When the Archbishop of Canterbury died, Henry II forced his companion and political lieutenant, Thomas Becket, to take his place. Becket told his King: "If I become archbishop, I shall cease to be your friend." Becket, who with Henry had fought the Church for the good of the State, now felt responsible for the honor of God. Conflict was inevitable and was followed, just as inevitably, by murder and remorse.

This translation by Frederic and Stephen Raphael of Jean Anouilh's Becket was made into a major production starring Dougray Scott at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, London, in October 2004.