"It's everything you want Shakespeare to be"

There Ought to Be Clowns recently made the annual pilgrimage to Guilford to catch Twelfth Night. In a thoughtful review that trumpets the success of the ensemble as the true defining feature over the company, rather than their single-gender status, the final verdict was that the production "it's funny, it's sexy, it's moving [...] it's everything you want Shakespeare to be."

The Guilford Dragon agrees, saying Propeller "has once again managed to bring sophistication, modernisation and sheer genius to its production of this Shakespeare classic." Special attention is paid to the use of the ensemble in the box tree scene and Chris Myles' performance as Malvolio is "brilliant."

Emily Gorton expected an all-male cast to signal a traditional approach, but instead found "the imaginative use of space, accompanying music created by the actors on stage and an unreserved amount of nudity gave the piece new edge." Ben Allen and Gary Shelford are both mentioned for the "mastery" of their performances and the review tracks how the juxtapositions of light and dark are woven through the show.

The Public Reviews gave the production five stars, pointing to the enthusiastic response of a younger audience, lingering on the opening moments, and again praising Ben Allen (in "important earrings") and Gary Shelford's performances as Olivia and Maria.

ReviewsGate calls it "one of the best 'Twelfth Nights' [...] seen in recent years", praising the performances of Joseph Chance, Gary Shelford, Christopher Heyward, Liam O'Brien, Vincent Leigh, John Dougall and Chris Myles.

The British Theatre Guide sums up the production as "most wonderful." Like some of the others, the opening impression of the set and production atmosphere is discussed along with a number of highlighted performances, particularly Ben Allen, Gary Shelford and Joseph Chance.

The review on EastHampshire.org has nothing but glowing praise for all aspects of the productions, explaining how the fluidity of the scenic design, the music, the chorus, the use of physicality and a number of excellent performances such as Ben Allen, Gary Shelford, Vincent Leigh, John Dougall and Chris Myles all came together to give the production "a perfect balance" of theatricality and nuance.

And, finally, WhatsOnStage.com' five star review finds the ensemble "sparks and fizzes with each other as though it's playing with electricity," never shying away from the play's darker elements as it still maintains the comedy (a combination exemplified in Vincent Leigh's "sterling" performance as Sir Toby Belch).  [e]

A Little More

Here is a second version, slightly more fleshed out, of Jane Howard's review from yesterday.

And if you want to learn a little more about company stalwart Chris Myles, here is the question and answer session he did with The Coventry Telegraph.  [e]

"Fresh and enthusiastic"

Propeller's opened Twelfth Night at the Belgrade in Coventry last night, kicking off the company's 2012-2013 tour.

 Jane Howard for the Warwick Courier now finds herself "the staunchest of converts" after seeing the production, praising the mirrored set, music and "wonderful and fresh" carousing of Olivia's household.

Directory: Pocket Comedy

REVIEWS

Pocket Comedy
The Stage, Susan Elkin, 09/29/2011

INTERVIEWS

Pocket Comedy of Errors could come your way
The Stage, Susan Elkin, 06/27/2011

Directory: Henry V (2012)

PREVIEWS

Dugald Bruce-Lockhart to Lead Propeller's HENRY V
BroadwayWorld.com, 10/10/2011
Henry V (translated)
Temporada Alta 2011, 12/2011
Henry V (translated)
Diaride Girona, 12/2011
'Once more unto the breach'
This is Kent, 3/22/2012

REVIEWS

Review:  HENRY V at the Yvonne Arnaud
EastHampshire.org, 11/11/2011
Theatre Review: Propeller's Henry V (Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford)
Boycotting Trends, Alex Ramon, 11/11/2011
Henry V - Propeller at Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford
The Public Reviews, Ian Foster, 11/11/2011
Henry V
The British Theatre Guide, Sheila Connor, 11/11/2011

Henry V (tour - Brighton)

WhatsOnStage.com, Paul Lucas-Scott, 11/15/2011
Review - Henry V
StageWon.com, Emma Holland, 11/15/2011
Review: Henry V (Theatre Royal, Brighton, until Saturday, November 19)
West Sussex County Times, David Guest, 11/16/2011
Henry V - Theatre Royal Brighton
The Public Reviews, Catherine Love, 11/16/2011
Review: Henry V, Brighton Theatre Royal, Saturday November 19
Sussex Express, 11/16/2011
Henry V at the Theatre Royal
GScene, Michael Hootman, 11/16/2011
Henry V review - Theatre Royal Brighton
Mid Sussex Times, 11/17/2011
Propeller's Henry V - Milton Keynes Theatre
The Public Reviews, Maggie Constable, 11/30/2011
Henry V
UK Theatre Network, Sue Marks, 11/30/2011
Review – Henry V, Propeller Theatre Company, Milton Keynes Theatre, December 1st 2011
The Real Chrisparkle, Chris Poppe, 12/01/2011
Propeller's 'Henry V'
Lillabullero, Dave Quyale, 12/02/2011
Theatre Review- Henry V
MKNews, 12/02/2011
Review - Henry V
Grumpyguts, Andy Stansfield, 12/04/2011
Propeller lleva a Girona un 'Henry V' muy actual y físico (translated)
El Pais, Jacinto Anton, 12/06/2011
Shakespeare fascinant (translated)
Parohia, Dani Chicano, 12/07/2011
Un 'Henry V' inmejorable (translated)
El Periodico, Cesar Lopez Rosell, 12/08/2011
Henry V
Th Stage, Michael Coveney, 1/30/2012
Henry V/The Winter's Tale
The Guardian, Alfred Hickling, 1/30/2012
Henry V and The Winter's Tale, Evryman Theatre, Cheltenham (4/5, 4/5)
The Independent, Paul Taylor, 1/30/2012
First Night Review: Henry V & The Winter's Tale, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham
Express, Neil Norman, 1/30/2012
Henry V/The Winter's Tale, Propeller Theatre Company
Financial Times, Ian Shuttleworth, 1/31/2012
Henry V- The Lowry, Salford
The Public Reviews, Jim Gillespie, 2/2012
Rumbustious rendition of Shakespeare's 'most patriotic' play
The Gazette, Donald Hollins, 2/01/2012
Propeller spins its all-male magic in Henry V and The Winter's Tale
The Daily Mail, Patrick Marmion, 2/03/2012
She Stoops to Conquer; Henry V, The Winter's Tale — review
The Observer, Susannah Clapp, 2/05/2012
Propeller's The Winter's Tale & Henry V
Jildy Sauce, 2/07/2012
Boy's Club
Theatre News Online, Michael Coveney, 2/09/2012
Theatre Review: Henry V
The West Australian, Robin Pascoe, 2/21/2012
Once more unto the breach for bard's men
Victoria Laurie, The Australian, 2/21/2012
Theatre: Henry V
From the Turnstiles, David Zampatti, 2/22/2012
Men only
The Spectator Australia, Peter Craven, 3/03/2012
The Winter's Tale/Henry V, Propeller Theatre, review
Dominic Cavendish, The Telegraph, 3/26/2012
Henry V
One Stop Arts, Billy Maxwell, 3/26/2012
Henry V Review
Bwithyou.com, Vera Gonzalez, 3/28/2012
Henry V - Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury
The Public Reviews, Lilla Grindlay, 3/29/2012
Henry V
British Theatre Guide, Robin Strapp, 4/2012
Two shows with plenty to teach
The Stage, Susan Elkin, 4/02/2012
Woody's war makes a bloody good play
This is Kent, 4/05/2012
Review: Henry V, Theatre Royal, Newcastle
Jarrow and Hebburn Gazette, Vicki Newman, 4/27/2012
A Little Touch of Harry in the Night
Views from a Bum, William Stafford, 5/02/2012
Henry V - Theatre Royal, Norwich
The Public Reviews, Lu Greer, 5/11/2012
Compelling storytelling from a band of brothers
This is Devon, 5/18/2012

ARTICLES

La Propeller Theatre Company regresa al Temporada Alta con un nuevo "Henry V" (translated)
Terra Noticias
The stage is set for ex-Footlights star, Ban Allen
This is Somerset, 1/02/2012
Propeller drives on
WhatsOnStage.com, Michael Coveney, 1/30/2012

INTERVIEWS

Guildfordian Gunnar talks Spielberg (Gunnar Cauthery)
Get Surrey, 11/02/2011
Henry V and team spirit (Dugald Bruce-Lockhart)
West Sussex County Times, 11/08/2011
Henry V, Theatre Royal Brighton, New Road (Dugald Bruce-Lockhart)
The Argus, Duncan Hall, 11/15/2011
Edward Hall on Propeller's Henry V and The Winter's Tale
WhatsOnStage.com, 1/08/2012
All-male double take on the bard (Ed Hall)
The Australian, Matthew Westwood, 1/19/2012
Women are not always bard by those Propeller players (Nick Asbury)
The Star, David Dunn, 2/02/2012
Making the Bard lucid again (Ed Hall)
The Dominion Post, Tom Fitzsimons, 2/29/2012
The Winter's Tale: High tragedy and comedy (Ed Hall)
Stuff, Tom Fitzsimons, 3/01/2012

PHOTOS

Production Photos
Manuel Harlan Photography

AUDIO

Propeller Shakespeare Company at ABC Studios
The Music Show, 3/02/2012

VIDEO

Audience reactions to Henry V
Video Trailer for Henry V
Interval show (Brighton)
Interval show (Girona)
Jonathan Holloway talks about Henry V and The Winter's Tale
Interview with Ed Hall
Temporada Alta 2011 Trailer

Directory: The Winter's Tale (2012)

PREVIEWS

Dugald Bruce-Lockhart to Lead Propeller's HENRY V
BroadwayWorld.com, 10/10/2011
The rush of Propeller
This is Gloucestershire, 1/12/2012
Once more unto the breach
This is Kent, 2/22/2012

REVIEWS

Only The Winter's Tale but boy, do they do it well
This is Gloucestershire, Derek Briggs, 1/24/2012
A Play of Two Halves
Views from a Bum, William Stafford, 1/26/2012
Henry V/The Winter's Tale
The Guardian, Alfred Hickling, 1/30/2012
Henry V and The Winter's Tale, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham (4/5, 4/5)
The Independent, Paul Taylor, 1/30/2012
First Night Review: Henry V & The Winter's Tale, Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham
Express, Neil Norman, 1/30/2012
The Winter's Tale
The Stage, Michael Coveney, 1/30/2012
Henry V/The Winter's Tale, Propeller Theatre Company
Financial Times, Ian Shuttleworth, 1/31/2012
The Winter's Tale - Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield
The Public Reviews, Sarah Bannister, 2/2012

Review of The Winter's Tale

Exeunt, John Murphy, 2/01/2012

The Winter's Tale

The British Theatre Guide, Velda Harris, 2/01/2012

Let's hear it for the boys!

The Culture Vulture, Sarah Cockburn, 2/01/2012 

The Winter's Tale (Propeller) @Sheffield Lyceum
The Bardathon, Pete Kirwan, 2/02/2012
Review: The Winter's Tale
A Younger Theatre, Laura Turner, 2/02/2012
REVIEW
The Star, David Dunn, 2/02/2012
Propeller spins its all-male magic in Henry V and The Winter's Tale
The Daily Mail, Patrick Marmion, 2/03/2012
Review: The Winter's Tale
Yorkshire Post, Nick Ahad, 2/03/2012
Theatre Review: The Winter's Tale (Propeller; Lyceum, Sheffield & touring)
Boycotting Trends, Alex Ramon, 2/04/2009
Review - The Winter's Tale (Propeller Theatre Group)
One More Dawn, Sarah, 2/04/2012
She Stoops to Conquer; Henry V, The Winter's Tale — review
The Observer, Susannah Clapp, 2/05/2012
Review: The Winter's Tale
Forge Today, Laura Connor, 2/06/2012
Propeller's The Winter's Tale & Henry V
Jildy Sauce, 2/07/2012
The Winter's Tale - Propellor [sic] (Tour - Salford)
WhatsOnStage.com, Joanna Ing, 2/08/2012
Boy's Club
Theatre News Online, Michael Coveney, 2/09/2012
Review: The Winter's Tale by William Shakespeare, performed by Propeller, dir. Edward Hall at the Lowry Theatre, Salford Quays
Hobbinol's Blog: Writing the English Renaissance, 2/18/2012
Theatre: The Winter's Tale
From the Turnstiles, David Zampatti, 2/19/2012
Theatre Review: The Winter's Tale
The West Australian, David Zampatti, 2/20/2012
The Winter's Tale - Propeller
Australian Stage, Julia Hern, 2/20/2012
Once more unto the breach for bard's men
The Australian, Victoria Laurie, 2/21/2012
Perth Festival: The Winter's Tale
Theatre Notes blog, Alison Croggon, 2/24/2012
Review: The Winter's Tale
Stuff, India Lopez, 3/02/2012
Men only
The Spectator Australia, Peter Craven, 3/03/2012
The Winter's Tale
The Lumiere Reader, Tom Horder, 3/07/2012
The Winter's Tale/Henry V, Propeller Theatre, review
The Telegraph, Dominic Cavendish, 3/26/2012
Review: Propeller's take on The Winter's Tale
Was it something I said? blog, Mike Shaw, 3/30/3012
Review: The Winter's Tale at the Theatre Royal
Chronicle, Jessica Murray, 4/27/2012
Review: The Winter's Tale, Theatre Royal, Newcastle
The Shields Gazette, Vicki Newman, 4/272012
The Winter's Tale - Belgrade, Coventry
The Public Reviews, Selwyn Knight, 5/02/2012
The Winter's Tale (Propeller) @The Belgrade Coventry
The Bardathon, Pete Kirwan, 5/05/2012

ARTICLES

The stage is set for ex-Footlights star, Ben Allen
This is Somerset, 1/02/2012
Propeller drives on
WhatsOnStage.com, Michael Coveney, 1/30/2012

PROGRAMMES

2012 Perth Festival

INTERVIEWS

Edward Hall on Propeller's Henry V and The Winter's Tale
WhatsOnStage.com, 1/08/2012
All-male double take on the bard (Ed Hall)
The Australian, Matthew Westwood, 1/19/2012
Single-sex Propeller isn't all about spin (Nick Asbury)
The Star, David Dunn, 1/26/2012
Tragic tale set in a man's world (Richard Dempsey)
Sheffield Telegraph, 1/28/2012
Women are not always bard by those Propeller players (Nick Asbury)
The Star, David Dunn, 2/02/2012
Making the Bard lucid again (Ed Hall)
The Dominion Post, Tom Fitzsimons, 2/29/2012
The Winter's Tale: High tragedy and comedy (Ed Hall)
Stuff, Tom Fitzsimons, 3/01/2012

VIDEO

Jonathan Holloway talks about Henry V and The Winter's Tale
Interview with Ed Hall
Trailer for The Winter's Tale

ART

Robert Hands rehearsing The Winter's Tale

A 'Tale' of Two Halves

The Good Review of The Winter's Tale was only lukewarm, giving it three stars and struggling with the plays contrast in styles. John Dougall, Karl Davies, Vince Leigh, Tony Bell and Richard Dempsey all stood out for their performances in a production that was "richly cast with some ingenious moments."

WhatsOnStage also gives it three stars, heaping praise on the darker tones of Sicilia where "the use of minimal props and scenery is superb, while the sound design verges on genius" and shows "superb" acting from Vince Leigh and Robert Hands, pointing to how the latter "ensures that Leontes' all-consuming jealousy never descends into psychopathic rage." Bohemia fares less well, despite a "superb comic turn" from Karl Davies.

Inquire, too, had trouble reconciling the two tones, also preferring Sicilia and feeling the comedy was pushed too hard in Bohemia at times. The acting, though, was "solid, with the two king’s [Robert Hands and Nicholas Asbury] in particular delivering their emotionally charged lines with calculated finesse."

Marlborough People focuses its quick blurb on the plot, but is more free with praise calling it an "exciting" production where "acting is superb and the cast make Shakespeare look effortless."

Whats on the Fringe gave the production four stars, summarizing the plot and calling attention to specific moments like the sheep and Sicilia's soundscape.. While there was some difficulty with the language, Vince Leigh and Nicholas Asbury were commended for marrying performance and speech and Karl Davies, John Dougall and Tony Bell were praised for their comedic performances.  [e]

Enchanting and Enthralling

One Stop Arts makes it's feeling known right from the top: "Propeller are one of the most exciting companies around, and their approach to Shakespeare is exactly what the industry needs." The four-star review of The Winter's Tale calls Tony Bell "hilariously lecherous," Robert Hands' performance is "inspired," Chris Myles "completely owns the part of Camillo" and Vince Leigh is "full of gravitas as Paulina."

Journal Live was slightly disappointed when the show came to Newcastle, but The Shields Gazette caught the same leg of the tour found it "enchanting and enthralling."

Between the Acts offers a short reflection on the cross-dressing of Propeller's Winter's Tale and links to a more lengthy discussion of the effective disconnect achieved between actor and character when men play women.  [e]

'Henry V' in the Blogosphere

Checking in again with Cultural Dessert, blogger Robin Simpson found the production " a very muscular account of this most masculine of Shakespeare’s plays which did its best to bring home the realities of war in a contemporary context" and " deliberately an ensemble piece."

Theatre Pumpkin found the "talented and hardworking performers" of Propeller worked "magic" on the play, and her review highlights the actor's versatility (with special mention of Karl Davies), costumes, sets, transitions and love of language that came together within the production.

The Bardathon focuses on Propeller's ability to highlight community and comradeship in Henry V, finding it "a rich and thoroughly entertaining performance" in a review that is rich with detail and analysis.  [e]

Bloggers Weigh in on 'The Winter's Tale'

Cultural Dessert thought it was a "fantastic production", with a strong cast and exceptionally strong showing from Karl Davies as the Young Shepherd.

Margate Sands' review contains lots of production detail and highlights Mamillius' importance within the production, calling his foregrounding an "ingenious" way of balancing the comedy and tragedy within the show.

Ham Life mostly traces the plot of the story, but concludes the show was "masterful in every respect" (fun fact: my roommate and I were at the same performance and can be picked out in the audience shot...if you know us, that is).

Glen's Theatre Reviews isn't sure the two halves of the play sit comfortably with one another, but still finds that Propeller "take a well-known tale, not without its issues, and breathe new life into it." Robert Hands, Richard Dempsey and Tony Bell are all commended for fine performances and "[a]mong all the revelry there’s a sense that this is perhaps the final fling of youth, a last chance to party before having to face the realities of adulthood and sure, as the party ends, we return to the formality of court."  [e]