A Man For All Seasons – Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

Writer: Robert Bolt

Director: Jonathan Church

The Tudors provide fascinating material for screen and stage, from the eye-popping The Tudors to the recent politically charged adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall. A Man For All Seasons is another Tudor tale, with this revival of acclaimed writer Robert Bolt’s work bringing to the fore besieged Sir Thomas More and his clash with divorce-seeking Henry VIII.

Martin Shaw stars at the morally stubborn More, caught in the crossfire between the Papacy and the Crown in his role as Lord Chancellor. The production, full of lengthy conversations questioning morality, loyalty and deception, maintains a level of tension throughout as Henry VIII’s inner circle rounds on the kind More. Historical fiction has the unenviable problem of fate, and though it is well documented what will, and does, happen to More, this production creates enough tension and intrigue to keep this frequently trodden story fresh.

Shaw’s portrayal of More captures well the figure’s renowned, and damming, moral compass. In a Tudor world increasingly full of deceit, More’s calm and considered nature is tested, with Shaw superbly delivering his measured character. From the moment Shaw appears, More’s character oozes an understated charisma which draws attention to him, despite his obvious restraint, and it is fascinating to see More’s resilience so well-crafted as the play unfolds.

In addition, Gary Wilmot brings much needed humour into the production as The Common Man, multi-rolling as a narrator and then a plethora of other characters within the various Tudor courts. It is a production, and a script, which threatens to get stuck in lengthy, verbose, conversations, with Tudor power plays playing out like an early-modern Succession, yet this is rescued by Wilmot’s wit. Wilmot’s fun, energetic and witty delivery provides a much-needed contrast, and the injection of humour is well placed throughout.

Edward Bennett’s Thomas Cromwell, out to get Cromwell, is a little too much a pantomime villain on occasion, with the close to the first half so oddly executed between Cromwell and Rich (Calum Finlay) that it felt anti-climactic rather than significant. Nevertheless, Bennett’s Cromwell is instantly unlikeable, and this helps push us further into rooting for the fated More.

The backdrop to this production is provided by Simon Higlett’s design, dominated by wood panelling that quickly evokes the era. What is impressive, though, is the set’s malleability with walls quickly flying in and out revealing new windows, lit fireplaces and numerous bookshelves to place us into a multitude of Tudor courts.

Despite some long and plodding dialogue-laden scenes, A Man For All Seasons carries enough intrigue as it throws us into the lion’s pit of courts in Tudor England, and works hard to keep fans of the period, and of similar historical pieces, entertained.

Runs until 8 March 2025 then continues tour.