Comedy play Hobson’s Choice comes to Sheringham Little Theatre

Hobson’s Choice revolves around tyrannical and hard-drinking bootmaker Henry Hobson and this three daughters, whose futures - and marriages - he has mapped out in his own mind.

But although he considers his eldest, Maggie, too old to marry, she has other ideas. 

Maggie plans to wed her dad’s best boot-hand Willie Mossop, which turns the tables on Hobson and leads him to face two equally painful choices.

Simon Thompson, director, said: “It is a classic comedy set in 1880s Salford where the fun comes from Maggie outwitting and outmanoeuvring the girls’ overbearing father.”

And the play has a special meaning for Mr Thompson.

Simon and Debbie Thompson in Hobson's Choice in 1992 - Picture: Supplied (Image: Supplied)

He and his wife Debbie - who is the Little Theatre’s director - both starred in a production of Hobson’s Choice at the venue in the summer of 1992.

He said: “It was special because it was the season we met, and was great fun to play.”

In the new production, Maggie is played by Hannah Smith, who is also the Little Theatre’s newly appointed commercial manager, while Pete Dewar is Willie.

Peter Howell plays Henry Hobson, with Annabelle Tyrrell and Rebecca Andrews as younger daughters Alice and Vicky.

Also taking the stage in the Sheringham Little Theatre Players production will be Ray Tempesta, Caius Law, Attia Law, Steve Tuck, Paul Watson, Thelma Torr and Tony Waeland.

The play’s name is a phrase for a choice where only one thing is offered, for example - ‘take it or leave it’.

The show runs March 23-March 25 at 7.30pm. For tickets visit www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com or call the box office on 01263 822347.