Thomas and the King

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Thomas and the King: A West End Historical Spectacle

"Thomas and the King" premiered in London’s West End at Her Majesty’s Theatre on October 16, 1975, a musical exploration of the clash between Thomas Becket and King Henry II. With music by John Williams, lyrics by James Harbert, and a book by Edward Anhalt, it was directed and choreographed by Norman Maen and produced by Lewis M. Allen and Peter S. Greenberg. Running for just 27 performances, closing in November 1975, this ambitious production dazzled with lavish sets by Tim Goodchild but faltered under poor reviews. A rare stage venture for Williams pre-"Star Wars" fame it remains a footnote in West End history, preserved by a 1981 cast recording featuring Lewis Fiander and Michael Sammes.

A Medieval Power Struggle Unfolds

Set in 12th-century England, the story begins with Queen Eleanor leading a pilgrimage to Canterbury as King Henry II chases peasant girls, urging his friend Thomas Becket to join the revelry. Becket meets Jennie, an ambitious peasant, sparking tension as Henry pursues her despite Becket’s warnings. Appointed Lord Chancellor to bridge church and state, Becket clashes with Henry’s hedonism. After the Archbishop’s death in a French war orchestrated by Eleanor, Henry names Becket Archbishop of Canterbury, expecting loyalty. Becket defies him, prioritizing God, leading to his murder in prayer. Henry, grieving, vows to honor their shared dream for England, a tale of friendship fractured by power and faith.

A Score of Grandeur and Grace

John Williams’ music, orchestrated by Herbert W. Spencer, blends medieval motifs with theatrical sweep, featuring songs like “Look Around You,” “Man of Love,” and “So Many Worlds.” The score, conducted by Williams for its 1981 recording at PRT Studios, shines in numbers like “The Question,” probing love’s nature, and the chilling “Will No One Rid Me?” Jennie’s “Am I Beautiful?” and Eleanor’s “Power” add emotional depth. Though not a commercial hit, the music Williams’ only stage work foreshadows his cinematic mastery, offering a lush backdrop to the historical drama. Critics found it “beautifully mounted” but lacking the spark to sustain a longer run.

A Cast of West End Veterans

Lewis Fiander starred as Thomas Becket, his commanding presence matched by James Smilie’s roguish Henry II. Caroline Villiers played Eleanor of Aquitaine with regal bite, while Dilys Hamlett’s Jennie brought peasant grit. Richard Day-Lewis and Tom Saffery portrayed scheming cardinals Rossini and Respighi, with Michael Sammes as Bishop Foliot. Martin McEvoy rounded out the ensemble. Maen’s direction leaned into spectacle processions and battles dazzled but couldn’t salvage a script deemed “uninspired.” The cast, reprising roles for the 1981 recording, lent vocal heft to a production that shone briefly before fading.

A Fleeting West End Dream

Opening amid high expectations post-Williams’ "Jaws" success, "Thomas and the King" aimed to blend historical gravitas with musical splendor, costing a reported £250,000. Its 27-performance run far shorter than contemporaries like "Evita" reflected audience and critical disconnect, with reviews citing a mismatch of “musicals and martyrdom.” No Broadway transfer followed, unlike Williams’ later film triumphs. The 1981 recording, with original cast members, keeps its spirit alive, though it’s rarely staged today. As of March 2025, it stands as a lavish, lost West End experiment proof that even a maestro’s touch couldn’t crown this kingly tale with lasting glory.