REVIEW: A Man for All Seasons

Cheltenham

Venue: The Everyman Theatre

Multi-award winning theatre legend Martin Shaw stars as Sir Thomas More in A Man for All Seasons, Robert Bolt’s enduring play of faith, loyalty, and law. After over six decades of brilliant adaptations – the 1966 film version won the Academy Award for Best Picture – A Man for All Seasons has arrived at the Cheltenham Everyman fresh off a show-stopping reign at Theatre Royal Bath.

 

 

This play centres on King Henry the Eighth’s divorce from Catherine of Aragon and the inner machinations of the King’s court surrounding the proceedings. Henry swaggers onto the scene and immediately makes his presence known, making ladies cower before him and men bend over backwards to please his whims. To go against his word would surely be treasonous – and it’s this dilemma that Sir Thomas More must wrestle with.

It’s easy to be immersed into the world of the play – the staging is simple, featuring only a few locations, but very impressive, with towering walls designed to transform into a cosy home or freezing river.

 

 

The Common Man welcomes us to the stately halls of More’s home, wearing multiple hats to represent the ordinary people affected by the decisions and games the lords and ladies play. The Common Man brings some welcome levity to the drama, played by the wonderfully comedic Gary Wilmot.

Martin Shaw, perhaps best known for The Professionals, has a commanding, stately gravitas befitting the 16th Century setting, gentle when with his family but proud and loyal like a lion when defending his oath and decisions. Fans of historical dramas like The Tudors will be moved by his performance – at my showing, the audience gave a standing ovation! 

 

 

Those lucky enough to secure tickets to the musical SIX, coming to the Everyman in March, will be familiar with King Henry’s story, but A Man for All Seasons explores the truths, lies, and oaths made behind-the-scenes to make the story happen.

A Man for All Seasons is playing at the Everyman until Saturday 15th February. Don’t miss out on this enduring play exploring one of the important British historical moments – buy your tickets now!

 

Review by Leah

 

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