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A Man for All Seasons

A Man for All Seasons

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7 February 2014

Robert Bolt's well known story of Sir Thomas More, one time friend and councillor of Henry VIII, and his clash with the king over his divorce from Katherine of Aragon, leading to More's downfall and execution. [gallery columns="5" ids="https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/mana.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/manb.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/manc.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/mand.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/mane.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/manf.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/mang.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/manh.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/mani.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/manj.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/mank.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/manl.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/manm.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/mann.jpg|,https://www.altrinchamgarrick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/mano.jpg|"] CAST
The Common Man Bill Platt
Sir Thomas More David Reynolds
Master Richard Rich Nick Curror
The Duke of Norfolk Victor Hassan
Lady Alice More Sandra Thomas
Lady Margaret More Jacqueline Wheble
Cardinal Wolsey Tony Broughton
Thomas Cromwell John Keen
Signor Chapuys Stephen Moss
Chapuys's Attendant Oliver Marsh
William Roper Neeraj Pathak
King Henry VIII Jon White
A Woman Linda Panton
Thomas Cranmer John Westbrook

Sale & Altrincham Messenger's Review by Rick Bowen Garrick does Bolt classic proud ALTRINCHAM Garrick's latest production should have 'made in Trafford' stamped all over it. Written by Sale born Robert Bolt, 'A Man For All Seasons' is an intriguing and inspiring piece about a man who lived and ultimately died for his principles. The man in question was one Thomas More, a disarmingly decent person who had the courage to oppose King Henry VIII's plans to divorce in his quest for a son and heir. While this seminal play doesn't fall into the light entertainment category - you must be prepared to listen hard - it isn't a dry history lesson either. Bolt succeeds in portraying the characters in a way that engages the audience and the scene in which More meets his family in his prison cell brings a lump to the throat. David Reynolds is terrific as More and gives a truly mesmerising performance that makes you hang on his every word. On the other side of the coin we have Bill Platt who brings us some much needed light relief as The Common Man, a cynical and humorous commentator on the events that unfold around him. Director Celia Bonner has made sure an ambitious play is accessible and enjoyable and Barry Purves's set, with its chequered floor, put me in mind of a giant board game. But for those involved in the 'game' the consequences are ultimately deadly. Robert Bolt left us in 1995 but I think he would have been well pleased with the Garrick's staging of one of his most famous plays. Who knows, maybe he was watching. Nice thought, isn't it? Star Rating ★★★★
 
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