Fond and Familiar -- 2003

An Evening of Readings with Dame Judi, Bill Nighy & Ian Richardson
Book Signing Afterwards with Author John Miller

Dame Judi, Bill Nighy & Ian Richardson

Mrs. Richardson, Dame Judi & Ian Richardson

There was a surprise in store as Judi was joined by Bill Nighy and Ian Richardson
for a 'Fond & Familiar' evening! By the way, there's a note in the programme to say that Judi will
be returning to the stage later this year with the RSC as the Countess in 'All's well that ends well'.

Thanks to Joan S -- UK -- for these photos

Connie E, California, USA -- Account of the Evening
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The Theatre Royal in Winchester is quite lovely inside. It is also small inside , which explains why Dame Judi Dench was signing books under the staircase. Judi Dench, Ian Richardson and Bill Nighy had come there for a Fond and Familiar irreverent reading of poetry. This included a few double takes and looks of disgust on Dame Judi's part in response to poetry by the other two. She was wearing the dress she wore for the Oscars in 2000 as well as the shoes, so you can see it was quite a formal occasion! However, she had to bring her own champagne as the bar at the theatre didn't offer it (I know because I tried to order one but settled for a white wine.) John Miller was sporting a shorter trimmed beard, which looked good; and he told me that they are looking for a publisher for the biography in the United States since the one which published the previous edition has gone bankrupt. All 3 stayed quite a while mingling with the audience members who stayed.
Next Up: Vin Diesel you lucky actor and then it's Shakespeare again.
Hopefully I'll be lucky enough to attend that one, too.

Thanks to Connie E. for sending these

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Fond and Familiar -- 1996 Fond and Familiar -- 2002