Maggie Smith and Judi Dench team up in ‘Nothing Like A Dame’

Four of the most celebrated women in British film, TV and theatre will appear onscreen together for the first time in a new BBC documentary.

Described as “funny, poignant and intimate,” Nothing Like A Dame will follow Joan Plowright, Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and Eileen Atkins as they gather at the weekend retreat that Plowright once shared with Laurence Olivier to reminisce over seven decades’ worth of insights and revelations.

The official synopsis reads: “Sixty years ago, seismic changes ripped through the cultural establishment and together with music and fashion, British theatre underwent an explosion of creativity and talent. Right at the heart of the action were four young actresses: Joan Plowright, Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and Eileen Atkins.

“Nothing Like A Dame has a unique focus that can only come from great actors who are old friends and have lived through some of the most extraordinary dramatic landmarks of the 20th and 21st centuries.

“All have received Dame-hoods in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the acting profession and have become international acting icons.”

BBC executive Mark Bell told The Telegraph: “These four great dames are friends with a long, shared history, and they often meet up and reminisce. We know them well but usually see them in character. To see these incredibly celebrated women talking naturally together felt like a fresh take.”

Nothing Like A Dame will air in the UK on BBC Two later this year.