Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent

Actor Dench (Behind the Scenes) and O’Hea, an actor and director at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, present a captivating discussion of Dench’s unique take on Shakespeare’s iconic characters. In this interview-style book, Dench reminisces about the many roles she has played over her seven-decade career, sharing her unfiltered opinions about each experience. The two primary narrators, O’Hea and Barbara Flynn, who reads for Dench in certain parts, have a friendly, lighthearted rapport, making for a collaborative and lively listen as they discuss Macbeth, The Merchant of Venice, and Hamlet. Their natural compatibility keeps the text flowing, with a talk-show feel and charming, playful back-and-forth. Flynn authentically communicates Dench’s responses, laughing at appropriate times and pacing her bits judiciously and organically. Occasionally, Dench herself pops into the audio, quoting passages from Shakespeare.