Review: Hobson's Choice at the Vaudeville Theatre

Hobson's Choice 

Vaudeville Theatre

Reviewed on Wednesday 15th June 2016

★★★★

Two years since it was last seen in London at the Open Air Theatre, Hobson's Choice has opened at the Vaudeville Theatre. Jonathan Church's production, which ran in Bath earlier this year, stars Martin Shaw who gives a stellar performance as boot-shop owner Henry Hobson. 

Martin Shaw reprises performance in West End transfer of Hobson's Choice

Marking the 100th anniversary of its first UK production, Hobson's Choice will open at the Vaudeville Theatre later this year.

Hobson's Choice will open on 14th June (previews from 8th June) and run until 10th September 2016. Martin Shaw will reprise his performance as Henry Horatio Hobson in the Theatre Royal Bath's production.

Shaw's stage roles include Saturday, Sunday, Monday opposite Laurence Olivier; he was Tony Award nominated for An Ideal Husband on Broadway and won a Drama Desk award. His recent West End credits include A Man for All Seasons and Twelve Angry Men.

Audiences react to Open Air Theatre's Hobson's Choice

As Hobson's Choice enters the final week of its run at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, a video has been released featuring audiences' reactions. Watch the video below.

The production stars Mark Benton as Henry Hobson alongside Karl Davies as Willy and Jodie McNee as Maggie. Directed by Nadia Fall, Hobson’s Choice completes its run this Saturday (12th July).

Review: Hobson's Choice at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre

Hobson's Choice
Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 17th June 2014

Boot-shop owner Henry Hobson isn't impressed when his formidable daughter, Maggie, declares she is to marry boot-maker Willie Mossop (which is also news to him). The pair wed and set up another shop to rival Maggie's fathers'. 

Nadia Fall's new 60s interpretation of Harold Brighouse's play is highly enjoyable. Injecting new life into the piece, Hobson's Choice is now gleaming with style and colour. 

Jodie McNee shines as Maggie, fearlessly strutting around the stage whilst calling all the shots. Maggie is one of these extraordinary roles written for women - I certainly wouldn't want to mess with her! McNee is perfectly cast and gives a career defining performance.

Poor Willie is a little startled when Maggie declares they are to marry, particularly as he's already engaged to someone else. However, it's touching to watch Karl Davies' portrayal of Willie's development as he enters married life and becomes a new man, much to the amazement of the audience.