THERE is Nothing Like A Dame, as the song goes. And there’s no-one like Dame Maggie Smith.

The legend of film, theatre and television gave an enthusiastic, animated and highly amusing performance in the unlikely setting of the Rex Theatre in Wareham in support of the Purbeck Film Festival. There was not a spare seat in the house for her lively question and answer session.

The audience watched a screening of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie before meeting the star.

The veteran actress appeals to young and old after appearing in seven of the Harry Potter films.

She heard from festival organisers of the incredulity of a ten-year-old who had said: “You’ve got Professor McGonagall coming?”

Meanwhile a 16-year-old had confided she had read the star’s biography. Dame Maggie responded to laughter: “I haven’t.”

She revealed how she refused to wear a corset while filming Downton Abbey and the 82-year-old veteran of more than 50 films also paid tribute to the hard work of all the young actors in the Harry Potter films.

Striking a more sombre tone at the end of the 45-minute event, she explained how hard it had been to adjust to retirement.

“I am just about getting used to it but it’s something that can be distressing,” she said.

Dame Maggie’s appearance at the Rex on Saturday was part of a full weekend of events celebrating her life in film.

Yesterday 500 guests enjoyed another question and answer session at Harry Warren House in Studland. It was followed by the screening of Gosford Park.

Dame Maggie gave her time at the weekend for free, much to the gratitude of festival organisers. David Evans, chairman of the Purbeck Film Trust described her attendance as “incredible”.

This year is the 20th anniversary of the popular festival which is mainly staffed by volunteers.

It runs until October 29. See purbeckfilm.com