Hobson's Choice
Hobson's Choice
A classic of English drama, Harold Brighouse’s Hobson’s Choice transfers to the West End after a celebrated run at the Theatre Royal Bath.
Self-made man Henry Horatio Hobson is one of English theatre’s finest comic characters. A shopkeeper, a booze hound and a penny pincher, Hobson rules over his daughters with an iron fist and is accountable to no one. However, when his eldest daughter Maggie marries Will Mossop in defiance of her father’s wishes, a merciless battle of wills ensues. Hobson could lose everything, but that’s his choice!
Marking the centenary of the first production of the comedic play in the UK, this lovingly designed revival is directed by Artistic Director of the Sydney Theatre Company Jonathan Church, stars British favourite Martin Shaw (Inspector George Gently, Judge John Deed, Twelve Angry Men, A Man For All Seasons) and co-stars Naomi Frederick (The Trial of Tony Blair, Twelfth Night) and Christopher Timothy (Doctors). Featuring knock-out performances by its superb cast and stunningly detailed sets and costumes by Simon Higlett, Hobson’s Choice offers a wealth of laughter and warmth. Far ahead of its time when it was first performed, Hobson’s Choice remains a fascinating and witty exploration of status and ambition.
Playing at London’s Vaudeville Theatre, don’t delay in booking your tickets to a true English masterwork.
- Cast
Martin Shaw, Naomi Frederick, Bryan Dick, Gabrielle Dempsey, Joanna McCallum with further casting to be announced
- Duration
2h10m incl. interval
Additional Details & FAQ
- Cancellation Policy
No refunds available after purchase.
- How Does It Work
If you choose collect at box office you will receive a confirmation email with your booking reference, please print this and bring it with you on the day of the show a minimum of 30 minutes before the performance start time.
If you choose post - tickets are sent 5 days after purchase.
- Suitable For Children
Suitable for ages 12+
- Where Do I Go
Vaudeville Theatre, 404 Strand, London, WC2R 0NH.
By Tube- Charing Cross (Northern, Bakerloo) Embankment (District, Circle)
By Bus- 1, 4 , 6, 9, 11, 13 , 15, 68, 76, 171, 176, 18
Reviews
Ali Welsby
Sep 15, 2016
The show was everything I thought it would be. Great acting from all the cast but exceptional from Martin Shaw.
Gwyn D
Sep 15, 2016
This was an experience I had looked forward to very much and it did not disappoint. Shaw, Timothy and the rest of the cast were superb and, had it not completed its run, I would return for another visit. I can only hope that it will tour to my little provincial theatre at some time in the future.
Andrea
Sep 14, 2016
seen three times firstly at Richmond and after an enjoyable evening couldn't wait to see it again in London. Martin Shaw was brilliant as Hobson, the rest of the cast was just as good. very funny and a very enjoyable evening. well done to all .
Judith Whitehead
Sep 12, 2016
Excellent production. We thoroughly enjoyed it right to the standing ovation! Martin Shaw was great.
Marilyn Forsyth
Sep 12, 2016
Really enjoyed. Have seen in York before but a totally different version. The whole audience enjoyed from the amount of laughter ensuing!
Jude
Sep 11, 2016
The show was absolutely fantastic. Loved all the performances and the set was very imaginative. I have to say the star of the show was William Mossop! He was absolutely brilliant.
Cat and Nick
Sep 11, 2016
Hobson's Choice was a splendid production. The cast's performance was outstanding, especially the part of Maggie. A stunning set with clever use of limited stage space, with authentic and life like sets. A thoroughly enjoyable first time experience for my fiance.
Cat and Nick
Sep 11, 2016
Hobson's Choice was a splendid production. The cast's performance was outstanding, especially the part of Maggie. A stunning set with clever use of limited stage space, with authentic and life like sets. A thoroughly enjoyable first time experience for my fiance.
Derek lowe
Sep 11, 2016
Very much enjoyed the whole cast ant the northern twang
Keith Pogson
Sep 10, 2016
The cast work very hard to bring this excellent film to the stag,and it worked
barbara
Sep 10, 2016
My second visit and as entertaining as the first. I remember the film and the Willie Mossop character was a joy to watch as was the star of the show.
Michael Leech
Sep 9, 2016
Superb show,we both enjoyed the performance,shame it had to end.The quality of all actors and actresses made the show flow right to the end.Not enough superlatives to describe Mr Shaw's part in this production.
Su
Sep 9, 2016
A lovely evening spent in a small airy theatre watching Martin Shaw and co. Excellent acting and comic timing well worth z visit.
David
Sep 9, 2016
Well worth the trip all the way from Lincolnshire. Very well acted with a first class production. Pity it's not on longer as we would certainly come again.
Susan
Sep 9, 2016
Booked to see this show at the last minute. Tickets ere waiting at the desk. Very efficient. Show was as good as expected and better. The whole cast were great.
Chris
Sep 9, 2016
Brilliant show , great actors
Terence M. Bailey
Sep 9, 2016
Brilliant; most enjoyable; laugh out loud. If you want a criticism: staff chewing gum with an off-hand manner in the box office is not the best welcome. Most staff very good. Comment: I was almost at the very back of the house yet the projection of the cast was very good. I couldn't catch everything but my hearing is not the best. Lady next to me didn't seem to have a problem. Conclusion - thank you for a very happy afternoon after a fraught morning.
John skok
Sep 8, 2016
best play i've been to in years. whole cast were brilliant
Derek Hyde
Sep 7, 2016
I've now seen this production twice - at Richmand and at the Vaudevilleand do not believe the cast and production could be better. The pace was right, the setting gloriously apt. All the characters, from small to lead, played their parts admirably. Maggie grew in stature, as did Mossop; they all showed signs of growth through their "adventures" in this otry. Admirable; well done!
Marian draper
Sep 6, 2016
We loved it, Shaw was amazing but wonderful young casts, thank you
terry
Sep 6, 2016
great acting shame it missed the falling down cellar bit out
steve miller
Sep 5, 2016
very good lovely theatre very close to original film martin shaw excellent as were all the cast reccomend this show to anyone
Ranald
Sep 5, 2016
Enjoyable, but not cutting edge production. Actors excellent, but perhaps a little tired towards the end of the run. Sets very good.
Happy H
Sep 4, 2016
we really enjoyed the play. Of course Martin Shaw and Christopher Timothy were great but the Naomi Frederick was fantastic and Bryan Dick was amazing in the roles of Maggie and Willie. What a great show!
Isobel Beel
Sep 4, 2016
A fabulous theatre for a fabulous performance! Faultless, fresh as the day it was written and performed by a wonderful cast!
Kathy B
Sep 4, 2016
Excellent show with an excellent cast. Really enjoyed it & loved seeing Martin Shaw as Henry Hobson. His northern accent was a bit Scottish at times but apart from that the show was great. The cast were word perfect and very true to the film. Would recommend.
Lucy
Sep 4, 2016
Brilliant performances by all cast , set was excellent . Spent a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon watching a wonderful version of one of my favourite films .
Julia Miles
Sep 4, 2016
I was disappointed with Martin Shaw because I could barely make out a word he was saying. Perhaps he could drop the accent? Otherwise it was a well produced play with excellent sets and costumes.
Jean
Sep 4, 2016
Very well performed by all the cast. An excellent evening of pleasurable entertainment. Thank You.
Joy hynes
Sep 3, 2016
What a thoroughly enjoyable show last night. Martin Shaw was as expected - brilliant. As were the rest of the cast.
Scarlet
Sep 3, 2016
We both really enjoyed this play -actors were all really good in character and it was well worth the trip from deepest Dorset!
Jilly Penegar
Sep 2, 2016
A highly polished and entertaining performance by all - forget the classic film version, this is the ideal version to see. Each character finely portrayed by an excellent cast - headed by Martin Shaw - it would be difficult to pick out any actor. Plenty of laughs, ideal to brighten up any day of the week.
JD
Sep 2, 2016
My family and I thoroughly enjoyed this play. It was wonderful to see Martin Shaw and Christopher Timothy on stage, surrounded by a very strong supporting cast.
June Lee
Sep 2, 2016
A favourite of mine - especially the film version with John Mills. This production however was wonderful and all the cast played their parts so well, especially Bryan Dick and Martin Shaw. Loved it!
Brian Mason
Sep 2, 2016
a really enjoyable play. the cast were brilliant.Martin Shaw always great.....
Ann
Sep 1, 2016
The movie is one of my all time favorites, so I was prepared to be disappointed-- not so! Cast was fantastic, the show is charming, funny & touching. Can't recommend highly enough!
CJ
Sep 1, 2016
Superb play. The acting was terrific. My one complaint was that the wonderful Martin Shaw was difficult to understand at times because of his OTT Lancashire accent. I accept that he was going for authenticity but please spare a thought for us outsiders who lost some of the dialogue. People sitting near me also has the same to say.
Karen
Aug 31, 2016
Cast were great and Martin Shaw fantastic as mr Hobson
Amanda Smith
Aug 31, 2016
The actors were outstanding in their roles. I particularly liked 'Maggie', she picked up her cues quickly and drew all the humour out of the role. Her empathy and love for 'Willie' was charming.
Lyn
Aug 30, 2016
Very enjoyable. Felt very engaged with the cast.
Mr.Cook
Aug 30, 2016
Good show , well acted,good stage sets. Well worth the London prices.
MJ
Aug 30, 2016
Delightful play. Witty, funny. At times laugh out loud humour and other times incredibly subtle. Although originally written in the 19th century the themes of Hobson's Choice are still apt today. Martin Shaw's performance was amazing. Actually all performances were brilliant. Would definitely recommend.
Patricia
Aug 30, 2016
I dragged my Husband along on Friday 26th August, as I initially wanted to see this, but my Husband enjoyed it just as much as I. Brilliant performance from the whole cast. well done.
Heather
Aug 30, 2016
This is a brilliant revival of a long-time classic. The Director handles the cast very effectively and they, in their turn, convey the range of emotions required to great effect. One minor adverse comment, Maggie gabbled her lines in several places so that, unless one knew the play well, it was not always clear what she was saying. Otherwise, a play not to be missed.
Anne
Aug 29, 2016
What an excellent play. The actors all played their parts brilliantly, they couldn't be faulted. The play itself was very amusing and well written. My husband and I both thoroughly enjoyed it.
D Lear
Aug 29, 2016
Brilliant play and cast great way to spend quality time
Geoff Giles
Aug 28, 2016
What a great show this is. Martin Shaw is superb, and also the supporting cast, especially Maggie. What a great part she played. Wanted to marry her myself. Sorry I left it so late to see, as I hear it's to close soon. Would love to see it again. If it's touring, I thoroughly recommend you go to see it.
P Turner
Aug 28, 2016
The play was excellent. A good story line well acted with a lot of humour
Chris morgan
Aug 28, 2016
The show was absolutely fantastic the cast were just incredible and the stage sets a work of art
chris
Aug 28, 2016
We booked this at the last minute and it was well worth the 150 mile round trip. A warm and funny performance from a brilliant ensemble cast. Martin Shaw and Bryan Dick outstanding.