In director Roger Michell’s documentary, Tea with the Dames, the legendary stage and screen icons Eileen Atkins, Judi Dench, Joan Plowright, and Maggie Smith candidly discuss their careers, friendships, and lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Just as they were back then, these artists continue to be a sign of independence and inspiration for future generations, and a much-needed symbol of strength for women in these trying times.
Despite their bustling careers and hectic schedules, the four Dames have always found time to meet in the English countryside to let their hair down, gossip, and catch up with each other. But this is the first time they have let cameras into the sacred space of their loose and relaxed banter. The result is an interview style, which includes breaking the third wall numerous times, lending to the film’s overall feeling of inclusion along with admiration. In talking so candidly with the production crew and each other, the women let their guard down and give off the impression that we are all old friends, which is a warm, wonderful feeling.
“Whatever it is, it’s too late,” Maggie says with defeated breath.
“Oh,” Joan exclaims, “but it’s never too late.”
Like a refined version of The View, or the “Pickalittle” ladies from The Music Man, the Dames are chatty, giggly, and honest. They talk openly about their fear of being approached to play Cleopatra, with Eileen and Joan flat out refusing to ever play the iconic character. Maggie admits she was terrified and only took the part in a Canadian production to escape harsh criticism elsewhere, and when Judi hesitantly accepted the part, people laughed openly at her performance. “Critics believe we think we’re the bee’s knees,” Joan goes on to say, “…they don’t know that we’re shaking inside.”
A fascinating retrospective of some of the most notable actresses in history, Tea With the Dames is a touching tribute to the women who contributed to shaping the dramatic arts. Pioneers in their own right with voluminous careers to reflect upon, the Dames are asked poignantly in the film’s finale if there was any advice they would give their younger selves. Joan says she would have liked to have discovered yoga and mindfulness at a younger age. Eileen says she would like to have listened more and quit her bad temper. Joan heartbreakingly says she would have tried not to be so susceptible to falling in love. Maggie admits she doesn’t know what she would tell herself because she “wouldn’t be listening anyway.” After a laugh she answers more truthfully, her advice being “When in doubt, don’t.”
“Whatever it is, it’s too late,” Maggie says with defeated breath.
“Oh,” Joan exclaims, “but it’s never too late.”
‘Tea with The Dames’ is not rated. 94 minutes. Now playing at Laemmle’s Royal Theatre and streaming on Amazon Prime.
