A Man for All Seasons (Theatre Group)

A Man for All Seasons is a play by Robert Bolt based on the life of Sir Thomas More a staunch Catholic answering only to God and the Pope during the reign of Henry VIII. More was played excellently by Martin Shaw in a reprise of the same role some 20 years ago.

Thomas More, a loving family man who was an English lawyer, judge and social philosopher. He was a Councillor to the King and became Lord Chancellor for a short time.  He opposes Henry VIII's separation from the Catholic Church, his new role as Supreme Head of the Church of England and the annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon in order to marry Anne Boleyn. Thomas More adheres only to the rule of law, his faith and conscience and refuses to sign the Oath of Supremacy.

Enter the villain of the play – Thomas Cromwell who through devious means and misinterpretation of facts weaves a web of lies to accuse Thomas More of treason. Throughout the proceedings Thomas More does not and will not relinquish his strong conviction that man is only answerable to God. As a result he is beheaded at the Tower of London.

But the play has a lighter side too – with the Common Man excellently played by Gary Wilmot – who becomes (with just a cap or a cloak and some scene shifting) many characters which guides the audience through the play. But even he succumbs to the power of money and betrays Thomas More.

A most enjoyable and thought-provoking play which could be viewed as a reflection on today’s society, where ambition, power and money can change the course of events!

Contributed by June Ford