"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]

"Amazing, inventive and compelling"

West Sussex County Times is glowing in its praise for Henry, saying "the Propeller theatre company manages masterstroke after masterstroke, cramming outstanding performances, dynamic vision, and imaginative genius into 'this wooden O.'" Michael Pavelka's design, the use of music (both borrowed and the original pieces of Nick Asbury and Gunnar Cauthery) and performances by Chris Myles, Karl Davies, Gunnar Cauthery, John Dougall, Tony Bell and Finn Hanlon are all praised, while Dugald Bruce-Lockhart's portrayal of Henry "underlines the complex nature of the character."

The Public Reviews and revisits the production, coming away from Brighton with the opinion Propeller offers "one of the boldest and freshest approaches to Shakespeare that can be found on this country’s stages." There are quibbles with some of the delivery choices of the text, specifically Dugald Bruce-Lockhart's treatment of the the rousing battle speeches, but he is "concinving and moving when he unveils his human side." Gunnar Cauthery and Karl Davies recieve standout mention in a reviews that lauds the ensemble nature of the piece.

Sussex Express calls the production "a stunning visual, aural and emotional experience," considering the lessons imparted on war and the characteristics of leaders. While the reviewer admits it's difficult to single out individuals, Dugald Bruce-Lockhart, Tony Bell, John Dougall, Chris Myles, Finn Hanlon, Gary Shelford and Vince Leigh were all mentioned by name.  [e]