
A Man for all Seasons
Chichester Festival Theatre
There is a fascination in Britain regarding the Tudor era, Henry VIII and his wives have dominated books, film and theatre since the sixteenth century. But looking beyond the matrimonial headlines, the political sphere dominated by religious reform is equally compelling. Characters such as Cardinal Wolsey, Thomas More and Thomas Cromwell are entrenched in our history as the ‘Church of England’ is founded.
It is Thomas More that is the subject of A Man For All Seasons, a play written by Robert Bolt, and directed by Jonathan Church currently playing at Chichester Festival Theatre. For once Henry (Orlando James) plays almost a cameo as the play centres around More’s family, connections and career. As Henry breaks from the Catholic Church to wed social climber Anne Boleyn, More struggles with his conscience and moral integrity as his hand is being forced to deny his faith.
Veteran actor Martin Shaw reprises the hefty role of Thomas More which he portrayed in the West End nearly 20 years ago. His is a compassionate portrayal of a calm and measured man striving not to incriminate himself with words or deed. This is to the chagrin of his wife Alice (Abigail Cruttenden) and daughter Margaret (Annie Kingsnorth) who would rather he agrees with the King to maintain the status quo and position.
Gary Wilmot is delightful as ‘the common man’ playing a variety of minor roles as he serves as a narrator guiding us through the characters and political landscape. His wit and ability to weave a tale momentarily lightening the mood in what would otherwise be a very sombre evening.
Whether it is true or not, Bolt’s play is sympathetic to Thomas More, heavily suggesting that he was a victim and ultimately framed. The tension of the evening steadily grows as pressure from the King, enacted by Cromwell, played excellently by Edward Bennett, sends More to the tower on a trial for treason (and you know what THAT means in Tudor times).
A Man for all Seasons is very compellingly watchable and despite the simplicity of the set and the gentleness of the language, it gripped the audience from start to finish. Highly recommended.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reviewer: Sammi O’Neill
Photo: Simon Annand