She wants to tread the boards again.....

Neither did I. No words to express my happiness. I hope she will get some great offers soon...

Link! Link! Link!

http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Maggie-Smith-Would-Love-To-Return -To-The-Stage-Maybe-In-2015-20131120#

It's the times, what can we do...

Does she come off as one of the most pessimistic, insecure actors out there? I guess it is kind of endearing but she has always talked herself down and never allowed any gratitude or positive feedback.

She has no idea why she won the award despite being one of the most celebrated English stage actresses out there? She also never considered herself a movie actress or claimed she never knew how to act in front of a camera despite appearing in 50 films in major parts.

Blanchett / Bullock / Exarchopoulos / Thompson / Winslet

I think after so long (a decade?) away from the stage, her confidence has faltered.

I'd love to see her perform again but frankly, I can't think of any parts she could do.

No, not a decade, 6 years, and it is not so long... There had been 5 years between "The Breath of Life" and "The Lady from Dubuque".

" frankly, I can't think of any parts she could do" : what do you mean ? ... I think it is hard to make a choice and find the right part (does she prefer a new play or a revival ?), but Maggie Smith is so talented and versatile that she is able to play many leading roles on stage, and to play characters of different ages (although I suppose she has enough of very old ladies). I hope that producers and playwrights will be thrilled by the prospect of Dame Maggie returning to the theatre and that she'll get interesting offers soon !

I meant because of her age. Most performers play characters the same age, give or take a few years, and there are few parts for women of Maggie's age.

I am not British, but in our theatre, there are many parts for women of her age and many actors much older (I mean in their mid-90's) still act on stage, so for me, she is not old ; I do not know for the English repertory, but I hope someone will find (or write for) her a great part : she is wonderful on stage !