One of modern history's most famous moments is examined at The Rondo this week.

Robert Bolt’s A Man For All Seasons is truly classic drama, performed everywhere from West End to Broadway since making its debut as a BBC Radio drama in 1954.

Bolt’s costume drama is a close to true life account of the intrigue and machinations in  King Henry VIII’s court in England in the 1530s as he wrestles the problem of divorcing his wife, Catherine of Aragon, in order to marry Anne Boleyn.

At the centre of the play is Sir Thomas More, the Lord Chancellor and good friend of the King, who strongly disagrees with the King’s motives.

More also has enemies at court who, for reasons of their own, desire to bring about his downfall.

Director John Hughes, who is best known for his smooth direction of Amadeus, The Return and Master Class, has compiled a powerful cast of actors to complement Bolt’s fascinating play.

Experienced Shakespearean actor Ralph Cotterill plays the role of Sir Thomas More.

Cotterill, who has acted with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Sydney Theatre Company, will be making his debut at the Rondo. Alongside Cotterill will be local actors Peter Merrill, who plays the role of King Henry, long-time CLT favourite Mike Carrette, who plays Cardinal Wolsey, and the versatile John Lipscomb, who plays the scheming Thomas Cromwell.

Besides assembling a powerful cast, Hughes has also given strong attention to a period-like set and authentic costuming, bringing the scheming Tudor court of King Henry VIII to life in colourful style.

Hughes said the play has plenty for theatre-goers to sink their teeth into and says he left no stone unturned in making A Man For All Seasons as authentic as possible.

“It’s based on an interesting time in the Tudor period,” he says.

“The challenge is it’s a period drama with many costumes. There are 14 in the cast so it’s a large play, and mostly men – there are just three women.”

Robert Bolt’s A Man For All Seasons premieres at The Rondo Theatre on Friday night, from 8pm. It runs until September 15. Tickets are $18-$22, on sale now from ticketlink.com.au or 1300 855 835.

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