A Man For All Seasons (touring UK)

Pic: Annie Kingsnorth and Martin Shaw

Set in the first decade of the reign of King Henry the eighth, as he prepares to ‘divorce’ his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, who was unable to bring a baby boy into the world, this is a play that got me hooked fairly quickly. King Henry’s home, Hampton Court Palace is a mere train stop or two away from Richmond Theatre, and Sir Thomas More, played by former Professionals front man Martin Shaw, lived in Chelsea, a rural village in those days and now one of the wealthiest towns in London.

The play was narrated by another familiar face from 70s TV, Gary Wilmot, and he did a marvellous job. He was the glue that held it all together, provided the laughs among the dryness of the play, and had a variety of different characters who he smoothly moved into while moving various parts of the set into place.

Pic: Gary Wilmot. This was a really important phase in history. The major historical changes that happened around this time were not insignificant, including Cromwell’s rise to power, the conversion of the entire country’s religious focus, the dominance of the Tudor dynasty and the ever changing wives of a King. There’s some talented actors in this performance. Newcomer Annie Kingsnorth as Margaret More, in only her second professional performance since graduating, yet with vocal projection, diction and stage presence of a consummate performer. Edward Bennet as Thomas Cromwell was masterful and took command of the character from the start. My favourite however was Orlando James as the young king, jovial, egotistical and quite a charmer.

Pic: Orlando Jones. A Man For All Seasons is perfect for a Richmond audience, and the place was full. At the interval I heard much enthusiasm from the audience who were excited with the characters I’ve mentioned and looking forward to indulging in the second act. Make sure you get a ticket fast and look out for it touring around the UK in an Ambassadors Theatre near you.

https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/a-man-for-all-seasons/richmond-theatre/