either. Case in point being a very funny bit where she gets annoyed at a still photographer during the documentary. Although you may have heard the story before (I heard her tell it on Graham Norton’s show), Dench sounding off about getting old leads to one of the biggest laughs in the entire film. Dame Maggie Smith may be one to tell off a still photographer, but Dame Judi is no mere cuddly Nanna type, either. Let’s just say Dame Judi isn’t one for being patronised or condescended to. By anyone. Ever.

This isn’t anything earth-shattering or ground-breaking. It’s exactly what it says on the tin, and it’s bloody delightful. In fact, it’s the kind of film I end up not writing too many notes about because I’m too busy enjoying it. Simplistic as the film may be, Michell has captured cinematic magic here. I’m so grateful that this film exists.

Rating: B