Martin Shaw to play Sir Thomas More in the critically-acclaimed production of A Man For All Seasons at the Lowry this month

Casting is announced for Robert Bolt’s award-winning play, A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS. 

One of the greatest, most powerful and dangerous figures who shaped English history is brought vividly to life at Lowry, Salford, from Tuesday 3rd to Saturday 5th November, as part of a national tour, following a critically acclaimed West End run in 2025. 

The full cast includes Martin Shaw (Sir Thomas More), with Huw Brentnall (William Roper), Nicholas Day (Cardinal Wolsey), Orlando James (Henry VIII), Hari Kang (Attendant), Asif Khan (Signor Chapuys), Paul Kemp (The Common Man), Polly Kemp (Alice More), Chris Larkin (Norfolk), Peter Losasso (Richard Rich), Grace Molony (Margaret More), Sam Parks (Archbishop Cranmer), Sam Phillips (Thomas Cromwell), Xavier Starr (ensemble), Hilary Tones (Woman), Adela Hernandez Derbyshire (understudy), Mark Kitto (understudy).

One of the UK’s best-loved actors on stage and screen, Martin Shaw is known to millions for his television roles in Judge John Deed, Inspector George Gently and The Professionals. His recent West End stage appearances include the 2025 production of A Man For All Seasons,  Hobson’s Choice, The Best Man and Twelve Angry Men.

Martin Shaw stars as Sir Thomas More – scholar, ambassador, Lord Chancellor and friend to King Henry VIII. Above all, he is a man of integrity, loved by the common people and his own family. 

When Henry demands a divorce from Catherine of Aragon, clearing the way for him to marry Anne Boleyn, the staunchly Catholic Thomas is forced to choose between his loyalty and his own conscience, committing an incredible act of defiance for which he eventually pays the ultimate price…

Playwright Robert Bolt won an Oscar for the 1966 screen adaptation of A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS. Other notable credits include Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago.

A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS is directed by Jonathan Church whose credits include a ten-year period as artistic director of Chichester Festival Theatre. He last directed Martin Shaw in the 2025 production of A Man For All Seasons in the West End and the acclaimed West End transfer of Hobson’s Choice.

The creative team is completed by Simon Higlett (Set & Costume Designer), Mark Henderson (Lighting Designer), Paul Groothuis (Sound Designer), Matthew Scott (Composer) and Ginny Schiller (Casting Director).

A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS is presented by Theatre Royal Bath Productions and Jonathan Church Theatre Productions.