A Man For All Seasons at Oxford Playhouse Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Joanna Woodburn
Directed by Jonathan Church, this outstanding production of Robert Bolt’s award winning play, A Man For All Seasons, is now on tour and currently showing at the Oxford Playhouse, in the heart of this historic city.
A Man For All Seasons tells the extraordinary story of the life of Thomas More, a Lord Chancellor and friend of King Henry VIII, a man deeply loved by his family and the people. More is brilliantly played by Martin Shaw, a role well known to him, as he first played Thomas More almost 20 years ago and he is perfectly cast to portray his character’s quiet, humble yet steely stance.
When Henry VIII demands and expects a divorce from Catherine of Aragon so he can marry Anne Boleyn, More is defiant in his role as Lord Chancellor that he is unable to endorse such a plan because the law of God surpasses all. More’s remarkable intellect and legal knowledge is such that he can convincingly run rings around his villainous opponents and there is much for us to savour in the rich verbal volleys. As More steadfastly refuses the annulment, against unimaginable external pressure and influence, his incredible act of conscience leads to the ultimate sacrifice.
Shaw delivers a commanding, heartfelt and sensitive performance as the intelligent and resolute More, who believes, wrongly, that his silence about his beliefs will be enough to keep him safe. Shaw vividly portrays the agonies and conflicts in More, as his family plead with him to sign the Oath of Supremacy and save his own life – we feel their frustrations. As he navigates through these stormy waters, the audience can feel and connect with his intense anguish. At the end of this long and dark period of imprisonment, Shaw conveys More’s fragility and crumpled state as he speaks the words ‘I do nobody harm, I say none harm. I think none harm, but wish everybody good’ And if this be nor enough to keep a man alive. In good faith I long not to live’, words which embodied his personal integrity and deep faith.
Gary Wilmott is perfectly cast as The Common Man, perfectly portraying a range of different characters from More’s servant through to his executioner. Wilmott has great comic timing as he introduces each new character with some entertaining observational humour. The Common Man represents the pragmatism and cynicism which are needed to survive in these dangerous times.
Simon Higlett’s stage design is simple and effective, the magnificent dark wood Tudor style panelling dramatically adding to the atmosphere and tension of the play,
Stunningly acted and intensely moving, the play is as much about morality as it is about history. Reflecting on the dangers of having integrity and conviction, it is a tragedy as relevant today as ever. A Man For All Seasons will stay with you long after you have left the theatre and that is the recommendation in itself.
Rating: 5/5
A Man For All Seasons is at the Oxford Playhouse in Oxford from Tuesday 18th February to Saturday 22nd February 2025, for more information or to book tickets visit www.oxfordplayhouse.com or call the box office on 01865 305305
The Oxford Playhouse, 11-12 Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2LW