The youngest daughters of curmudgeonly bootmaker Hobson are anxious to marry & have eligible suitors who must wait until eldest daughter, Maggie is engaged. Maggie, however has other plans.
This means you do not have to be a member to audition for this production!
We always look forward to welcoming new members and you only need to become a member once you get cast in the production or join the Creative Team.
“There’s plenty to make this revival of Harold Brighouse’s 1915 comedy well worth a ticket. One reason is simply that this play is absolutely bomb-proof. For an audience who have never encountered it, they will discover an exquisitely crafted comedy in which tight-fisted Victorian patriarch and boot-seller Hobson, father to three grown-up daughters, is outwitted by the eldest, the clever Maggie. It is as ornamental as a pair of Jimmy Choos, but much more durable, offering a fascinating historical mix of northern grit, suffragette impulses and a touching belief in hard work and the transforming opportunities of small business.” Lyn Gardner, The Guardian.
Quite simply, it is a fantastic play, and an absolute classic. Let’s have a go at it!
I have listed the characters with ages as described in the script, but this is simply a guide to the relative ages of the characters. The most important thing is that everybody looks right in relation to everyone else, so please don’t be put off! Clearly, the three central roles are Maggie, Willie and Hobson, but all are good roles:
Alice Hobson – aged 23
Vickey Hobson – aged 21
Maggie Hobson – aged 30
Ada Figgins – a weak, poor spirited girl, 20
Mrs Hepworth – an old lady
Albert Prosser – the son of a solicitor and beloved by Alice, aged 26
Fred Beenstock – son of a respectable tradesman, aged 25
Willie Mossop – aged 30
Henry Horatio Hobson – aged 50
Timothy Wadlow (Tubby) – an old employee of Hobson’s
Jim Heeler – a grocer and Hobson’s boon companion
Dr MacFarlane – a domineering Scotsman, aged 50
This is described as “A Lancashire Comedy in Four Acts”, so pull out your best Lancashire accent!
The play will be staged in a thrust arrangement. As ever, what I really want is a bunch of actors who enjoy that particular challenge, who can convincingly create this family, its friends and associates and who can engage the audience with the comedy and draw them right into the heart of the story. Harold Brighouse writes super roles and this is a smashing opportunity to have a go at bringing this wonderful old chestnut to glorious life. Rehearsals will start just before Christmas, probably, or we could have a go at a shorter, more intense schedule starting after Christmas with lines already learned.
Let’s see what you’re up for.
I have some offers of backstage help, but I know I need somebody to volunteer for props! If you are interested in getting involved, please telephone/email Derek.
For scripts, questions, or if you can’t make the listed audition dates, please contact Jan at jpsayer@yahoo.com or on 07768 431870, or Derek at derek.palmer1@btopenworld.com or on 07860 573896.
