This sumptuous, elegant production is beautiful to look at, courtesy of designer Simon Higlett and lighting designer Mark Henderson.

Martin Shaw as Sir Thomas More in A Man For All Seasons | Photo © Simon Annand
The imposing multi-purpose staging gives the play an energy and flow that eases the passage of time.
This historic drama tells the story of the Catholic saint Thomas More’s stand against Henry VIII.
Henry VIII is determined to defy the Pope and assert himself as head of the Church in England, therefore he could leave his wife Catherine of Aragon and hopefully father a son by Anne Boleyn.
Martin Shaw leads the cast as Sir Thomas More. Whilst he commands the stage, there is a lack of colour in delivery.
Gary Wilmot as The Common Man leads the narrative passages and multi role playing with a winning comedy and light relief from what is a doomed situation for More.
Orlando James as Henry VIII is a suitably arrogant, self-centered monarch. His threats are there but the lightness of delivery often undermines his historic brutality.
Whereas it is clear from the outset that Edward Bennett as Thomas Cromwell is ready to do whatever is needed.
Shaw captures the emotional final scenes in prison well, whilst the performance is short on the love he has for his wife and daughter.
Their moments together as the play reaches its conclusion are moving and deeply felt.
The play remains deeply relevant, the need for morality in a world of defiance the fight for what is right against what is wanted by the more powerful is never far from the news.
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Reviewer: Petra Schofield