Playwright Sharon Jennings took her audience back to the Reformation and placed them in a prison cell where a monk, Sebastian Newdigate, stood chained to a stone pillar. In his habit, stained with filth and blood, he offered croaking prayers from his parched throat.

A hooded visitor entered, offering comfort, friendship and claiming to have known Newdigate when they were courtiers to King Henry. The visitor evaded questions as to his identity and preferred to talk of the happy days they shared.

Eventually, he revealed himself to be the king and tried to persuade the monk to give up his vows and return to Court.

The play is about two consciences – the monk’s which will not allow him to break his vows, and the king’s that troubles him for allowing the persecution of his old friend to get out of hand. Their conversation and debating was intelligent writing at its best, with outstanding performances to match.

John Gregor offered a gentle performance of the monk whose faith cannot be bought. As the king, Tony Harris gave a monumental performance with mercurial moods swings. While his rages truly terrified, they were leavened by the dry humour in the writing.

An absorbing production.