Judi Dench and Siân Phillips admitted as first female members into Garrick Club

In a historic move, the prestigious Garrick Club has welcomed its first female members, Judi Dench and Siân Phillips, following a vote in May that overturned previous rejections of proposals to admit women. Dench, 89, renowned for her award-winning performances in theatre and film, and Phillips, 91, known for her distinguished career on stage, are among the first women to be fast-tracked for membership at the 193-year-old private members’ club in Covent Garden. The club's rulebook was scrutinized, revealing no explicit prohibition against women joining, leading to their inclusion at the annual general meeting on Monday. The decision to admit women marks a significant shift for the Garrick Club, which had previously restricted female access unless accompanied by a man. The vote to allow women was supported by about 60% of the club's members, with notable figures like Mary Beard, Amber Rudd, Cathy Newman, and Ayesha Hazarika nominated as prospective female members. Despite concerns about the lengthy membership process, a rule allowing the election of four distinguished members annually could see four women added to the club's roster by the end of the year. Founded in 1831 as a gathering place for actors and arts patrons, the Garrick Club's exclusive membership list, which includes prominent figures like politicians, musicians, and actors, was revealed earlier this year, sparking calls for greater gender diversity. The move to admit Dench and Phillips has been hailed as a symbolic step towards inclusivity by campaigners advocating for increased representation of women in public life. The club's decision to embrace female members has been met with enthusiasm, with author Mary Ann Sieghart emphasizing the significance of this milestone in breaking gender barriers. The Garrick Club's acceptance of female members reflects a broader societal shift towards gender equality and inclusivity in traditionally male-dominated spaces. With the addition of Dench and Phillips, the club is poised to evolve and thrive, attracting a more diverse membership base. The move has been lauded as a positive step towards recognizing the contributions and achievements of women in the arts and public life, setting a precedent for other exclusive institutions to embrace diversity and equality.