A look back at Dame Judi Dench's fear of snakes and a memorable performance.
Dame Judi Dench, the celebrated British actress, recently recounted a harrowing experience from her illustrious career that left her speechless for two days. Known for her remarkable talent and a career spanning over eight decades, Dench’s fear of snakes came to a head during a performance of Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra in 1987.
This incident not only highlights her bravery as an actress but also sheds light on the challenges performers face.
The fear of snakes
Despite being a seasoned performer, Dench had a lifelong fear of snakes. This fear was put to the test when she was cast as Cleopatra, a role that involved the use of live snakes on stage.
To confront her phobia, Dench sought advice from her late husband, Michael Williams, who suggested that she humanize the snakes by giving them names. This quirky approach led to the naming of the snakes Wilson, Keppel, and Betty, inspired by a popular British vaudeville act.
A dramatic performance
As the production progressed, Dench faced her fears head-on, performing alongside the snakes during pivotal scenes. However, the true test came during the final bow of the performance. In a moment of chaos, one of the snakes fell from her wig as she took her bow, sending her into a panic. Dench recalled, “I was so scared I lost my voice for two days.” This incident not only illustrates the unpredictability of live theater but also the emotional toll it can take on performers.
Continued use of snakes in theater
Despite Dench’s traumatic experience, the National Theatre has continued to incorporate live snakes in their productions of Antony and Cleopatra. The last known performance featuring live snakes took place in 2018, with actress Sophie Okonedo in the lead role. Audience members were warned about the presence of live snakes in the program, yet some still found themselves unprepared for the reality of the situation. Reports from attendees revealed that some were so frightened they covered their eyes during critical scenes, while others witnessed snakes slipping off the stage into the audience.
In a humorous twist, a post from the National Theatre’s Facebook page in May 2020 mentioned an incident where one of the snakes bit a prop man, further emphasizing the unpredictable nature of live performances. Dench’s experience serves as a reminder of the unique challenges actors face, especially when dealing with live animals on stage.
