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Three Big Men get the Boot!
26th
May 2008
By Melissa Trickey
 Who
would have thought that a play about shoes could be so funny!
3
Big Men Productions and the Rehearsal Room by special arrangement
with Dominie Pty Ltd proudly present this riotously funny and
socially profound play by Brighouse. Hobson’s Choice reminds us at a
time when few people feel comfortably in control of their lives;
that a little unconditional assurance goes a long way in determining
your own destiny.
Hobson’s Choice revolves around Willie Mossop, a gifted but
unappreciated shoemaker employed by the domineering Henry Hobson
(played by Ian Rooney). Semi-literate and content with his lot,
Willie is bullied by Hobson’s eldest daughter into marrying her and
setting up his own shop. Between her business skills and his shoe
making talent, an enterprise is made in heaven and along the way
they find each other. Willie takes all of Hobson’s trade and at
Maggie’s urging, he enters into partnership with Hobson. The
condition is that Hobson—now a bankrupt alcoholic, takes no further
part in the business. Against the odds, this unusual couple defies
convention to prove love can be found in unlikely circumstances.
But
it’s not only the shoes that excite me about this play. Now I’m not
a huge Neighbours fan, but……… HAROLD IS IN THIS PLAY AND THAT’S VERY
EXCITING!!!!!! I LOVE HAROLD! DON’T YOU?!?!
Phew, sorry, got a bit carried away there. As I was saying before I
got a bit over excited, Ian Smith or “Harold” is not the only
professional to take leave of absence for a play that centers around
boots – there is Darren Mort, Family Law Barrister turned producer;
Caroline Lloyd, medical practitioner turned lead actor; Peter
Davenport, Neighbours writer switching roles to become the male
version of Eliza Doolittle in a comedy with universal appeal and
loads of heart.
I
spoke with Producer Darren Mort to find out why a play about shoes
is so funny…
“It’s because of the way it develops the characters in such a rich
tapestry of drama. The play challenges the unexpected and shows us
with the right amount of will and desire anything is possible. The
play was written well before its time. In an age where women had
limited rights, the show explores Maggie's self determination to
transform a cobbler, Willie, into a respected businessman. It is
this unexpected change in the appearance and attitude of Willie and
Maggie's mission of reformation and the reactions by other
characters proximate to the action that make for many comical
moments.”
And you have
to wonder, Barrister to play Producer? It’s a bit Leo Bloom isn’t
it! Are there any parallels between the two? “Being a barrister, you
are delivered a brief and you prepare your own script based on
instructions from your client – you then get to perform in Court;
being a producer you are provided with a script and that is it! You
have to evolve the product, tease out its very existence to end up
with something that can stand on its own two legs: you have to
understand the script and its thematic process; you have to appoint
a team of people such as directors, set designers; lighting
designers; costumes; properties; approve a cast; appoint a
publicist; raise monies by way
of sponsorship and advertising; design programs; meet and greet and
then some more. Producing a play is a tremendous amount of work and
is all consuming – to approving a cast to arranging catering for
bump out! It is also project orientated, so the time passes and the
project
reaches its conclusion. Like winning a case, opening night has the
same buzz for me in terms of exhilaration. I look forward to
stepping back to see what has evolved after months of hard work and
emotional debt. If you have done the work the product is usually
guaranteed success. As a producer I loathe artistic success
without financial success for the benefit of my cast and myself: the
two must go hand in hand. If I only achieve one, then it’s back to
the drawing board – a place I prefer to avoid!”
“The show is
progressing very well. I have a stellar bunch of sound actors, who
are prepared to play in their roles. My gauge is the chill one gets
running up the spine when a moment touches upon your being – for me
Hobson's Choice delivers several of those moments! I look forward to
the audience response and I am sure, like me, they will enjoy lots
of good laughs, but they will also be touched by the heart felt
drama.”
“As far as
highlights, this is very subjective. I must confess I enjoy Ian
Smith's interpretation of the part of the doctor. I enjoy watching
him bounce off Ian Rooney who plays Hobson. Their dialogue is racy,
tempered and very humorous. I also enjoy
Peter Davenport's performance as Willie and his reactions to Maggie
(played by Caroline Lloyd). Both are accomplished actors who fulfill
their roles admirably. I also enjoy the live music in the show that
gives it a certain
flavour
of its time.”
And I know the
question you’re all dying to ask….. what’s Harold like?!? “Harold in
real life is a gentleman by the name of Ian Smith. He is delightful
man who has been extremely generous of his time, in terms of this
production. Despite his recognition in terms of his Neighbours role,
he is very humble. He is also a very giving actor who is supportive
of cast members. In that respect he is a team player and I have been
appreciative of his concerted efforts in this production. Ian has
been a delight to have on board.”
The
play is directed by Richard Sarell (Neighbours, Blue Heelers, MDA)
and opens at Chapel off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel St, Prahran on
Saturday 31 May, 2008. Show times Tuesday—Saturday 8pm; Saturday
matinees 3pm; Sundays 5pm. For bookings call 8290 7000. In the mean
time, make sure you shine your shoes!
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