ONE of the most talented actors of screen and stage, Martin Shaw, visits Malvern Theatres at the end of the month in Robert Bolt's renowned play, A Man for All Seasons, as part of a select national tour prior to the West End.

This celebrated and acclaimed drama it tells the tale of Henry VIII's first wife, Catherine of Aragon, who is unable to produce an heir to the throne Henry uses this as a pretext for divorce - allowing him to marry his newest conquest, Anne Boleyn. Needing societal and religious approval, Henry seeks the support of Sir Thomas More: lawyer, writer, scholar and churchman, only for More's crucible of moral standards - against the personal pride and political salvation-seeking of Henry VIII - to lead to a choice between his own integrity and certain death...

Recently voted the most popular actor currently starring on British television, Martin Shaw has been gracing our living rooms for the past three decades. The charming, idealistic star of the BBC's most watched drama Judge John Deed - now filming its fifth series - is also currently known to millions as Adam Dalgleish, P.D. James's acclaimed detective commander from the BBC's The Murder Room and Death In Holy Orders.

Prior to numerous television, film and theatre successes, Martin was catapulted to international stardom in the late Seventies immediately after the first few episodes of The Professionals, in which he starred as the hard-hitting Ray Doyle, launching a career that has hardly seen him out of the limelight since. His many films include Shirley Valentine, Reuben and Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence.

This Tony award winning play, which inspired Peter Ackroyd's highly acclaimed biography of Sir Thomas More, and was immortalised by the 1966 film starring Paul Scofield - which won six Oscars, including Best Picture, as well as seven British Academy awards. It is destined to be one of the highlights of the theatrical season, prior to a major West End run.

A Man for All Seasons plays at the Festival Theatre, Malvern from Monday 31st October - Saturday 5th November. Tickets are £18-£26 and are available from the Box Office on 01684 892277 or on-line at www.malvern-theatres.co.uk