Day 13 - "Life is a stage..."

Our plan for today was to go to the city of St. Alban’s, the third largest Roman city in England, to visit the Roman museum and theatre as well as what is reportedly the oldest pub in the world (Ye Olde Fighting Cocks). Unfortunately, awful traffic blocked the roads all the way to the city, making our drive an hour and a half longer than it should have been. Because of this plans had to change: as soon as we arrived in St. Alban’s we turned around and drove home, for fear of missing the play for which we reserved tickets.

Soon enough we were back at the house, tidying up and ensuring that our dress fit the “snappy casual” dress code. We met Daddy at JAC Molesworth and drove to The Swan Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon, the home of William Shakespeare. To my delight, the play was titled “Thomas More”. (I said that this was the “St. Thomas More Tour”!)

For the girls the experience of a play was a new one. Whispering excitedly, they waited for the lights to dim in the theatre. Our seats, carefully chosen by me, were quite good. And the layout of The Swan, a traditional Elizabethan theatre, minimizes the number of bad seats.

The play began at 7:30PM sharp, and starred Nigel Cooke in the title role. Though not entirely a Shakespeare piece, one scene in the first act was written by Shakespeare and so the play qualifies being shown in “his” theatre. Originally penned during the reign of King Henry VIII, the play was censored so greatly by the king that it has never had a major performance until this year. Of course, Henry was well to be nervous of the play; it has a decidedly “pro-More” slant.

The first act focused on the career of young Thomas More, centering particularly on the racist May Day riots in London. For his wise and gentle pacification of the rioters, Thomas More was awarded knighthood. After the first act the play takes the course of most stories about St. Thomas More, detailing his time as Lord Chancellor and his death.

When we left the theatre Kenny remarked that it was a lot like “A Man for All Seasons.” Naturally, how different can one expect two plays about one man to be? But “Thomas More” displayed some facets of his life “cleaned up” in “A Man for All Seasons”. These included his gaiety, his often ribald jokes and remarks, and his love for plays. Another central figure to this part of England’s history (and left out of A Man for All Seasons in a serious oversight), St. John Fisher, had a role in the play. The brave Bishop of Rochester, refusing steadfastly to take the oath, is contrasted with the family man Sir Thomas More, who must consider all his options

If anyone has a chance to see this play, I wholeheartedly recommend it. Not only was the story a timeless one, but the acting was also superb. Though Mr. Cooke looks a bit on the shady side, with slicked back black hair and a very gaunt figure, he brought St. Thomas More to vivid life. More’s son, Roper, did an excellent job, as did the man who played St. John Fisher. For the whole three hours I was held spellbound. At first I thought the minimalist sets and costumes would detract from the play, but I admit that I did not notice.

Outside the stage door, we waited for the actors/actresses to leave the building. Several of them left furtively, hoping that we did not notice them. Others were extremely friendly. Two fellows in particular, one named Nigel Betts, stuck around to sign autographs and chat with our family awhile. While I hung shyly towards the back of the bunch, Mr. Betts signed autographs for the rest of my siblings. But he noticed me anyway, and asked if I wanted one. I looked up and said: “I suppose so”, to which he answered, with a smile, “Well, I’m not going to force you.” I laughed and said that wasn’t what I meant and handed him my book. He signed it: “Best Wishes Sweetheart. Nigel Betts”.

Meanwhile, Mr. Cooke tried to sneak past us unnoticed, but with a look of alarm from me my father basically tackled him. Caught, he quickly gave us autographs and before he left, loosened up a bit and even laughed and chatted a little. He left and we stayed to chat a couple more minutes with the other two gentlemen.

Eventually they had to go for dinner, so we slowly walked back to the car and drove home. It was a wonderful evening, and one, I think, that St. Thomas himself would have enjoyed immensely.