Tag Archives: Robert Bolt

Uncategorised

“A Man For All Seasons” at the Harold Pinter Theatre

Casting Martin Shaw as Thomas More for this revival of Robert Bolt’s play is a sound move. As the lawyer-turned-politician, struggling against Henry VIII’s Reformation, the character possesses personal conviction and precise argument. Shaw can deliver both integrity and clarity very well, aided by great stage presence. And he brings a sense of the outsider, with a wry eye and cool common sense, that is perfect for the role.

Famous faces from the Tudor court are present, with a large, competent, supporting cast. I liked Orlando James’ brief appearance as Henry VIII; a figure to fear making fun of. And Edward Bennett’s Thomas Cromwell has a mix of cynical humour and, again, fear, that adds to the role. 

With Jonathan Church’s smooth direction, and a stylish set from Simon Higlett, the production is a quality affair. But Bolt’s 1960 script hasn’t aged well, and cracks show. 

Most of More’s family fail to rise above being foils for the great man. It’s understandable, as there’s a lot of exposition and explanation to get through. More’s recalcitrance is a puzzle for most of us; what does he achieve from his silence? Wife, daughter and son-in-law are only there to put forward different arguments. At least they convince with regards to the affection among the family.

The role of the ‘Common Man’, arguably innovative in Bolt’s time, proves a further problem. While Gary Wilmot has a good go at the role, injecting plenty of energy, the jokes are poor and the insights weak. And is the play’s baddie, the dastardly Richard Rich, who Calum Finlay does well with, too bland?

Rewriting history isn’t new. More participated himself, with regards to Richard III, as Josephine Tey’s detective in The Daughter of Time points out. It’s often fun and right now its trendy. But this effort to look at the past feels old-fashioned itself. Bolt’s efforts are sensible and considered but also dry. And he comes too close to canonising More a second time. We may admire the saintly sangfroid, but it doesn’t add tension. The history lacks bite – it’s too calm. Which you might respect but ends up surprisingly lacking in drama.

Until 6 September 2025

https://www.haroldpintertheatre.co.uk

Photo by Simon Annand

2015

“Flowering Cherry” at the Finborough Theatre

Pursuing this excellent venue’s tactic of rediscovering plays, director Benjamin Whitrow offers a fine revival of a well-written and intriguing text from 1957, which is enjoying its first London production since its premiere. Writer Robert Bolt, of A Man For All Seasons fame, is the author of this quietly profound domestic drama of dreams and divorce.

Jim Cherry wants an orchard like the one he grew up on, and drives his family mad with dreams of it. It’s an obsession fuelled by a love of scrumpy cider that’s so bad as to be called a “hallucination” at one point. Liam McKenna does well to show us his character’s instability in this difficult lead role. But will his dream be the death of this salesman?

Our sympathies swing against the charismatic Jim as his delusions and drunkenness increase. Still, his children’s disdain, well evoked by James Musgrave and Hannah Morrish, is disconcerting. Bolt is precise in his depiction of intergenerational conflict, even if plummy accents raise a smile. More problematic is the kids’ flirtatious friend Carol, with whom everyone falls in love. Phoebe Sparrow portrays this ambiguous cool cat who toys with any mice tempted to play with her.

It’s Jim’s wife Isobel who becomes the centre of the play, with credit due to Catherine Kanter’s skill in the role. A mercurial character, possibly a little too admirable or patient to be believed, more time might have be given her mood swings by Whitrow, but Kanter commands attention as the extent of her suffering dawns on the audience. Isobel’s “bones are tender” with the continual pressure of her husband’s “cardboard prospects” and she grows into a powerful figure who, it is hoped will be the one to blossom.

Until 20 December 2015

www.finboroughtheatre.co.uk

Photo by Gabriela Restelli