Thomas More: RSC
THOMAS MORE: Anthony Munday and others and revised by Henry Chettle, Thomas Dekker, Thomas Heywood and William Shakespeare
RSC at The Swan
Runs: 3h, one interval
Review: Rod Dungate, 22nd April 2005
A fascinating discovery unveils a fascinating man
THOMAS MORE is fascinating, surprising and in many ways, disarmingly simple do not confuse this with simplistic though! In Robert Delamere's production it's a vigorous and gripping three hours.
The play tells the story of More's rise to fame he quells the London riots of 1517, rises in political power to become Lord Chancellor, falls foul of certain 'articles' the king wishes to push and is, therefore, executed as a traitor. The play concertinas time and mixes accurate historical facts with inaccurate ones. But its focus is clear, this is a play about More and it presents him, always, within a human scale often a domestic one. Noticeably absent is King Henry and the nature of the 'articles' to which More won't subscribe are never revealed.
MORE, particularly in the first half, may appear ramshackle; but it's not, not if we look at it in the right way. The authors want to represent More in the round so they do it by showing him in scenes (or settings) chosen to reflect different parts of his character father/ husband/ scholar/ humorist and so on. And hero of the poor and working people.
Hence the play's opening scenes. Working people are victims of immigrants who come into the country, steal our goods and ravish our wives. Considered political dynamite at the time, it's lost none of its relevance today. It's a powerful opening, made all the more dynamic by Michelle Butterly's fiery and feisty Doll whipping the men into action and taking on a fair part of it herself.
Nigel Cooke's More weaves his way through this narrative with consummate ease. Cooke's relaxed flexibility ensures each scene is correctly focused. He is genuinely warm and generous. Touchingly funny as he improvises his way through a play because an actor is missing; gripping when he touches our hearts as he mounts the scaffold. Here detail in the writing grabs our attention; 'Well, let's ascend, a God's name./ In troth, methinks, your stair is somewhat weak:/ I prithee, honest friend, lend me thy hand/ To help me up.'
The play is at its best when it surprises, for instance in the bizarre episode with long-haired Faulkner who has to get his hair cut - David Hinton amazingly finds his way through this strange minefield with great confidence. And when it presents More as a simple man with his family his wife and daughters float their scenes with powerful, understated emotions, Teresa Banham, Vinette Robinson, Miranda Colchester.
Doll Williamson: Michelle Butterly
De Bard: Kevin Harvey
Caveler: Mark Springer
Williamson: Barry Aird
Sherwin: David Hinton
Lincoln: Ian Drysdale
George Betts: Nigel Betts
Clown Betts: Fred Ridgeway
Lord Mayor: Ewen Cummins
Sir Thomas More: Nigel Cooke
Suresby: Keith Osborn
Lifter: Peter Bramhill
Smart: Julian Stolzenberg
Recorder: Jon Foster
The Earl Of Shrewsbury: Tim Treloar
The Earl of Surrey: Michael Jenn
Sir Thomas Palmer: James Hades
Sir Robert Cholmley: Geoffrey Freshwater
Harry: Jon Foster
Robin: Julian Stolzenberg
Kit: Peter Bramhill
Sir John Munday: Keith Osborn
Sheriff: Jon Foster
Crofts: Kevin Harvey
Randall: Nigel Betts
Faulkner: David Hinton
Erasmus: Geoffrey Freshwater
Roper: Julian Stolzenberg
Lady More: Teresa Banham
Lady Roper: Vinette Robinson
More's 2nd Daughter: Miranda Colchester
Lady Mayoress: Evelyn Duah
Player: Fred Ridgeway
Inclination: Geoffrey Freshwater
Wit: Nigel Betts
Lady Vanity: Peter Bramhill
Luggins: Ian Drysdale
Bishop of Rochester: Keith Osborn
Clerk of the Council: Jon Foster
Catesby: Jon Foster
Downes: Peter Bramhill
Gough: Kevin Harvey
Poor Woman: Michelle Butterly
Gentleman Porter: James Hayes
Lieutenant of the Tower: Mark Springer
Ned, Butter: Ian Drysdale
Robin, Brewer: Fred Ridgway
Ralph, Horsekeeper: Peter Bramhill
Giles, Porter: Ewen Cummins
Messengers: David Hinton, Jon Foster, Mark Springer
Directed by: Robert Delamere
Designed by: Simon Higlett
Lighting designed by: Wayne Dowdeswell
Music composed by: Ilona Sekacz
Sound designed by: Mike Compton
Fights directed by: Terry King
Assistant Director: Richard Twyman
Voice and dialect work by: Jeannette Nelson
2005-04-25 21:39:29