A Man for All Seasons review – Martin Shaw excels in Robert Bolt’s timeless Tudor morality play
trilogy: “a hero of his own identity”, one who refused to contradict his king.
The director's design anchors the story in its era, presenting a lavish, Tudor-style set made from rich panels of wood and dressing the actors in authentic costumes of the time. Despite these period trappings, the core of the drama remains a timeless, universal dilemma: what path should an individual follow when their ruler disregards the law, and must they also defy the law?
Martin Shaw impresses as both a flawed human being and a heroic figure - showing affection for family and friends, frustration with fools and wrongdoers, and a lawyer's level of discretion, while remaining firm in his moral compass (familiar to television viewers as Judge John Deed, Shaw previously portrayed More in the 2006 stage production). In his short appearance as Henry VIII, Orlando James conveys the king's intimidating presence, drawing from a ruthless core of will, and his quick wit and charm.
The strength of Jonathan Church's production lies in its clear depiction of the workings of corrupt power through individuals, like the cunning Thomas Cromwell, who manipulates fear to get what he wants - played by Edward Bennett with a subtle blend of corruption and menace. Additionally, the production is engaging in its portrayal of the narrator, the Common Man, played by Gary Wilmot with perfect pitch, who guides the audience through the scenes, representing the ordinary people who have been forgotten by history.
until 15 March
Post a Comment for "A Man for All Seasons review – Martin Shaw excels in Robert Bolt’s timeless Tudor morality play"