Our Production

Building on the success of our open-air summer Shakespearean productions (look out for Titus Andronicus in 2027) we are delighted to announce that, in association with Buckden Towers, we will be performing ‘A Man For All Seasons‘ in the Kings Room at Buckden Towers this January.

As historians of this period know, Catherine of Aragon was a resident at Buckden Towers following the annulment of her marriage to Henry VIII so we couldn’t think of a more perfect venue for Robert Bolt’s classic drama exploring the high-stakes battle pitting church against state, faith against desire, and the rule of law against personal conscience in the lead up to Henry’s divorce from Catherine.

The production will be much more intimate than our summer shows with a simple, pared-down set and a capacity of 70 seats in a four night run between 13-16 January 2027.

Whilst The Kings Room has been a part of Buckden Towers since at least the 15^th Century and provides a suitably historic location for the production, it does mean that we are unable to offer step-free access to the auditorium.  Therefore, it is with regret that we will not be able to accommodate wheelchairs for these performances.  

For those with mobility issues, it is also worth noting that The Kings Room is accessed by five relatively steep steps.

This Amateur Production of A Man For All Seasons is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Limited on behalf of Samuel French Limited.

Synopsis

The play focuses on King Henry VIII’s desire to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon so he can marry Anne Boleyn and produce a male heir. To do this, the King breaks away from the Catholic Church and establishes himself as the Supreme Head of the Church of England.

While most of the court complies with the King’s demands out of fear or ambition, Thomas More refuses to publicly endorse the annulment or sign the Act of Supremacy. As a devout Catholic and a brilliant lawyer, More attempts to remain silent on the matter, believing that under English law, his silence cannot legally be construed as treason.

However, his silence is seen as a powerful act of defiance. Thomas Cromwell, acting as the King’s ruthless agent, actively seeks to entrap More. Despite severe pressure, the loss of his position, imprisonment in the Tower of London, and emotional pleas from his wife Alice and daughter Margaret, More refuses to compromise his moral integrity or swear an oath he disbelieves.