Theater: A Man for all Seasons

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The play describes More's internal battle with consicence when King Henry VIII announces his intention to divorce Catherine of Aragon for his love Anne Boleyn. In doing so the King severes his ties with the Church of Rome. Thomas More's consicence forces him to resign from his post as Lord Chancellor as he refuses to acknowledge Henry's Oath of Supremacy over the Chruch in England. He is then imprisoned and later beheaded for treason. The character of Henry VIII hardly appears in the play, save for one pivotal scene when the king visits the More household in the early stages of the play.

The play describes More's internal battle with consicence when King Henry VIII announces his intention to divorce Catherine of Aragon for his love Anne Boleyn. In doing so the King severes his ties with the Church of Rome. Thomas More's consicence forces him to resign from his post as Lord Chancellor as he refuses to acknowledge Henry's Oath of Supremacy over the Chruch in England. He is then imprisoned and later beheaded for treason. The character of Henry VIII hardly appears in the play, save for one pivotal scene when the king visits the More household in the early stages of the play.

The climax of the play is both poignant and moving when More's daughter and wife come to visit him in his prison cell. The standard of acting is uniformly high with a stellar cast of charcters giving Shaw able support. Moreover, the overall effect of the play is heightened with Paul Farnsworth's simple but evocative set that provides a vivid backdrop. Another theatrical tool that has been employed to very good effects is that the play is book-ended , with the character of the common man acting as a chorus - which narrates and comments on the unfolding tale. This allows the work to approach the pastichian realams of the Shakespearean history play with the Common Man cropping up in different positions throughout the play, first as Sir Thomas More's servant and later appearing as his prison guard.

The play is an emotional roller coaster ride with the opening scenes of high comedy and its tragic conlusion, which captures the emotional farewell of the marreid couple with good effect. But the star of the show is Martin Shaw , whose stature and magnetism makes for a very potent impact. Theatre enthusiasts , prepare to be amazed by the play, which hold your attetion with its vivid characterizations and taut direction. The play is indeed recommended to all, who love theatre and want a complete package of entertainment on their day out. Tickets are now available, so go ge them now and watch the masterful new prodcution of 'A man for all seasons'.