1 minute read
No scripts for Dame Judi
By Peter McLarenKennedy SPEAKING on the
Graham Norton Show, Dame Judi Dench said that she was no longer able to read scripts as her eye condition has worsened.
Appearing on the show, which was aired overnight on Friday, February 17, the James Bond star said: “It’s become impossible to read scripts.”
The 88yearold continued saying that reading scripts in the past was very easy for her as she has a photographic memory, but she now had to make use of a machine to help her learn her lines.” Dench was diagnosed with agerelated macular degen eration (AMD) in 2012, a condition that affects the central part of the retina. Although it doesn’t lead to blindness it takes away the central part of your vision according to the NHS.
The exact cause is unknown but it has been linked to smoking, high blood pressure, being overweight and having a family history of AMD.
Although Dame Judi Dench is no longer able to read scripts she said she has no plans to give up her career just yet.
Sir Lloyd Webber’s anthem
SIR ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER announced on Sunday, February 19, that he has been bestowed the great honour of composing a new anthem for King Charles’ Coronation. On May 6, Charles will be officially crowned as the King of England in a spectacular ceremony in Westminster Abbey.
Posting on his official Twitter profile, the legendary British musician wrote: “I am incredibly honoured to have been asked to compose a new anthem for the Coronation. My anthem includes words adapted from Psalm 98. I have scored it for the Westminster Abbey choir and organ, the ceremonial brass and orchestra. I hope my anthem reflects this joyful occasion.”
The ceremony will be followed the next day, May 7, by a massive Coronation concert at Windsor Castle. Its organisers are hoping to attract some of the biggest stars of the entertainment world to perform in this unique event to be broadcast by BBC. But two stars have confirmed they are unable to attend.
Ed Sheeran has a prior engagement in Texas while there was no explanation offered on Adele’s part. It is believed The Spice Girls and Lionel Richie are close to confirming their participation in the event.
