There is something so exhilarating about attending an open air production, especially when you are escaping from a super-urban city like London. I always choose Holland Park for opera and Regent’s Park for plays and musicals, and I am never disappointed.
Hobson’s Choice is a humble play, a quaint and old-fashioned comedy by Harold Brighouse. It is a bashful and modest opening show for the Regent’s Park 2014 summer season, but it is an enjoyable and touching story and, on press night, the audience seemed to delight in the light-hearted humour and nuanced acting.
It is the ultimate underdog tale. Selfish and lazy shoe shop owner Henry Horatio Hobson has three daughters to deal with since becoming a widower. He debates marrying them off but detests the lack of control that may lead to, and definitely won’t spend money on them. And so his eldest daughter, Maggie takes charge, coupling herself with the meek, uneducated, but brilliantly talented young boot-maker Willie Mossop and vows to change their lives forever. After a series of comical events, the young couple triumph and Hobson is left with whatever scraps of business and reputation he can retain. An unlikely love story with a satisfying finale.
The rotating set is very successful, simple and functional with a rugged-retro charm. It creates a believable sense of place and transports us back in time. The play is immaculately cast, each character seems so comfortable in their role taking on the 1960s character and Northern accent with no trouble at all. The interactions between the ensemble are so natural, it is a joy to watch. Mark Benton leads the cast as the drunken father, he is full of oomph and anger and causes much entertainment. Most memorable though is the defying couple, Jodie McNee as headstrong Maggie and Karl Davies as the reformed man, who depict their evolving relationship on stage with ease and elegance.
As long as the sun shines this vintage production will continue to enchant Londoners, the perfect escape at the end of a long day in the office.
Continues until 12th July, book tickets here.