Nothing Like A Dame film review: A joyful tonic

Roger Michell’s delightful documentary Nothing Like A Dame captures the four great dames in conversation during one of their regular get-togethers at Plowright’s country home.

As well as delivering some of the finest stage and screen performances this country has ever seen, the four have been chums for the best part of six decades.

They recall professional triumphs, beastly directors, crushing reviews, the woes of growing older, the daunting challenge of playing Cleopatra, the tyranny of Laurence Olivier and much more.

A treasure trove of clips includes rare rehearsal footage, past interviews and treasured photos.

Nothing Like A Dame is gossipy, warm-hearted and good-natured, containing ample displays of Maggie Smith’s wicked wit and Joan Plowright’s wisdom and showing why all four are so deeply cherished.

A joyful tonic of a film.

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In cinemas from Wednesday