Hobson's Choice @ Lowry, Salford

8:35pm Thursday 24th January 2008

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IF you turn up to Hobson's Choice expecting to see John Savident doing an impression of Fred Elliot, you'll leave the Lowry extremely disappointed.

When it comes to acting, the former Coronation Street star is anything but a one trick pony and he brings the patriarch Henry Hobson vividly to life in a production that amuses and entertains from start to finish.

Savident's timing is impecable and he and the rest of the cast gel together beautifully. Whoever picked the actors and actresses to appear in this Lancashire classic got it absolutely right.

While Savident is the most famous name in the company, he isn't the "star" of the show because his fellow performers are just as good as he is.

You'll definitely warm to Will Mossop, the quivering doormat who ends up wed to the formidable but likeable Maggie Hobson, perfectly played by Carolyn Backhouse.

Will's face was a picture on his wedding night, as the hour approached for him to climb into bed, for the first time, with Maggie.

Dylan Charles gives a wonderful performance as Will, who starts the play as Hobson's downtrodden and browbeaten lackey. Later, the tables are turned.

Invariably, this play has one or two wrinkles, bearing in mind that it was first performed in 1916, but Brighouse's script still sounds remarkably fresh and sprightly.

The action of the play takes place in a north of England that has long since disappeared and doubtless those audience members who like to wear rose tinted glasses will find this rather comforting.

They don't write em like this anymore, appen. Great fun, great entertainment.

• Until Sunday. The box office is on 0870 111 2000.