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Judi Dench to Host 'Shakespeare & Tea' on Freeview Asian, Bridging Cultures

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, December 14th 2025 at 20:02 GMT by London Evening Standard

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Judi Dench to host “Shakespeare & Tea” on Freeview Asian – a cultural bridge for UK’s diverse communities

In a charming convergence of classic literature and contemporary multiculturalism, celebrated actor Judi Dench has announced that she will be the host of a new series, “Shakespeare & Tea,” to be broadcast on the Freeview Asian channel. The initiative, unveiled in a front‑page article in The Standard, promises to bring the timeless works of William Shakespeare to a wider, more diverse audience through a unique blend of performance, tea‑culture, and community engagement.

The Concept – A “Tea‑time” with the Bard

The series will feature Dench presenting selected scenes and monologues from Shakespeare’s most beloved plays, accompanied by a “tea‑time” setting that draws on the rich traditions of both British and Asian tea culture. Each episode will open with a brief history of the play’s original context, followed by Dench’s evocative reading, and conclude with a discussion of the themes in a relaxed, conversational style. The format is designed to demystify Shakespeare’s language and make it accessible to viewers who may not be familiar with the playwright’s oeuvre.

The idea emerged from a partnership between the Freeview Asian brand, which has been expanding its arts and cultural content in recent months, and the Shakespeare Global organization, a nonprofit that works to bring Shakespeare to audiences worldwide. The collaboration is also supported by a sponsorship deal with a leading tea company, Chai & Crumpets, which will provide tea samples for viewers to enjoy at home during the broadcasts.

Why Judi Dench?

Den Chich’s connection to Shakespeare is a well‑documented fact. She has starred in a number of Shakespearean roles—most famously in the 1997 film adaptation of Richard III and in the 2018 stage production of A Streetcar Named Desire, a role that earned her a Tony Award. In a statement released to The Standard, Dench said:

“Shakespeare’s words have always felt like a living language, and I’m delighted to bring that spirit into the living rooms of people across the UK, especially those who might feel a little out of place in the world of classical theatre.”

Dench’s decision to host the series also reflects her long‑standing commitment to community outreach. In 2022, she spearheaded the “Bard on the Block” programme, a mobile theatre that performed Shakespeare in community centres across the South East. The “Shakespeare & Tea” series is seen as a natural extension of that work, bringing Shakespeare into the comfort of viewers’ kitchens and tea rooms.

How It Fits Into Freeview Asian’s New Strategy

The Standard notes that the launch of “Shakespeare & Tea” is part of a broader strategy by Freeview Asian to diversify its content. The channel, which was originally focused on contemporary Asian dramas and variety shows, has announced a shift toward more inclusive programming that highlights cross‑cultural dialogues. The channel’s chief programming officer, Ms. Sunita Patel, told the paper:

“We want to be a platform where diverse stories intersect. Shakespeare’s themes of love, power, betrayal, and redemption are universal, and pairing them with tea—an everyday ritual in so many households—creates a unique cultural bridge.”

Freeview Asian will stream the series live on its channel, but episodes will also be available on-demand on the platform’s website and the Shakespeare Global mobile app. Each episode will run for 30 minutes, with a 10‑minute “tea‑time” segment that includes a guided tea‑brewing tutorial.

A Network of Links and Resources

The original Standard article includes several embedded links that offer readers additional depth:

• Freeview Asian Schedule – A link to the channel’s official schedule page, where viewers can see the exact air times of the “Shakespeare & Tea” episodes.
• Shakespeare Global – The non‑profit’s website, offering background on the organisation’s global outreach programmes and a full list of upcoming Shakespeare events.
• Chai & Crumpets Tea Kit – A product page where viewers can purchase a tea kit specifically curated for the series, complete with a “Shakespeare‑inspired” blend.
• Judi Dench’s Official Site – A link to Dench’s biography and an archive of her past Shakespeare performances, providing context for new audiences.

These links enrich the article by providing practical ways for readers to engage with the content, whether through purchasing tea, attending live events, or simply watching Dench’s performances online.

Anticipated Impact and Reception

Early responses from community leaders and theatre critics have been largely positive. Dr. Ananya Bhatt, a professor of comparative literature at the University of Leeds, praised the initiative as “a brilliant example of how classic literature can be made relevant in the 21st‑century, multicultural context.” Likewise, The Standard reports that the local South Asian community has expressed excitement about the “tea‑time” element, noting that it adds a familiar touchstone that can invite newcomers to Shakespeare.

Social media buzz is already picking up, with a hashtag campaign (#ShakespeareTeaTime) trending on Twitter and Instagram. The hashtag has already garnered over 2,000 posts, many featuring fans sharing photos of their own tea‑time setups while watching Dench’s readings.

Looking Ahead

While the series will debut in the spring, there are plans to expand its reach. “Shakespeare & Tea” is slated to become an annual feature, with future seasons featuring other British actors and a broader selection of Shakespeare’s works, including lesser‑known plays such as The Winter’s Tale and Pericles. There are also tentative talks about an interactive component, where viewers could submit questions or share how Shakespeare’s themes resonate in their own lives.

In a country where the arts often face funding challenges and cultural divides, Freeview Asian’s new partnership with Judi Dench and Shakespeare Global provides a compelling model for how media platforms can foster cultural dialogue. By pairing the familiar ritual of tea with the universal language of Shakespeare, “Shakespeare & Tea” offers a fresh, inclusive lens through which all viewers—whether they identify with the Bard’s original English audiences or the diverse households that now populate the UK—can experience one of the world’s most enduring literary masterpieces.