Scenography - The Theatre Design Website

Designed by Lili Rogue

Victorian Manchester (or to be more specific Salford, Manchester) is not an era and place you might imagine is familiar to the French. However the French born Theatre Designer Lili Rogue it seems is as thorough in her research as she is a perfectionist in her designs. It cannot be argued that Hobson’s Choice at York Theatre Royal is going to be a world changing event or an original choice for any northern regional theatre, though the visual design and some of the casting is certainly enough to attract attention.

Berwick Kaler (York Theatre Royal’s notorious pantomime Dame) returns to play Henry Hobson, his last serious role for the theatre being 20 years ago in 1985. Other reviewers have noted that taking the “Dame” out of Kaler has not been a complete success, watching the show late in it’s run I wondered if he had rethought his performance as I did not see much evidence of his celebrated Dame. Though I did feel that occasionally the humour was a little forced.

Master-Class

Lili Rogue’s Design was a master-class in design selectivity, with elements of naturalistic references such as the shop counter, Victorian frosted glass and musty shoe boxes housed by a wonderfully tempered birdcage. Costume was equally supportive to the visual image and historically accurate to a fault, my only negative comment being that Hobson’s suit might have served better in a darker cloth.

It’s an criticism of many young directors and designers that they will always chase the original ground-breaking show whilst trying to break into the industry rather than introducing themselves to loyal audiences with something a little more popular before challenging them with new ideas.

Lili’s design for “Hobson’s Choice” introduces her to that audience and presents them with her unique visual style in one encouraging and fascinating first step. As a first main-stage design for British regional theatre this young French designer has proved herself flexible and highly employable.

Cast: Berwick Kaler, Emma Gregory, David Shelley, Miranda Floy, Christine Cox

Director: Gregory Floy
Designer: Lili Rogue
31 Mar - 16 Apr 05 Theatre Royal York
11 - 14 May 05 Waterside Arts Centre

Lili Rogue is a French born designer working in the UK. She graduated from the Nottingham Trent School of Art and Design in 2004 and his been employed as a designer by Theatres across the UK, including the York Theatre Royal, Sheffield Theatres and Nottingham Playhouse’s Roundabout Theatre Company.