A Man For All Seasons
by Robert BoltOctober 2007
SynopsisA Man for All Seasons, 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 CastA 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 CrewProduction 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
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!
Riverside Players 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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Last Updated ( Monday, 30 March 2009 19:01 )
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