Dame Judi Dench has paid tribute to her York school days, describing them as “wonderful” and full of mischief and inspiration.
The acclaimed actress returned to the city for a special appearance at York Theatre Royal on Sunday, where she spoke about her new book, Is It Too Late to Make a Run for it?, in conversation with Brendan O’Hea.
Her appearance received a standing ovation.
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During the event, Dame Judi reflected on her childhood at The Mount School in York, sharing fond memories and warm words for her alma mater.
She said: "Being in York is so special.
"My entire time at The Mount was wonderful and how I feel about it never changes.
"I can’t express how I feel about the school and I talk about it all over the world.
"I couldn’t be more grateful for my upbringing and belonging at The Mount."
Dame Judi also delighted the audience with stories from her school days, recalling moments of innocent trouble and laughter.
She said: "Once I threw a slipper down the boarding stairs railings with unlucky timing as it landed on the head’s tea tray as she was walking through the corridor.
"It was rather a good shot.
"Me and my friend from boarding once set off a fire extinguisher which caused a surprising amount of damage."
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She also spoke about less-loved traditions, including the school’s “wet walks”.
Dame Judi said: "The Mount wet walks (rainy walks) were not my favourite.
"With my friend Suzy we took coins for the phone box and mummy would collect us and take us home for tea, then douse us with the watering can so we looked suitably wet going back."
Two years ago, during an appearance at the Grand Opera House, The Mount School gifted Dame Judi a talking teddy bear named George, voiced by prep school pupil Arabella.
Dame Judi introduced the bear on stage, and on Sunday, she mentioned Arabella once more, calling her "the voice of my bear."
Dame Judi added: "The Mount sent me a lovely card this evening including a video of Prep School reciting The Owl & The Pussycat.
"They have also planted me a special cherry blossom tree, called Accolade, in their grounds. Thank you so much.”
Anna Wilby, head of The Mount School, said: "We are so proud that Dame Judi attended The Mount, acted on our stage, and continues to inspire our pupils.
"Her fond words mean so much to us all."
She also highlighted the school’s ongoing commitment to the arts.
Ms Wilby said: "Creative Arts are still a priority here today with our busy new dance studio, all our LAMDA students achieving Distinctions this year and exciting productions of Matilda in the Prep School and Oliver in Senior School, coming up soon."
Arabella said: "I love being the voice of Dame Judi’s bear, George, and reading out her favourite poem, and it was great to hear her talk on stage and wave at me.
"I feel so lucky."
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