HOBSON'S CHOICE

In their programme notes, President David Littlefield and Director Christine Coaster describe how the Priory Theatre Club overcame many hardships in order to secure their current venue in Percy Street 50 years ago. David describes this as a ‘very special production’; and it was. It was the play which opened their new Priory Theatre back then and I am sure it is now just as delightful a production as it was for that first audience.

Harold Brighouse's comedy is based around the battle of wills between a hard-headed cobbler, called Henry Hobson, as he struggles to handle his three grown-up daughters as they each seek a husband.

Arrogantly asserting the girls have become ‘uppish’ and far too big for their boots, he neglects the established family firm to spend his days in the local pub, only for his cleverest and eldest offspring, Maggie, to concoct an escape plan for herself and her less noble siblings.

Setting her eyes on the meek, exceptionally talented working-class Will Mossop, she teaches her father and materialistic sisters the timeless lesson that pride comes before a fall - and that hard work and honesty prosper in the face of idleness and complacency.

As his daughters move on and Hobson becomes ever more embittered, the audience yearns for kind-hearted and unassuming Mossop to realise his potential - and knock a peg or two off the former patriarch who squandered the chances others craved.

Set in a Salford cobblers in 1880, such a traditional plot may sound irrelevant in 21st century Britain. But Brighouse's witty words, brought alive by a talented and well-tailored cast, ensure the story's timeless qualities are given a fresh lease of life, while both bright and dark aspects of Lancashire's history are reincarnated.

Rachel Hardy makes a brilliant, formidable and often terrifying Maggie as she bosses about mild-mannered Will, played to perfection by Glen Kingston, who, under her supervision convincingly portrays Mossop's transformation from work-hand to successful man about town.

The couple have superb chemistry and some of the more tender moments between them, as their relationship progresses through marriage, are truly touching; as well as others being aptly comedic.

Sisters Alice (Brooke Milburn) and Vickey (Ella Lemon) are equally convincing in their vain and snobbish outlooks, while Laurence Hill plays the infuriating Hobson to a tee (or maybe OTT), in what proves to be an excellent cast all around.

The leading principals are superbly well supported by Adam Swalwell as lawyer Albert Prosser, Danny Patterson as Freddy Beenstock, Trevor Bell as Tubby Wadlow, Dave Cooper as Jim Heeler, Terry Easton as Mrs Hepworth, and a lovely cameo from Tony Hurst as the undoubtedly scottish Doctor MacFarlane.

At the celebratory reception held after the final curtain, many comments were made as to the large cast and backstage crew making up this all-important ‘team’. However, I must single out and congratulate Christopher Carr on his beautiful set design, which, combined with superb costumes and hairstyles, really brought this production to life. Expertly directed by Christine Coaster, this production was funny, emotive and above-all intelligent – a great compliment to one of Britain’s finest ever scripts. Well done 'Team'.

Thanks from IPP Gordon, Councillor Peter, my companion and myself for the invitations and hospitality. We had a thoroughly enjoyable night's entertainment.

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