Renowned British actor Martin Shaw stars as Sir Thomas More in a production of Robert Bolt’s historical drama, A Man for All Seasons. The show runs at the Lowry Theatre in Salford, England, from Tuesday, November 3, to Saturday, November 5, 2026. This engagement forms part of a national tour following a West End run.
The Plot and Historical Context
The play centers on Sir Thomas More, who serves as a scholar, ambassador, Lord Chancellor, and close friend to King Henry VIII. His commitment to his moral principles and Catholic faith places him at odds with the monarchy.
The conflict erupts when King Henry VIII demands a divorce from Catherine of Aragon to marry Anne Boleyn. More must choose between political loyalty to the crown and his conscience. His defiance leads to a trial and execution.
Cast and Creative Team
Martin Shaw leads an ensemble cast. Known for his television roles in Judge John Deed, Inspector George Gently, and The Professionals, his stage credits include Hobson’s Choice, The Best Man, and Twelve Angry Men.
The production is directed by Jonathan Church, who served as artistic director of the Chichester Festival Theatre for ten years. Church previously directed Shaw in the West End staging of Hobson’s Choice and the London run of A Man for All Seasons.
The supporting cast features:
- Huw Brentnall as William Roper
- Nicholas Day as Cardinal Wolsey
- Orlando James as Henry VIII
- Hari Kang as Attendant
- Asif Khan as Signor Chapuys
- Paul Kemp as The Common Man
- Polly Kemp as Alice More
- Chris Larkin as Norfolk
- Peter Losasso as Richard Rich
- Grace Molony as Margaret More
- Sam Parks as Archbishop Cranmer
- Sam Phillips as Thomas Cromwell
Ticket Information and Performance Schedule
Performances at the Lowry Theatre in Salford run from November 3 through November 5, 2026. The production features accessible performances, including a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted show and Audio Described options.
Playwright Robert Bolt won an Academy Award for the 1966 screen adaptation of the play. Theatregoers can purchase tickets for the Salford engagement through the Lowry Theatre box office.
