A Man For All Seasons in Borehamwood

Jun 22nd, 2015

A Man For All Seasons is being staged at St Teresa's in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire - just a few hundred metres from Elstree Studios where Star Wars, Eastenders and the Kings Speech were made and the BBC's East Enders and Holby City, among other shows, are still filmed.

It has been a long time since the parish had any tradition of dramatic performance, but Pastoral Assistant Colette Joyce says she has wanted to direct a play there ever since she saw the stage in St Teresa's Hall.

Colette writes: "The 90th Anniversary of the first Catholic parish in Borehamwood (1925-2015) this year has provided the perfect opportunity. We chose 'A Man for All Seasons' because one of the two parishes is dedicated to St Thomas More (along with St John Fisher) and Robert Bolt's classic play is a great gateway into his story.

"We invited parishioners from both churches to audition and were very lucky to get Matt Carlyle (Cromwell) who is a member of local amateur theatre company, Elstree Productions. Through Matt, a number of other Borehamwood actors got involved including Trevor Oakes who has taken on the role of Thomas More. Trevor's first ever part on stage was as Chapuys' Assistant in 'A Man for All Seasons' in 1968, the smallest role in the play! Now, 47 years later, he is fulfilling a long-held ambition to play Thomas More himself.

"Other cast members are parishioners acting for the first time, including retired accountant John Sicheri (The Common Man) and Keith Ballentine (Henry VIII). It has been exciting to watch the development of new and unexpected talents!

"Confirmation candidate Victoria Igary (The Woman) is the youngest member of the cast. The production has been a truly collaborative effort between all ages, two churches and the local community. I can't wait for the performance. (Producer - Colette Joyce, Pastoral Assistant, Catholic Parishes of Borehamwood).

Performances take place on Friday 26th June 7.30pm, Saturday 27th June 7.30pm and Sunday 28th June 4pm.

Tickets cost £5. Advance booking recommended, from colettejoyce@rcdow.org.uk or 020 8953 0715 / 020 8953 1294.

And Facebook Event Page: www.facebook.com/events/1673962506171886/