Hobson’s Choice (2018)

A sparkling revival of one of the great classics of British Theatre, Harold Brighouse’s Lancashire comedy Hobson’s Choice.

This fresh new production moves forward in time from nineteenth century Salford to the year 1958. Rock and roll may have arrived with the youth revolution  just around the corner, but in Henry Horatio Hobson’s shoe shop, Queen Victoria might as well still be on the throne.

Their wireless and a secret treasured record player keep the three girls tuned to the hit parade, but when Maggie has had enough and leaves, taking Willie, the bootmaker with her, the younger sisters Vickey and Alice feel free to make their own escape from home.

John D Collins, best known for TV’s smash hit ‘Allo! ‘Allo!, plays Hobson. With specially written songs by upcoming musicians Ben Goble with the Lockerbillies (Glastonbury 2017) echo the sounds of the time, from skiffle to Presley and from Doris Day to Jerry Lee Lewis. Featuring the brilliant Lucy Robinson (Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason), who provides the voice for Mrs Hepworth.