Some Quick Notes

Another blog review of Comedy of Errors thinks the production could do with a "touch of restraint", but is still "great fun" and recommended as an introduction to Shakespeare. Special mention is given to Dugald Bruce-Lockhart, Sam Swainsbury, Jon Trenchard, and Richard Frame for being "well-matched twins", and Robert Hands and David Newman as the "delicious" Adriana and Luciana.

(This blog post has since become unavailable  [e])

Richard III and Comedy of Errors are briefly mentioned in Lyn Gardner's theatre tips, in a round-up of shows you may have missed, and again in a short piece about the Galway Arts Festival in the Irish Times.

-cs

Not the Second Coming

Going into any show with high expectations can be disappointing, as one blogger found upon seeing Comedy of Errors, though most of the blame is laid on the material itself, which "takes a while to actually get funny". But once it does, this is "as good a production of The Comedy of Errors as you're likely to see". Many favorite bits are mentioned, but special note is given to David Newman, being a "perfect example of how using a man's physicality while playing a woman can be hilarious without it being about laughing at the man in a frock".

-cs

Loving the Comedies

Blogger Rev Stan has a new opinion of Shakespeare's comedies after seeing Comedy of Errors--that they can "actually be funny, consistently funny and not just amusing". Propeller's "physical interpretation" of the play is what works so well, with "plenty of slapstick" to keep audiences entertained. Robert Hands, David Newman, and Kelsey Brookfield are singled out for their men in drag performances. The show is "gaudy, loud, riotous and in your face" and Stan "can't help thinking the man himself would heartily approve".

-cs

"Joyous bonhomie" meets "chilling unease"

Both Richard III and Comedy of Errors get four stars from the Financial Times:

Though hugely divergent in tone and import, both plays depict worlds in which disarray and discord rule. Hall’s exuberant and tightly focused company brings out this connection with boldly coloured productions that take the plays by the scruff of the neck.

Dugald Bruce-Lockhart, Sam Swainsbury and David Newman's performances in Comedy of Errors and Richard Clothier and Tony Bell's performances in Richard III receive special mention in a review that looks at the dream like qualities evident in both shows.

"Ingenious, accessible and always true to the spirit of Shakespeare"

The Telegraph raves about Propeller's double bill at the Hampstead, giving the productions five stars and promising you will "reeling with the excitement of Shakespeare’s youthful genius and the sheer inventive panache of Edward Hall and his crack company." Robert Hands and David Newman are commended for their sisterly turn in Comedy of Errors, while Richard Clothier is a "compellingly sinister" Richard III.

Taking a Bite Out of the Big Apple

Propeller is at BAM this week and while The New York Times was underwhelmed by The Comedy of Errors, The Huffington Post really enjoyed the production, remarking "Hall has mined Comedy of Errors for both its darkness and light; his every 'why hath a wherefore.'"

Patch is similarly taken with the production in its review, saying the production's take on the play "will leave no-one uncertain about its imaginative and comic brilliance" and singling out David Newman and Robert Hands for stealing the show, as well as Dominic Tighe and Tony Bell for "ratcheting up the show's hilarity."

The Brooklyn Paper clearly doesn't think much of the play itself, but praises the production for rising above "a poor script that relies on silly wordplay and puns, a play that is not even in Shakespeare’s top 10" and promises audiences will "laugh heartily throughout — especially during Tony Bell’s riotous turn as an aging Evangelist."

Fast-paced and Hilarious

musicOMH gives The Comedy of Errors four stars, singling out Sam Swainsbury as a highlight, with commendation also going to Dugald Bruce-Lockhart, Jon Trenchard, Richard Frame, Robert Hands and David Newman.

Pace, Wit, Precision and Invention

According to What's On Stage, these are the things required for a successful Comedy of Errors, and Propeller has them all. Dugald Bruce-Lockhart, Sam Swainsbury, Richard Frame and Jon Trenchard get commendations for their portrayals of the two sets of twins while Tony Bell, David Newman and Robert Hands are all singled out for their performances of the doctor and two sisters.

Ch-ch-changes

First, the address of the blog will officially be changing from propellerlove.blogspot.com to apropellerblog.blogspot.com as of Sunday (availability permitting). Unless, of course, anyone has a better suggestion for a name...I've clearly been failing.

But now that that's out of the way, far more exciting news! Theater goers at the Watermill last night would have seen a new face treading the boards as David Newman officially joined the cast, filling the gap left by Emmanuel Idowu's departure. David will assuming the roles of Monsieur le Bon and the preacher in Merchant of Venice and Moth in A Midsummer Night's Dream, while Jonathan Livingstone will continue on as Hippolyta.

He will also be one of two officially designated understudies, along with Jonathan Livingstone, and I've heard these two gents got to show their stuff in yesterday's performances.