A Man for all Seasons this Autumn :: Wessex Scene Online

A Man for all Seasons this Autumn

2nd November 2005
Simon Cable

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Martin Shaw, widely acclaimed as one of Britain’s greatest actors, is to make his Southampton debut next month when he stars in the Robert Bolt’s A Man for All Seasons.

A Man for All Seasons tells the dramatic story of a conflict between two of the most charismatic figures in British history, King Henry VIII and his friend and right-hand-man, Sir Thomas Moore. These two men argued bitterly over the King’s decision to declare himself "Supreme Head of the Church of England". Henry VIII’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon, is unable to bear him a son and so he seeks a divorce in order that he may marry his new love, Anne Boleyn. Needing approval from the church, he seeks support from Sir Moore. Moore’s moral standards means he faces a choice between his own moral integrity, and death. For this lawyer, writer, scholar and churchman there is no choice

Shaw, who has an impressive CV of roles across a wide range of media including television, film and stage, is best known for his role in the BBC drama Judge John Deed, but he has a sound history of theatrical performances. His stage credits include Peter Hall’s production of Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband, in which he gave a strong performance as Lord Goring to ensure that the show was a hit both in London and on Broadway. He has also received the coveted New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award.

The Wessex Scene has teamed up with the Mayflower to give away two pairs of tickets for what promises to be a brilliant show. For a chance of winning, turn to page 15 and complete the SUSU-doku puzzle!

A Man for All Seasons will be performed at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton from the 7th to the 12th November.