Tea With the Dames

Roger Michell: What would your advice be to your young self?

Judi Dench: Oh, christ...

Joan Plowright: I would say get in touch with yoga or mindfulness at quite an early age. And learn about the brain and what influence it has on the body. All those things that I've come to be interested in later on in life and could have done with doing earlier.

Eileen Atkins: Well, I think Joan kind of leads to a version of mine, which I would say is not to be so very bad tempered and confrontational. And listen more.

Maggie Smith: Honest to God, I don't know, because most likely I wouldn't be listening . But I would say: When in doubt, don't.

Joan Plowright: That's good. It should be a motto, that. When in doubt, don't.

Judi Dench: I would say: Try not to be so susceptible to falling in love.

Eileen Atkins: No - be more susceptible.