Hobson's Choice

Written in the early 1900s, this play has endured and is widely performed by both professionals and amateurs. It depicts life in the 1880s, highlighting the dominance of the upper class and their dependence on the working class for business success. Although this very funny production was set in1960s it stayed true to the original storyline.

The actors delivered outstanding performances, each bringing distinct characterisations and delivering smooth dialogue in this highly polished production, with lots of humorous moments. The excellence also extended beyond the cast to the technical and stage crew. As the story unfolds, we witness notable changes in every character, impressively guided by experienced director Neil Mather.

Jon Wilson gave a powerful performance as Henry Horatio Hobson - a tyrannical, domineering, and often-intoxicated father and a man determined to keep his three daughters single to avoid paying their dowries and parting with his wealth. The lively and frivolous Alice and Vickey had already chosen their prospective husbands, but convincing their stubborn father has proved challenging. Lois Drury and Alice Teather-Rhodes embodied these roles flawlessly. Beckie Ruddock was excellent in her   portrayal of the eldest and strong-minded daughter Maggie, who runs the business as well as the household. After her father thinks she is beyond marriage, she decides to marry the timid yet talented shoemaker William (Willy) Mossop, and to start their own business - taking away Hobson’s customers in the process.

Under Maggie’s tuition Mossop’s education and confidence grow. Before their marriage, Ada Figgins arrives claiming that Willy belongs to her, but Willy promptly shows he is not interested. Kim Baker appears only briefly, yet she plays a significant role. To help Maggie and Willy start their business, Mrs. Hepworth, a customer, generously lends them £100. She is crucial to the plot, and Gaynor Robinson portrays the character exceptionally well. Accompanying Mrs. Hepworth is her chauffeur, performed by James Wilson.

Through her decisive action, Maggie not only secures her own future but also paves the way for her sisters to wed the men they love and cause her father’s undoing. Lucas Gunson’s comic timing, in both speech and body language, was perfect for his character Willy Mossop. This all gave rise to much laughter from the audience, especially on the eve of their wedding – a superb characterisation.

Hobson is unable to adjust to the loss of his daughters who had always managed many aspects of his life. He turns to drinking excessively and ultimately falls through a trapdoor to land in a warehouse owned by Freddie Beenstock's family - Freddie being Vickey’s suitor. The Beenstocks intend to pursue legal action against Hobson; however, with the assistance of Albert Prosser, an ambitious solicitor and Alice’s suitor, a settlement is successfully negotiated. Ultimately, the daughters marry their respective partners: Vickey weds Freddie Beenstock, roles skilfully portrayed by Lee Sanderson and Elliot Cable respectively.     

Hobson relies on Jim Heeler as both a drinking companion and confidante, a role well played by Mark Hague-Flint. Frank Bardsley also stood out as Timothy "Tubby" Wadlow, the handyman whose attempts to assist Hobson in the shop only worsened Hobson's struggles with drinking. When Hobson's health deteriorates, Dr McFarlane, convincingly played with a strong Scottish accent by Mike Hague-Flint, insists he must quit drinking or risk death.

As the story moves on Maggie decides that to look after her father she and Mossop will come back and build up the business once again, but this time with Mossop in partnership with Hobson - “Mossop & Hobson”, Willy proudly declares.

The show ended strongly, with lots of laughter and applause from the audience. I particularly enjoyed the 60’s music. Congratulations to everyone involved in this splendid production.

Thank you for the invite and the wonderful hospitality.

Sue Cox

NODA. Drama Rep - Region 14

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