A talented Seaford Little Theatre cast shine in Harold Brighouse's Northern comedy Hobson's Choice, featuring a battle of wills between a dictatorial boot shop owner and his three daughters back in 1890.

Charismatic Douglas Wragg makes an excellent debut with Seaford as domineering, tight-fisted widower Hobson, who somehow manages to evoke sympathy despite making his daughters work without pay, appreciation or respect.

Ann Mabey (Maggie), Jenny Humphries (Alice) and Lindsey Holledge (Vickey) are also impressive in the roles of the suppressed daughters.

Wragg and Mabey have some great scenes as Maggie holds her own with her father. But Roland Boorman steals the limelight as the subservient, seemingly slow-witted boot-maker Will Mossop, who is horrified to be told by old maid Maggie that he will be her husband.

Although his performance is in danger of becoming a caricature, he milks the laughs by capturing Will's reluctance, awkwardness and fears. And he skilfully handles Will's transition from downtrodden, mocked employee to confident businessman.

In contrast, Hobson's drunken fall into a cellar puts him in danger of having his reputation tarnished.

Fine direction by Stella Dench ensures that the relationships between the two younger sisters and their suitors, played by the very promising Chris Church and Peter Barnes, are not merely superficial.

Mary Young and John Hamilton excel in two delightful cameo roles - posh customer Mrs Hepworth and Dr MacFarlane - while Dennis Picott, Stephen Newberry and Wendy Picott provide good support. Alan Lade's effective sets help give a dated but amusing play credibility.