I'll never forget my good fortune....the play was sold out in NY but as I walked past the theatre a rather shy man asked if I was looking for a ticket. He had brought a church group to see it and had one "no show" . He just wanted to get his money back for the face value of the ticket (no scalper, he). It was a balcony seat to an amazing performance. I waited for Maggie at the stage door and got an autograph. She was somewhat distracted and quick but as I turned around, I saw opera singer Jessye Norman and her entourage behind me also waiting to see Maggie. WOW! Two divas in one night!
Dame Maggie Smith didn't do anything merely on stage or on the screen. She breathed life into her role and brought color to every character she portrayed. Her performances induced us to laugh or reduced us to tears. She was a brilliant comedienne and an unforgettable thespian. She was truly one of a kind. There will never be anyone like her. She will be sorely missed. RIP, dearest Lady!
I was fortunate enough to see Dame Maggie Smith and Margaret Tyzack perform "Lettice and Lovage" at the Gielgud Theatre in London in 1987. I will never forget how in awe I was seeing Dame Maggie live on stage just feet away from me!
I saw this when it played on Broadway, and these performances by Maggie Smith and Margaret Tyzack were extremely memorable, as is Peter Shaffer's play itself. Hugely enjoyable. I waited at the stage door for autographs. Maggie only spoke in a whisper outside in order to save her voice for her performances, but it was a joy to meet her and I treasure that signed Playbill.
Both actresses won tony Awards for their performances in "Lettice and Lovage". They also toured Australia together performing two one-act plays by Alan Bennett.
I saw this on Broadway with Smith and Tyzack in the roles. It was the first play that I ever saw on Broadway. I'll never forget how perfect the writing was, and how perfectly they delivered their lines. The laugher of the audience came just when it needed to come at every moment, thanks to the brilliance of the playwright and actors. Watching it was such a great experience. I wish they would do a movie or a televised play version of it starring Emma Thompson and Imelda Staunton. This is truly a great play, so original and funny.
I'll top that one! I saw it in London, and in the royal box appeared the Queen Mother, entering late and bringing the audience to their feet in respect. There's a line in the play about the architecture of Buckingham Palace, and all necks swiveled to see the reaction of the QM before echoing her laugh. And at the end...will I ever see a curtsy curtsied deeper than Maggie S's to the royal box that night? I thought she might face plant into the stage floor.
It seems like I also saw a clip of this were she is on the stairs with the tourists and telling a story. I wish I could see it again. This clip is great. Maggie Smith understands the idea of relishing every moment. Brilliant
Dame Maggie Smith is really a GREAT actress, one of the best of our times. Thanks God the UK provides us with excellent actors and actresses. Any chance to see some more parts of this lovely play, "Lettice & Lovage"?
Is there a DVD for this production? I couldn't find it on Amazon. I would buy it in a heartbeat, she's absolutely hilarious:) I laughed out loud when she said: "At the moment you exude a certain grey integrity, please do not try to contaminate it with colour." What I can't understand, however, is WHYOHWHY aren't there MORE of these wonderful performances captured on camera? It would be a delight to watch more of DMS on stage, where she spent 50+ years.
Boy, there sure don't write 'em or act 'em like THIS anymore! Great stars need (at least) good scripts - and LETTICE AND LOVEAGE was far more than good. Smith played it almost continuously for 3 years in the late 80s to early 90s. She turned down a LOT of money to do a U.S. tour because the producers wanted her to play HUGE theaters -and she knew it would destroy the integrity of the piece. It's hard to believe this great performance - plus Margaret Tyzack's - was not captured on film or at least on tape for TV. I suppose it all came down to M-O-N-E-Y. Well, at least five minutes of it exists...but who wouldn't be hungry for more?
Margaret Tyzack passed away on June 25th, aged 79. Rest in Peace, Lotte Schoen, Winifred Forsyte Dartie, Queen Anne, Antonia, Cousin Bette, Lady Bruton, Helen Seymour, and all the other women you brought to life for lucky theatregoers in England and Canada.
And this is why these moments should be seen on the Tony telecast! Anyone who thinks this isn't "entertaining" is "merely" waiting for the dirt to cover their coffin. Such brilliance, all around!!!
I had the joy of seeing Maggie Smith on Broadway in "Private Lives" and a Tom Stoppard play written for her (title escapes me at the moment). Smith had a scheduling conflict and couldn't do the role at that time so in stepped Diana Rigg who enjoyed a great success with it. Maggie was reluctant to perform the role in the wake of Rigg's triumph but eventually did so to acclaim in New York. She was nominated for a Tony but didn't win, which I've never understood.
I never get tired of watching this video ! I adore the way Maggie says : " mysterious " at 0:58. I can't help laughing when she says : " I can not accept meeereeely.. I do not do anything MERELY " Ha! Ha! :D Thanks for posting it, Margaret !
I cant stop watching this. I recently read the play - pure comedic genius. Do you happen to know where I can find the full recording, perhaps a DVD of the play? I am so sad I wasn't born sooner to have been in New York in 1990 to see this on Broadway. Maggie Smith is magic.
Marybethbaxterburny - PLEASE tell me how you arranged for that privilege#!?#?! This performance was the FINEST night I ever enjoyed on Bway! I'd give anything to relive that thrill :)
@mattdemon @stachi421 wow, lucky ones, I would stand on my head to be able to watch that :( I have found the recording in the catalog of the library, but the pond is a bit wide for me to be able to jump over it :) ... Now, is there a [barely legal] way to smuggle it out of the library, make a copy and return it? :) Seriously, though, I would give anything to be able to watch that. :|
@mirrenfan2 Lucky you! I only got to see her when the RSC brought "All's Well" to Broadway. I've been kicking myself for decades for not going to see her at the Canadian Stratford. A friend who acted with her there told me she redefined the word "trouper"--going on with migraines so painful he was surprised she could stand up, let alone play Mrs. Alving magnificently. Every actor I know wants to die with their greasepaint on and I'm glad to know she was in demand to the very end.
Two brilliant actressses sadly no longer with us I believe SSmith refeused to take this to America unless Tyzack went with her such was the Chemistery between them
I'll never forget my good fortune....the play was sold out in NY but as I walked past the theatre a rather shy man asked if I was looking for a ticket. He had brought a church group to see it and had one "no show" . He just wanted to get his money back for the face value of the ticket (no scalper, he). It was a balcony seat to an amazing performance. I waited for Maggie at the stage door and got an autograph. She was somewhat distracted and quick but as I turned around, I saw opera singer Jessye Norman and her entourage behind me also waiting to see Maggie. WOW! Two divas in one night!
Dame Maggie Smith didn't do anything merely on stage or on the screen. She breathed life into her role and brought color to every character she portrayed. Her performances induced us to laugh or reduced us to tears. She was a brilliant comedienne and an unforgettable thespian. She was truly one of a kind. There will never be anyone like her. She will be sorely missed. RIP, dearest Lady!
I was fortunate enough to see Dame Maggie Smith and Margaret Tyzack perform "Lettice and Lovage" at the Gielgud Theatre in London in 1987. I will never forget how in awe I was seeing Dame Maggie live on stage just feet away from me!
How i envy that audience. I would love to see this woman on stage. One of the last of the truly great actresses.
I saw this when it played on Broadway, and these performances by Maggie Smith and Margaret Tyzack were extremely memorable, as is Peter Shaffer's play itself. Hugely enjoyable. I waited at the stage door for autographs. Maggie only spoke in a whisper outside in order to save her voice for her performances, but it was a joy to meet her and I treasure that signed Playbill.
Both actresses won tony Awards for their performances in "Lettice and Lovage". They also toured Australia together performing two one-act plays by Alan Bennett.
I would give anything to see a filmed performance of this play with Dame Maggie.
Loved Maggie and the great Margaret Tyzack. Both great and Maggie is still here, lucky us. Tyzack is gone, but she was a treasure as well.
I saw this on Broadway with Smith and Tyzack in the roles. It was the first play that I ever saw on Broadway. I'll never forget how perfect the writing was, and how perfectly they delivered their lines. The laugher of the audience came just when it needed to come at every moment, thanks to the brilliance of the playwright and actors. Watching it was such a great experience. I wish they would do a movie or a televised play version of it starring Emma Thompson and Imelda Staunton. This is truly a great play, so original and funny.
emma and Imelda switching roles nightly!!!!!!!
I'll top that one! I saw it in London, and in the royal box appeared the Queen Mother, entering late and bringing the audience to their feet in respect. There's a line in the play about the architecture of Buckingham Palace, and all necks swiveled to see the reaction of the QM before echoing her laugh. And at the end...will I ever see a curtsy curtsied deeper than Maggie S's to the royal box that night? I thought she might face plant into the stage floor.
It seems like I also saw a clip of this were she is on the stairs with the tourists and telling a story. I wish I could see it again. This clip is great. Maggie Smith understands the idea of relishing every moment. Brilliant
Dame Maggie Smith is really a GREAT actress, one of the best of our times. Thanks God the UK provides us with excellent actors and actresses. Any chance to see some more parts of this lovely play, "Lettice & Lovage"?
Is there a DVD for this production? I couldn't find it on Amazon. I would buy it in a heartbeat, she's absolutely hilarious:) I laughed out loud when she said: "At the moment you exude a certain grey integrity, please do not try to contaminate it with colour." What I can't understand, however, is WHYOHWHY aren't there MORE of these wonderful performances captured on camera? It would be a delight to watch more of DMS on stage, where she spent 50+ years.
It doesn't get better than this.
Boy, there sure don't write 'em or act 'em like THIS anymore!
Great stars need (at least) good scripts - and LETTICE AND
LOVEAGE was far more than good. Smith played it almost
continuously for 3 years in the late 80s to early 90s. She
turned down a LOT of money to do a U.S. tour because the
producers wanted her to play HUGE theaters -and she knew
it would destroy the integrity of the piece. It's hard to believe
this great performance - plus Margaret Tyzack's - was not
captured on film or at least on tape for TV. I suppose it all
came down to M-O-N-E-Y. Well, at least five minutes
of it exists...but who wouldn't be hungry for more?
"...and to all true enemies of the 'mere'"
Margaret Tyzack passed away on June 25th, aged 79. Rest in Peace, Lotte Schoen, Winifred Forsyte Dartie, Queen Anne, Antonia, Cousin Bette, Lady Bruton, Helen Seymour, and all the other women you brought to life for lucky theatregoers in England and Canada.
And the United States. She was indeed a great actress not always recognize for her talent. I will never forget Winifred Forsyte and cousin Bette.
And this is why these moments should be seen on the Tony telecast! Anyone who thinks this isn't "entertaining" is "merely" waiting for the dirt to cover their coffin. Such brilliance, all around!!!
I had the joy of seeing Maggie Smith on Broadway in "Private Lives" and a Tom Stoppard play written for her (title escapes me at the moment). Smith had a scheduling conflict and couldn't do the role at that time so in stepped Diana Rigg who enjoyed a great success with it. Maggie was reluctant to perform the role in the wake of Rigg's triumph but eventually did so to acclaim in New York. She was nominated for a Tony but didn't win, which I've never understood.
I never get tired of watching this video ! I adore the way Maggie says : " mysterious " at 0:58. I can't help laughing when she says : " I can not accept meeereeely.. I do not do anything MERELY " Ha! Ha! :D
Thanks for posting it, Margaret !
I cant stop watching this. I recently read the play - pure comedic genius. Do you happen to know where I can find the full recording, perhaps a DVD of the play? I am so sad I wasn't born sooner to have been in New York in 1990 to see this on Broadway. Maggie Smith is magic.
How perfect in every way!
Five minutes of uninterrupted talent.
Oh please, let us know if there is a video recording of this somewhere in this Universe?
she won the TONY for this....Ladysssss
I just watched the full performance at nypl today. It was amazing!!
Marybethbaxterburny - PLEASE tell me how you arranged for that privilege#!?#?! This performance was the FINEST night I ever enjoyed on Bway! I'd give anything to relive that thrill :)
This scene was presented at the Tony Awards (1991, I think). To my knowledge, no video or film documents the entire production. That's a pity.
The Tonys need to do this again to give plays as much visibility and accessibility as musicals.
@mattdemon @stachi421 wow, lucky ones, I would stand on my head to be able to watch that :( I have found the recording in the catalog of the library, but the pond is a bit wide for me to be able to jump over it :) ... Now, is there a [barely legal] way to smuggle it out of the library, make a copy and return it? :) Seriously, though, I would give anything to be able to watch that. :|
I wish I could se her performing in real life! I would give almost anything to see Maggie let alone to meet her! :)
@bobzeschin Thanks for your comment. I was very lucky to see Margaret Tyzack onstage in 2009 in "Phédre". She was amazing.
thank you thank you thank you
Maggie at her best!!!
Amazing
Am I supposed to laugh, cry, scream, or do all at once?
@mirrenfan2 Lucky you! I only got to see her when the RSC brought "All's Well" to Broadway. I've been kicking myself for decades for not going to see her at the Canadian Stratford. A friend who acted with her there told me she redefined the word "trouper"--going on with migraines so painful he was surprised she could stand up, let alone play Mrs. Alving magnificently. Every actor I know wants to die with their greasepaint on and I'm glad to know she was in demand to the very end.
I'm pretty sure she's still alive, (Hope so!)
What will we do without Mags?
Thank you so much for putting that on again (hope it stays a little...). She does nothing "mere" LOL - how true!!
Hugs, Micha
Practicing for the dowager and Mrs Crawley 😎
Wow what a treat! Thank you for sharing !
@stachi421 omg - ME TOO!! the amazing Maggie Smith.
haha maggie is just amazing
This seems to have been recorded in full - can anyone take this research further? www.worldcat.org/title/lettice-lovage/oclc/234090142
I can really hear the influence of Kenneth Williams in Dame Maggie's performance
In fact, it's a total rip off 😅🤣
God I love this women
The title of the Stoppard play is "Night and Day".
Two brilliant actressses sadly no longer with us I believe SSmith refeused to take this to America unless Tyzack went with her such was the Chemistery between them
This happened to my elderly Mother.
1:17 1:51 ICON