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    Refreshingly modern
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    A warm, handsome production
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Hobson's Choice Tickets

Vaudeville Theatre

Martin Shaw stared as the hilarious Henry Hobson in Harold Brighouse’s popular comedy Hobson’s Choice. Having opened at the Vaudeville Theatre London, Hobson’s Choice is the classic tale of Hobson, as he deals with a daughter refusing to marry the man of his choice. A very unlikely story of romance and comedy, this play was an extremely entertaining night out.

Chichester Theatre Festival's artistic director Jonathan Church revived comedy classic Hobson's Choice in 2016, which ran at London's Vaudeville Theatre. After successful preview performances at the Theatre Royal Bath, Hobson's Choice transferred to the West End following the departure of Broadway's Olivier Award-nominated Hand to God. Previews having began on June 8th to warm reviews and the production had a limited run until September 10th 2016.

Written in 1915 by Harold Brighouse, Hobson's Choice follows Henry Horatio Hobson, who is said to be one of England's greatest comic characters. A shopkeeper, self-made man and general skinflint, Hobson has decided that his rebellious daughter Maggie will marry his bootmaker, Will Mossop. When Maggie refuses, a fight is sure to follow, and Hobson must soon choose between his customers, his pride or his daughter.

Martin Shaw starred as the hilarious Hobson, alongside Made in Dagenham's Naomi Frederick as Maggie, Wolf Hall's Bryan Dick as Will Mossop and Gabrielle Dempsey and Joanna McCallum. Shaw is well-known for his starring roles in hit television series' Inspector George Gently and Judge John Deed. His extensive stage credits include playing opposite Laurence Olivier in An Ideal Husband, as well as A Man for All Seasons and Twelve Angry Men at the Garrick Theatre.

Hobson's Choice creative team included designer Simon Higlett, lighting designer Tim Mitchell, sound designer Mike Walker and an original score by Matthew Scott. Jonathan Church's production marked 100 years since the play was first performed in the UK, and was the most recent revival since Nadia Fall's updated 1960's version. An unlikely romantic tale brimming with comedy, Hobson's Choice opened at the Vaudeville Theatre on June 8th 2016 and ran until September 2016.

Sorry this show closed 10 September 2016, we recommend these similar productions.

Performance dates:
09 Sep 2016 - 10 Sep 2016
Running time:
2 hours and 10 minutes.
Age recommendation:
12+
Audience Notes:
Fans of Martin Shaw will enjoy seeing him in a rare comic role. Those who love Hobson's Choice will definitely love this revival! Suitable for ages 12 and up.
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Latest Audience Reviews

I enjoyed the show although I felt like it dragged a little in the middle. The show was different... More

Great acting, some well known actors, good sets, but just a bit dull I'm afraid :(

Went with a group to see this and really enjoyed this comic drama about a self-made bootseller, M... More

Excellent play. Good play, well directed, and acted. The Vaudeville is rather a smallish and in... More

This production of Hobson’s Choice is perfectly enjoyable if you like the Brighouse original. Sta... More

A great revival of a 100 year old play. Martin Shaw was undoubtedly the star of the show and pla... More

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