David Bintley's
HOBSON'S CHOICE
Studio Recording 1992

Devised and choreographed by David Bintley
From the play by Harold Brighouse

Michael O'Hare, Karen Donovan, Desmond Kelly
Sandra Madgwick, Chenca Williams, Anita Landa

The Birmingham Royal Ballet

Birmingham Royal Ballet Orchestra
Barry Wordsworth, conductor

Designed by Hayden Griffen
Music composed by Paul Reade

Picture format: PAL 4:3
Sound format: PCM Stereo
Region code: 2, 5 (only available in Europe and South Africa)
Running time: 101 mins
No. of DVDs: 1 (DVD 9)

"What a fabulous way to spend an evening. Birmingham Royal Ballet's Hobson's Choice, is three acts of pure pleasure and a reminder of how near genius a dance maker we have in its creator, David Bintley." Sunday Express

This special studio recording of David Bintley's three act ballet is an enchanting portrayal of life in a northern English town at the turn of the 19th century. It is based on Harold Brighouse's much-loved play of the same name and has been aptly described as a "rollicking musical comedy without words" by the Sunday Times.

The affectionate rags-to-riches comedy revolves around the unlikely marriage of Henry Hobson's daughter, Maggie, to a poor bootmaker, Will Mossop, with all the delicate social issues involved therein: the role of women in society, the snobbery of the class system and the meaning and priorities of marriage.

Paul Reade's infectious melodies perfectly complement the splendid array of traditional dances as well as the hilarious and lovingly portrayed characters, while Hayden Griffin's handsome painted decor evokes a delightfully authentic and atmospheric setting in 1880's Salford.
"Hobson's Choice is not only one of the most enjoyable ballets created in recent years, but also perhaps the most successful collaboration too, since choreographer, composer and designer are equally matched, and all measure up to give their starting point, the play by Harold Brighouse (a hit for 90 years now), a new lease of life." Independent