Following a national tour earlier this year, Robert Bolt's A Man for All Seasons will transfer to London's Harold Pinter Theatre this summer.
Preceded by a limited tour to Brighton and York, the Jonathan Church-directed production will arrive in the West End August 6 for a limited engagement through September 6.
Martin Shaw, known for his TV roles in Judge John Deed, Inspector George Gently, and The Professionals, will star as as Sir Thomas More, scholar, ambassador, Lord Chancellor, and friend to King Henry VIII.
Shaw, whose recent West End stage appearances include Hobson’s Choice, The Best Man, and Twelve Angry Men, will be joined on stage by Gary Wilmot, Edward Bennett, Nicholas Day, Calum Finlay, Orlando James, Hari Kang, Asif Khan, Annie Kingsnorth, Sam Parks, Sam Phillips, and Louisa Sextona with further casting to be announced. Casting is by Gabrielle Dawes.
The play follows More, a man of integrity, loved by the common people and his own family. When Henry demands a divorce from Catherine of Aragon, clearing the way for him to marry Anne Boleyn, the staunchly Catholic More is forced to choose between his loyalty and his own conscience, committing an act of defiance for which he will pay the ultimate price.
The upcoming production will also have set and costume design by Simon Higlett, lighting design by Mark Henderson, sound design by Paul Groothuis, and music by composer Matthew Scott.
Church’s directorial credits include a 10-year period as artistic director of Chichester Festival Theatre. He previously directed Shaw in the West End transfer of Hobson’s Choice.
Paul Scofield starred in the 1961 Broadway premiere of A Man for All Seasons, winning the Tony for his performance as Sir Thomas More. The production, directed by Noel Willman, won a total of five 1962 Tonys, including Best Play. Frank Langella starred in a 2007 revival at the American Airlines Theatre directed by Doug Hughes.
A Man for All Seasons is presented by Theatre Royal Bath Productions and Jonathan Church Theatre Productions.
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