British actor Martin Shaw is known to millions for his television roles in ‘Judge John Deed’, ‘Inspector George Gently’ and ‘The Professionals’. He is coming to Surrey this month, treading the boards at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford from 24thFebruary – 1st March playing scholar, ambassador, Lord Chancellor and friend to Henry VIII, Sir Thomas More in Robert Bolt’s award-winning play ‘A Man for All Seasons’. Surrey Rocks had the pleasure of catching up with the much-loved actor to find out about his upcoming play and a bit more about the formidable actor.
HOW HAVE REHEARSALS FOR ‘A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS’ BEEN GOING?
Very well! It’s been a joy to be back in the world of Thomas More, and exploring the script with a brilliant new cast, and director, Jonathan Church.
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE PLAYING SIR THOMAS MORE, SUCH AN IMPORTANT CHARACTER IN BRITISH HISTORY?
This is my second time playing More, and it’s as much a privilege and as exciting a journey now as it was almost 20 years ago.
THE PLAY TACKLES SOME TRICKY PLOT LINES INCLUDING MORE’S STAUNCH CATHOLICISM WHILST HAVING TO ADVISE HENRY VIII ON SEEEKING A DIVORCE. WOULD YOU SAY THIS IS ONE OF THE MORE TESTING ROLES YOU HAVE TAKEN ON?
Actually, no. The script for Man is so skilfully done, so wonderfully written and with such wit, despite the inevitable tragic ending. More was called ‘a man for all seasons’ because as well as being a true statesman, he was always true to himself and his beliefs, which made him especially unique and valuable in that particular setting. As an actor, making a character like that your own is a true gift.
IS IT NICE TO TEAM UP WITH DIRECTOR JONATHAN CHURCH AGAIN IN ‘A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS’ AS WE HEAR YOU HAVE ALREADY WORKED TOGETHER ON THE WEST END TRANSFER OF ‘HOBSON’S CHOICE?’
It’s always a joy to work with a director of Jonathan’s talent and experience and having worked together before there is a sort of shorthand as well as trust in bringing a new view to the character. A good director is someone in whom you have absolute confidence, someone who can teach you as well as direct.
YOU ARE STARRING ALONGSIDE UK ENTERTAINER GARY WILMOTT WHO PLAYS THE COMMON MAN, DO YOU GET ON WELL?
Of course! Gary’s performance is one of the highlights of the play.
YOU HAVE STARRED IN SOME OF THE UK’S TOP TV SHOWS AND WEST END PLAYS – DO YOU HAVE A PREFERENCE OVER THEATRE OR TV ACTING?
Both have their attractions. On TV you create something instantly real – you do the scene and that’s your performance. On stage, you are constantly evolving from opening night to last night. It’s like being a master carpenter: you work on tiny details, engraving and polishing your performance each time you walk on stage.
NOW FOR THE FUN QUICKFIRE ROUND OF QUESTIONS!! IF YOU HAD TO TAKE 3 THINGS TO A DESERT ISLAND, WHAT WOULD THEY BE?
A bird feeder – seeing the birds round the feeders at home every morning is one of life’s great joys.
A full set of Patrick O’ Brien Aubrey-Maturin novels.
A 1943 L4 Piper Cub.
WHO WOULD BE YOUR IDEAL CELEBRITY DINNER PARTY GUESTS (DEAD OR ALIVE!?)
Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde, Alex Henshaw the pilot, and of course Thomas More.
WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER GIVEN?
To any young actor I always say don’t do it unless you have an absolutely burning desire to act – and then just do the best you can. If you are in it for fame, walk away, as it will be a miserable experience.
MOST EMBARRASSING ITEM IN YOUR WARDROBE?
I did have quite a hippy phase for a while….
WHAT IS YOUR BEST CHARACTER TRAIT?
My empathy, I hope. I have been vegetarian since 1974.
WHAT IS YOUR WORST HABIT?
I can be impatient with people who are late!
WHAT´S THE BEST THING ABOUT SURREY?
The beautiful countryside! My father instilled a great love of nature in me, and I feel very connected to him when I’m surrounded by trees and hills.
WHAT’S THE WORST THING ABOUT SURREY?
I’ve not discovered that yet!
Click here to book: www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/whats-on
