The Hobby-Horse


Read by LibriVox Volunteers

(4.1 stars; 5 reviews)

A man's wife is caught up in Philanthropy, generously supporting all sorts of good causes. But that does not include her husband's interests in "the Turf or the Stable - no feeling except one of positive distaste." So what is he to do? How about somehow getting her to "endow a Home for about twenty decayed jockeys and stablemen ... who have outlived their chances on the turf and fallen on bad days?" Sounds very noble, but of course that is not quite what he has in mind.... (By the way, there is an Introductory Note that explains the play's reception. It has spoilers so I put it at the end of the Act 3 file.)
- Summary by ToddHW

Cast list:
Mr Spenser Jermyn: Son of the Exiles
Mrs Spenser Jermyn: Sonia
Mr Pinching: Adrian Stephens
Miss Moxon: Devorah Allen
Reverend Noel Brice: ToddHW
Bertha: Jenn Broda
Tom Clark: Tomas Peter
Mrs Porcher: Lydia
Mr Shattock: KHand
Mr Pews: Alan Mapstone
Mr Lyman: Adam Bielka
Mr Moulter: BandanaMan99
Mrs Landon: ambsweet13
Tiny Landon: BandanaMan99
Hewett: schrm
Stage Directions: MichaelMaggs
Editing: ToddHW (2 hr 59 min)

Chapters

Act 1 - A Chapter of Philanthropy 54:20 Read by LibriVox Volunteers
Act 2 - A Chapter of Sentiment 58:27 Read by LibriVox Volunteers
Act 3 - A Chapter of Expiation (and Intro Note) 1:06:35 Read by LibriVox Volunteers

Reviews


(2 stars)

Was sadly a bit underwhelmed by this play. The rather fun and interesting plot premise unfortunately feels really wasted. The play just isn't very funny. It's more of a boring relationship drama with outdated gender roles and characters you don't come to care much about. In general I've found Pinero's plays rather hit or miss - and this is sadly a miss for me. The Librivox actors are great as always though, and are what still makes the play a decent listen in the end.