Propeller on the Radio

The guys stopped by ABC radio in Australia to talk about the shows, and the music in particular. The company performs Te Deum and Sloop John B, while Nicholas Asbury and Gunnar Cauthery speak in depth about the music and various other things.

-cs

"Brilliant."

The Stage praises Henry V, calling the production "fresh and lively," and going on to say "But the rigour of movement and speech is irresistible - the RSC seems flat-footed and thick of tongue in comparison." Dugald Bruce-Lockhart presents a "febrile, thoughtful Harry," and John Dougall, Karl Davies and Gunnar Cauthery also receive "bouquets" for their performances.  [e]

Breaking Down Barriers

Blogger Chis Poppe's review of Henry V concentrates on the various ways Propeller breaks down barriers between the on-stage action and the audience, highlighting the music and portrayal of violence in particular. Chris Myles, Nick Asbury, Karl Davies and Gunnar Cauthery "hit exactly the right note[s]" in their respective performances. As Henry, Dugald Bruce-Lockhart was "perfectly cast" for the wooing of Katherine and "extremely convincing" in his portrayal of a "magnanimous victor" and "a very noble king, keen to hear the names of the fallen in battle and that their names should be given due reverence. His refined bearing helped enormously in giving the impression of fairness in battle, and decency in triumph."  [e]

"Thrilling and truly moving"

The Public Reviews returns to Henry V, catching the "thrilling and truly moving" production at Milton Keynes. Dugald Bruce-Lockhart, Tony Bell, Chris Myles, Karl Davies and Gunnar Cauthery all had elements of their performances highlighted, while the design, music and approach to text all garnered praise.  [e]

"Full of invention, wit and humour"

GScene says Henry V "easily rates among the best Shakespeare [the reviewer] has seen." The review concentrates on the plot of the play and the themes of war, but John Dougall, Gunnar Cauthery and Karl Davies are all lauded for their performances.

The Argus identifies the production as firmly drawing on Propeller's established style and says :

This is Shakespeare at its most accessible, full of invention, wit and humour. What sets Propeller apart from other radical re-interpretations of Shakespeare is that the actors speak with clarity and the verse is treated with respect. 

It’s not classic Shakespeare but it’s a thoroughly entertaining take on the play and well worth catching before the run finishes.

[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]

Requiem

Henry V's Requiem, written by Gunnar Cauthery and performed by the cast.

Requiem - Propeller's Henry V by Propeller Theatre

[e]

Dispatches from Guildford

Some more reviews of Henry V have been trickling in from their stint at the Yvonne Arnaud:

Boycotting Trends was slightly disappointed Henry V didn't quite live up to some of Propeller's previous work, but still found the evening enjoyable with fine performances from Gunnar Cauthery, Vince Leigh, Robert Hands, Tony Bell, Karl Davies and Chris Myles. Dugald Bruce-Lockhart's Henry V garnered a mixed reaction, but had a number of moments singled out for their strength.

The Public Reviews' take is almost identical, citing high expectations born from Richard III and experiencing slight disappointment overall, but enjoying the same performances and giving the production four stars. The one addition is a feeling the use of music, while effective, is also a bit schizophrenic

The British Theatre Guide has no reservations, though, summing up its thoughts on the productions as being "[p]erformed with energy, expertise, enthusiasm, effort and endless rehearsal—excellent." Tony Bell, Gunnar Cauthery and Karl Davies again get mentions while Dugald Bruce-Lokchart brings Henry to "vivid life."  [e]

Two Views of War

Making his Propeller debut, Gunnar Cauthery talks with Get Surrey about 'War Horse' and Henry V.  [e]