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Hobson's Choice in London
Starring:
Martin Shaw
Popular British actor Martin Shaw is an award winner, with an impressive TV and stage career behind him spanning several decades. Now he's back in the glittering West End with Hobson's Choice, the latest revival of a play that's been delighting audiences around the world for a century. The end result is not to be missed, already gathering critical acclaim.
What is a so-called 'Hobson's choice'? It's a choice with only one option, very much along the lines of 'take it or leave it', and it probably originated way back in the 1500s with Thomas Hobson, the owner of a Cambridge livery stable who gave his customers the choice of either taking the horse in a stall nearest the door or taking no horse at all.
The story has legs. It has always been popular. It transferred to the silver screen as a silent movie in the 1920s, then again in 1931 and 1954, this time starring Charles Laughton and directed by David Lean with screenplay by Lean, Wynyard Browne and Norman Spencer. It won a Golden Bear Award as well as a BAFTA for Best British Film.
The roll of honour carried on through the decades. The 1966 Broadway musical Walking Happy is based on it, and there was even a ballet adaptation in 1989 courtesy of Sadler's Wells Royal Ballet at Covent Garden, also released on DVD. It looks like you're in for a treat!
Hobson's Choice – The story
The plot involves Henry Horatio Hobson, a British widower and the overbearing, bullying owner of a successful shoe shop. He spends most of his time boozing down at the Moonraker's pub with his fellow Masonic members.
Henry's three daughters Alice, Vicky and Maggie all work unpaid for their father, and they're desperate to escape his overly-controlling influence. When the fairy godmother-like Mrs Hepworth, a rich customer, wants to know who actually makes the fabulous boots she buys, and discovers it's Will Mossop, she insists every pair she buys from now on must be made by him.
The most headstrong and determined of the three daughters, Maggie, a talented businesswoman, decides she wants to marry the equally talented bootmaker Will Mossop. She proposes and he agrees. Then all hell lets loose, and an epic battle of wills begins. Hobson threatens to beat Will up and he leaves the shop, accompanied by Maggie. They set up a shoe shop of their own and marry as soon as they can.
The story continues, and gets more and more complicated. When Hobson suffers an attack of delirium tremens, a symptom of alcoholic withdrawal, the balance of power changes for good...
Hobson's Choice tickets – A classic comedy given a fresh new face
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Hobson's Choice Official Theatre Tickets
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Hobson's Choice Ticket Information
- Booking until:
Saturday, 10 September 2016
- Running time:
2 hours and 10 minutes
- Age restrictions
Suitable for 12+
- Cancellations & Refunds
Once booked, tickets to Hobson's Choice are usually non exchangeable and non refundable as per our terms & conditions. In practice, however, we will do our best to accommodate your request as long as we are notified at least 48 hours before the performance. Please contact us for more information.
Hobson's Choice cheap tickets
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Hobson's Choice reviews
What to expect:
ActingMusic
Costumes
Story
Lighting
- Recommended for:
- Theatregoers (97%)
Latest customer reviews
All reviews are from customers who have been invited to leave a review just after seeing Hobson's Choice.
Please note the reviews below are from an old production of Hobson's Choice.
verified
From New Zealand to the West EndWe wanted to see the show mainly to see Martin Shaw who we have admired mostly through his TV shows. We were not disappointed, he and the whole cast brought the classic play to life, with more humour in it than we expected. With a superb set it was quite magical.
M Reviewed on 30 September 2016 by Michael
Rotorua, New Zealand
verified
Brilliant show all aroundMartin Shaw played a brilliant Hobson, with Willie and Maggie portrayed with humour, porefessionism and class.
K Reviewed on 08 September 2016 by Karen
Plymouth, United Kingdom
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good fun!!D Reviewed on 07 September 2016 by Deborah
Leigh On Sea, United Kingdom
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Lively, comicalI liked the show because it addressed issues during that time period but gave it a comical edge.
M Reviewed on 04 September 2016 by Michelle
Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Choose HobsonsA Reviewed on 30 August 2016 by Adriane
Lebanon, United Kingdom
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brilliant eveningJ Reviewed on 27 August 2016 by John
Southampton, United Kingdom
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AwesomeWell acted.
S Reviewed on 19 August 2016 by Steven
York, United Kingdom
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Brilliant acting, story still relevant todayC Reviewed on 11 August 2016 by Christine
Southend-on-sea, United Kingdom
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EntertainingA Reviewed on 03 August 2016 by Andrew
Hitchin, United Kingdom
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Very EntertainingExcellent play, Matin Shaw was superb and lovely to see Christopher Timothy on stage. All the actors wer fantastic. This is a wonderful old theatre so not too big. Was slightly concerned that there was only one ladies bathroom (downstairs) and two gents bathrooms(!!) so get there quickly before the queue gets too long!
S Reviewed on 30 July 2016 by Susan
Grateley, Andover, United Kingdom
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Excellent entertainmentK Reviewed on 24 July 2016 by Keith
Runcorn, United Kingdom
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Lovely story and funnyD Reviewed on 12 July 2016 by David
Swindon, United Kingdom
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A comfortable evening's entertainment. No sex, no swearing, no excess flesh. The plot was very basic with no twists and turns, but a competent production with a good set. We were disappointed with the acting of Hobson who spoke too fast and often his words were swallowed. This is unfortunately the problem with an actor going from film/tv to stage.
P Reviewed on 11 July 2016 by Philippa
London, United Kingdom
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WonderfulA Reviewed on 07 July 2016 by Anita
Kendal, United Kingdom
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Clever & WittyVery enjoyable show, but any ladies hoping to swoon over Martin Shaw will be disappointed. As his character Henry Hobson of course has blotchy red drink sodden cheeks & a beer belly, spending a lot of time the worse for wear. He is very good but Bryan Dick as Willie Mossop steals the show. Something Mr. Shaw seems very happy to acknowledge at the play's end.
G Reviewed on 02 July 2016 by Gareth
Dartford, United Kingdom
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a classicJ Reviewed on 01 July 2016 by John
Southend On Sea, United Kingdom
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Must seeB Reviewed on 26 June 2016 by Brian
Warrington, United Kingdom
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a fu. eveningA Reviewed on 23 June 2016 by Anne
Tiverton, United Kingdom
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FunnyF Reviewed on 23 June 2016 by Fabienne
London, United Kingdom
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Martin Shaw is wonderfulS Reviewed on 17 June 2016 by Susan
Fyfield, United Kingdom
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Must seeVery funny, excellent acting, good atmosphere, scenery very convincing
C Reviewed on 16 June 2016 by Christopher
Ivybridge, United Kingdom
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Good period comedyGreat acting,subtle comedy, good story and scenery. Very enjoyable night at the theatre.
J Reviewed on 14 June 2016 by Joy
Felixstowe, United Kingdom
verified
Loved Hobson's Choice!I took two friends who are film makers and had seen the 1050's movie version. We all loved the transition to the 60s and the music. Loved the music. It was a perfect update to a fabulous play.
A Reviewed on 22 June 2014 by Anonymous
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