Review: A Man For All Seasons at Harold Pinter Theatre

⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Four Stars)

Robert Bolt’s A Man for All Seasons may have first been staged in 1960, but the current revival playing at the Harold Pinter Theatre directed by Jonathan Church proves its political and moral dilemmas remain compelling today. Following a UK tour, this production, originally staged at Theatre Royal Bath, settles into the West End for a five-week run, offering a richly detailed window into Tudor England.

The play follows Sir Thomas More (Martin Shaw), a steadfast Catholic who refuses to support King Henry VIII’s divorce from Catherine of Aragon in order to marry Anne Boleyn. Shaw’s portrayal is measured and dignified, growing in intensity until the moving final scenes of More’s life. Bolt’s script is dense and, at times, verbose, but feels authentic to the Tudor time period. The slower pacing of the play feels deliberate, reflecting the gravity of the political and personal stakes.

One of the most engaging elements of the play is the device of The Common Man, brought to life with skill by Gary Wilmot. Breaking the fourth wall, Wilmot guides the audience through the timeline, slipping between multiple roles (each willing to sell their allegiance to the highest bidder) while providing knowing and witty commentary to the audience. Another stand-out performance is that of Orlando James who delivers a swaggering, almost camp, Henry VIII brimming with toxic masculinity: his scene injects a welcome burst of energy, though his limited stage time leaves you wishing for more.

Simon Higlett’s costume design is a delight for Tudor enthusiasts, while his set, consisting of versatile wooden panelling with sliding sections, works well with Mark Henderson’s lighting to evoke locations ranging from riversides to gardens to jail cells.

For those fascinated by Tudor history and interested in learning about the life of Sir Thomas More, A Man For All Seasons offers an intriguing and thoughtful insight.

A Man For All Seasons runs at Harold Pinter Theatre until 6th September 2025.

Photos by Simon Annand