There’s Nothing Like a Dame Day is celebrated on April 17. The day was created to honor the women of the theater and films. The idea was further popularized when veteran actresses Dames Eileen Atkins, Judi Dench, Joan Plowright, and Maggie Smith came together for the documentary “There’s Nothing Like a Dame.” We are here to show you how you can celebrate the day in the best way possible and tell you how the term ‘Dame’ has changed over the years. It went from being a female ruler to something that referred to all women. In the U.K., a Dame is a woman who has been honored for her work for a long time.
History of There’s Nothing Like a Dame Day
In the fourteenth century, the title ‘Dame’ was a sign of honor to women. In places like the U.K., Australia, and New Zealand, ‘Dame’ was the feminine counterpart of ‘Sir,’ which was for men. The chivalric order, ‘The Order of Ermine,’ was the first to recognize women. There were many notable women knights throughout the Middle Ages. Previously, the term ‘Dame’ referred to the wife of a knight. In the seventeenth century, it was replaced by ‘Lady.’ In the twentieth century, the term ‘dame’ referred to all women. In 1932, the film “Dames,” a musical comedy, was released. It had many popular dance numbers like “The Girl at the Ironing Board” and “Try to See It My Way.” In 1949, “South Pacific,” a musical, came out. It featured the song “There’s Nothing Like a Dame,” in which seven sailors sang, longing for women in their lives.
In 2018, British theater and television director Roger Michell made the film documentary “Nothing Like a Dame Day,” which starred actresses of yesteryears like Judy Dench, Joan Plowright, and Maggie Smith. The documentary shed light on these women’s lives and how theater and cinema changed over the years. In the U.S., the documentary went by “Tea With The Dames.”
There’s Nothing Like a Dame Day timeline
The Order of Ermine becomes the first chivalry to accept women.
The title ‘Dame’ is given to the wife of a knight.
People regard the fast-talking women in the movies from the 40s and the 50s as Dames.
The documentary "Nothing Like A Dame" is released, followed by the creation of ‘There's Nothing Like a Dame Day.’
There’s Nothing Like a Dame Day FAQs
Who sang in “There Is Nothing Like A Dame” on Morecambe and Wise?
In the comic version of the song on Morecambe and Wise, the song featured Cliff Richard.
Where can I see “Nothing Like A Dame?”
You can watch “Nothing Like A Dame” on the AMC+Amazon channel, the AMC+Roku premium channel, and DIRECTV.
Are Judy Dench and Maggie Smith friends?
Judy Dench and Maggie Smith started their professional careers approximately at the same time in 1958. They have been friends for more than 60 years.
There’s Nothing Like a Dame Day Activities
Show some love to the Dames in your life
Show some love to the women in your life. Let them know that you appreciate what they do and are grateful for them being in your life.
Share the information on social media
Let everyone know the importance of this day. Write articles on ‘There's Nothing Like a Dame Day’ and share them on social media.
Watch a Dame documentary
Watch the documentary "Nothing Like a Dame" or "Tea With the Dames." Take a peek into the lives of actresses from a forgotten era.
5 Facts About Dame Judy Dench
She played as a snail
As a child, Dench debuted as a snail in a play.
She is a dame
Dench has the prefix ‘Dame’ to her name and prefers people to refer to her like that.
She acted in James Bond
Dench played the iconic character of M in the James Bond movies.
She has a tattoo
The 81-year-old has a ‘Carpe Diem’ tattoo on her wrists.
She won the Oscar
Dench won the Oscar for the movie "Shakespeare in Love" in 1998.
Why We Love There’s Nothing Like a Dame Day
It gives us a chance to appreciate the Dames in our lives
This day allows the appreciation of the women in our lives. It is the perfect day to show them you care by doing something special for them.
It tells us the story of the Dames in Hollywood
‘There's Nothing Like A Dame Day’ is dedicated to women in theater and television. It is a day to recognize their work and appreciate the work they've done.
It gives us a chance to expand our knowledge
Today is a day of learning and sharing knowledge. It gives us a chance to learn how the word ‘Dame’ changed over the years, how the dames of Hollywood spent their lives, e.t.c.
There’s Nothing Like a Dame Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April 17 | Thursday |
| 2026 | April 17 | Friday |
| 2027 | April 17 | Saturday |
| 2028 | April 17 | Monday |
| 2029 | April 17 | Tuesday |
