| Hobson's Choice | |
|---|---|
| Written by | Harold Brighouse |
| Date premiered | November 2, 1915 |
| Place premiered | Princess Theatre |
Hobson's Choice is a play by Harold Brighouse, the title taken from the popular expression, Hobson's choice—meaning no choice at all (from Thomas Hobson 1545–1631, who ran a thriving livery stable in Cambridge).
The first production was at the Princess Theatre in New York on November 2, 1915.[1] It then transferred to London on 24 June 1916 at the Apollo Theatre, before moving to the Prince of Wales Theatre on 20 November 1916 (starring Norman McKinnel, as Henry Hobson, Edyth Goodall as Maggie Hobson and Joe Nightingale as Willie Mossop[2]). It was performed by the National Theatre at the Old Vic, London in 1964 (starring Michael Redgrave, Joan Plowright and Frank Finlay.)[2] The play was adapted for film several times and as a Broadway musical. The Crucible Theatre Sheffield staged a revival in June 2011 directed by Christopher Luscombe and starring Barrie Rutter, Zoe Waites and Philip McGinley.In June 2016, Hobson's Choice opened at The Vaudeville Theatre, running until 10 September 2016.[3] Martin Shaw played Hobson.[4]
The story is set in Salford in 1880. It bears many resemblances to the stories of Cinderella and King Lear including a deceased mother; three daughters, two of whom are pretty and frivolous, the third of whom is clever and hardworking; and a fairy godmother (Mrs. Hepworth).[5]