Dame Judi Dench to make BBC Proms debut

Dame Judi described Sondheim as a 'genius'

Dame Judi Dench is to make her BBC Proms debut at a concert devoted to Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim.

The Oscar-winning actress will sing Send In The Clowns from A Little Night Music at the concert to celebrate Sondheim's 80th birthday year.

Dame Judi said singing at the Proms was "hugely exciting" but "daunting".

Sondheim will be present at Saturday's concert, which will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 at 1930 BST and later on BBC Two at 2000 BST.

On hearing Dame Judi's performance of Send In The Clowns at the National Theatre in 1995, Sondheim is said to have told the acclaimed actress: "It's yours now."

She hailed the composer as a "genius" and said: "His impact on musical theatre can never be overstated and I'm delighted to be part of his 80th birthday celebrations at the BBC Proms."

The line-up for the Sondheim celebration includes Proms favourite Bryn Terfel alongside Simon Russell Beale, Daniel Evans, Maria Friedman, Caroline O'Connor, Julian Ovenden and Jenna Russell.

Songs will also be performed from Follies, Sunday In The Park With George, Into The Woods, The Frogs, Company, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum and Sweeney Todd.

The Sondheim at 80 Prom will also be the first Prom for deaf concert-goers. It will be signed by Paul Whittaker, who is profoundly deaf and has worked on West End productions such as Les Miserables and Grease.