05 March 2010
 |
| Hobson's Choice is at the Abbey Theatre |
SOMETIMES the Company of Ten comes up with a production that is so
professional you find it hard to believe you are watching amateur theatre.
And that is very much the case with the current production, Hobson's
Choice, which is delighting audiences at the Abbey Theatre in St Albans.
The play, set in the early part of the twentieth century, could feel
dated but it doesn't because the personality traits of the characters
are all recognisable, from the bullying paterfamilias Henry Hobson
to the bossy daughter Maggie and her put-upon swain Willie Mossop.
Roger Bartlett, known to Company of Ten audiences for his performances
on stage and his guidance with many effective fight scenes, makes his
directorial debut with Hobson's Choice and he deserves to take a bow
along with the cast.
He has managed to avoid the trap of making it just a period piece and
has created a touching, funny and enjoyable production to appeal to
all ages.
He is helped in no small measure by an exceptional cast who all clearly
enjoy their roles and put blood, sweat and tears into their performances.
George Edkins is the dictatorial and hard-drinking patriarch Henry
Horatio Hobson who bullies two of his daughters but meets his match
in his oldest girl Maggie.
And it is Maria Giliberti's performance as Maggie which is the highlight
of the production - she is confident and assured in the role and her
northern accent is faultless.
Maria is at her best with her unwitting spouse-to-be Willie Mossop,
a fine performance by Julian Wathen, and her metamorphosis from strong-willed
older daughter to compliant wife is a hoot.
Helen Miller as Alice Hobson and Lucy
Crick as Vickey Hobson and their
respective swains Lester J. Adams as Albert Prosser and Alex
Bell as
Freddy Beenstock are perfect foils for the main characters.
And the remainder of the cast, which includes a fine comic performance
from Tim Hoyle as Tubby Wadlow, are all very impressive and completely
in tune with the comic timing required for their roles.
As is invariably the case with main stage productions by the Company
of Ten, the two sets are excellent, particularly Hobson's Boot Shop.
Set designer David Briscoe and his team must have been inspired.
The Abbey Theatre was full to the rafters for Hobson's Choice on Saturday
and performances have been selling well. Any remaining tickets can
be obtained from the box office on 01727 857861.
MADELEINE BURTON
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