Birmingham Royal Ballet - Hobson's Choice

Meet Henry Hobson, boot-maker. If he could see through the alcoholic haze, he would realise he had three beautiful daughters, a talented assistant and a successful business. If he’s not careful though, he’ll lose the lot. He drinks his profits and refuses to let his daughters marry.

Meet Maggie, Henry’s eldest daughter. A fierce woman, thought to be unmarryable. With sheer stubbornness, determination and the occasional choice word, she keeps her father and his business sailing in the right direction. Her heart is as hard as her tongue is sharp, but perhaps there is one man who can bring about a most out-of-character change...

Meet Will Mossop, Henry’s talented boot-hand, the unacknowledged success behind Hobson’s business and a man for whom the phrase ‘wouldn’t say boo to a goose’ was surely invented! One night after work, he creeps out from his basement workroom to try on some of the wonderful shoes he has made. Everything is going swimmingly until Maggie single handedly turns the wideeyed cobbler’s world upside down.

When Hobson’s Choice was premiered in 1989 at the Royal Opera House, David Bintley’s earthy comedy received a standing ovation the likes of which hadn’t been seen since the premiere of Frederick Ashton’s La Fille mal gardée in 1960. With one of those scores you can’t help but whistle by Paul Reade, composer of theme tunes for The Antiques Roadshow and The Flumps, the ballet has remained hugely popular ever since.