News feed

Review

Hobson’s Choice, All Saints Dramatic Society, De La Salle Theatre, Southbourne.

HAROLD Brighouse’s classic play might have been written in support of the Suffragette Movement, so clearly does it show how women – in this instance Henry Hobson’s three daughters – were no longer prepared to be subservient to men.

And in eldest daughter Maggie, beautifully characterised here by Paula Davies, there is a perfect example of a forceful woman who lets no obstacle stand in her way in order to get what she wants, which in this case is lowly boot-maker William Mossop (an excellent John Sivewright), who she soon moulds into good husband and businessman material.

Director Douglas Eyre has paced his production well and a thoroughly realistic set, plus superb props and costumes, brings 1880s Salford to life. I’m not convinced that they put white labels under their boots in those days though, but let that pass.

Tony Edwards as Hobson catches his character’s sense of helplessness at his growing loss of control, and his realisation that he is no longer the powerful figure of old, but in this role Tony’s slight stature is against him and the addition of a ‘fat suit’ almost turns him into a caricature.

There are some lovely cameos in smaller roles, not least Brian Foley (Tubby) and Martyn French (Dr MacFarlane).

Linda Kirkman

return to review index