Oscar-nominated national treasure Dame Judi Dench has congratulated a young theatre company for their award-winning production of George Bernard Shaw’s intimate comedy Village Wooing.
SHAW2020’s production, directed by Welwyn Garden City Campus West panto director Jonas Cemm, won a ‘Standing Ovation’ award at the 2021 London Pub Theatre Awards and is a finalist for an OffFest award at this year’s Offies.
Village Wooing starred Campus West panto favourite Joe Sargent as ‘A’ and Maryann O’Brien as ‘Z’.
Dame Judi, who is nominated for best supporting actress at this year’s Academy Awards for her breathtaking performance in Kenneth Branagh’s Belfast, appeared alongside the late Richard Briers in Village Wooing on ITV in 1979.
“Congratulations to Jonas and the team for the nomination and win for Village Wooing, a play I have fond memories of performing in,” said Dame Judi, who is a Shaw Society vice-president. “It’s wonderful to see SHAW2020’s work continue to thrive as shown by this industry recognition. I wish their production continued success.”
Village Wooing, a comedietta for two voices, is a charming 60-minute two-hander in which the characters, simply named ‘A’ and ‘Z’, play a relentless game of cat and mouse across land and sea.
Dame Judi Dench pictured during The Shaw Society’s 80th anniversary online celebrations, produced in association with SHAW2020 (Image: The Shaw Society)
SHAW2020 Theatre Company 