– by Robert Bolt -
October 2007
Synopsis
A Man for All Seasons (“MFAS”), which charts the dramatic events leading to the
execution of Sir Thomas More in 1535, has been a modern stage classic since its first production in 1960. In this tense play of conscience, Thomas More, Lord Chancellor of England, enters into political and moral conflict with King Henry VIII when he refuses to support the King's move to divorce his wife, Catherine of Aragon. More's decision to endorse the divine right of the Pope over and above that of his King leads to his unwilling martyrdom and tragic downfall.
Robert Bolt's A Man for All Seasons was first produced at the Globe Theatre, London, July 1960; at the A.N.TA. Theatre, New York, November 1961 and was made into an award-winning film directed by Fred Zinnemann in 1966. All three versions starred Paul Scofield who won a Tony Award for his stage role and an Academy Award for his screen portrayal of the politician and philosopher Sir Thomas More.
The Cast
|
A Common Man |
Ray Currier |
|
Sir Thomas More |
Ian Slipper |
|
Sir Richard Rich |
Graham Steel |
|
Duke of Norfolk |
Phil Newton |
|
Cardinal Wolsey |
Clive Stanyon |
|
Thomas Cromwell |
Paul Friett |
|
Ambassador Chapuys |
Alan Cremer |
|
Chapuys’ attendant |
Howard Frankson |
|
William Roper |
Christian Lloyd |
|
King Henry XIII |
Brian Kemp |
|
Archbishop Cranmer |
Clive Stanyon |
|
Alice More |
Julie Lovelock |
|
Margaret More |
Vanessa Elliot |
|
The Woman |
Sally-Ann O’Callaghan |
|
Street Theatre |
Suzie Fenlon (leader), Fiona Gordon, Helen Nicholson, Janice George, Cathie Parker. |
|
Incidental Music |
Rob Mitchell (leader) |
The Crew
|
Production Secretary |
Lorraine Slipper |
|
Set design |
Carol Marsh |
|
Poster design |
Carol Marsh |
|
Properties |
Beryl Parker and team |
|
Stage Manager |
Jack Morris |
|
Box Office and publicity |
Sally Coston |
|
Street Theatre coordinator |
Sally Coston |
|
DSM |
Diane Fox |
|
Clerk of Works |
Kevin Fitzgerald |
|
Costumes |
Kelly White |
|
Artistic Advisor |
Shula Fitzgerald |
|
Lighting Design |
Fred Williams |
|
Lighting Operators |
Jenny Harris, Sophie Naisbitt |
|
Prompt |
Sarah Boyle |
|
Tudor Bar |
Sharron and Dave Burley |
|
Sound Design/operation |
Tom Callahan |
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There is a single set for the play, which will be staged “in the round”, not using the Hall stage. The atmosphere will be created by minimal scenery in conjunction with lighting effects (e.g. the arrival of Henry’s barge on the Thames). Costumes of the period will be key – these are vital to create the atmosphere. I plan to include a few more ladies in the show as well, possibly as a sort of indoor mini-street theatre with music of the period – we shall see where the imagination goes!
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Riverside has done this show once before, way back in 1970 – I have seen some of the reviews and clippings that Alan Cremer has collected - I’m sure he will share these with us when we get going!.
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