Deformed Power

The Irish Times seems unwilling to take a stand on the success of Richard III. While the review contends the production's bid for broad audience appeal threatens the clarity of the language, it doesn't say whether that appeal is achieved or whether the seeming trade-off is worth it. It does, however, remark on the skill of the actors, especially pointing out that "Jon Trenchard, Dominic Tighe, Tony Bell and Kelsey Brookfield are steely and undistracting in the female roles."  [e]

Elizabethan "Yo momma's so fat" jokes

In his review in The Irish Times, Peter Crawley wonders if Propeller's The Comedy of Errors has missed the play's "darker traction". While he enjoyed Jon Trenchard's "engaging" Dromio, the performance "mutes a deeper comment on the casualties of fate". And though Robert Hands' Adriana is an "amusing parody of vexed womanhood", it "smothers the casual betrayal" of Antipholus. Crawley happily notes the "artfully arranged live music" and Richard Frame's "expertly comic Dromio", but wants more meaning from the production.

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Reviews from Neuss

Helga Bittner of NGZOnline has reviews of The Comedy of Errors (original German and hilariously translated) and Richard III (original and translated).

Bittner says Comedy is "wonderfully fun", and calls the many slapstick scenes the "reincarnation of the legendary comedy troupe Monty Python". Tony Bell's Pinch is "simply delicious", and the pairing of Jon Trenchard and Richard Frame and Dugald Bruce-Lockhart and Sam Swainsbury is praised.

Richard III is a "caricature of the horror film genre" that goes "beyond the striking exhibit of brutal and mindless violence". Led by the "wonderful" Richard Clothier, the production finds the "right mix of funny, scary and moving images". Bittner also lauds the use of puppets to portray the two young princes, saying it is "masterfully done, so that they look almost the most human of all".

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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.

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Get Thee to Swiss Cottage

Another blogger to revisit Richard III and Comedy of Errors is Ian Foster. And while he doesn't have anything new to add about Richard, he thinks Propeller's Comedy is "about as definitive an interpretation of the play" he will ever see. Foster makes special note of Jon Trenchard's arrangements of 80s classics in the interval, and laments Dominic Tighe "overlooking" his offer of marriage, all the while wondering "why anyone wouldn't love this".

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Killer Style

The Boston Herald applauds Propeller's productions, though it seems to get stuck on the all-male aspect of the shows. Richard Frame and Jon Trenchard are "the best of a sensational cast" in Comedy and Richard Clothier is identified for being "boundlessly talented" in his portrayal of a "graceful, coy killer" in Richard III.

Riveting

That's the word used by The Oxford Times to describe Richard III, also mentioning the "excellent" performances of Chris Myles and Thomas Padden, Jon Trenchard's "touching" Lady Anne and Dominic Tighe's "regal and vehement" Elizabeth.

The Public Reviews gives the production three and half stars, saying "Propeller manage to make a long winded history play more accessible without losing the wonderful language of Shakespeare; and for that they should be heartily commended."

Writings of a Pensive Observer thinks Richard III continues Propeller's tradition of making Shakespeare "accessible, enjoyable and relevant," calling Richard Clothier's performance "a joy to watch" and pointing to Tony Bell's Queen Margaret as another highlight of the show.

Conquering Scotland

Edinburgh Spotlight had reserves about Richard III, but still mentioned Dominic Tighe and Jon Trenchard for their portrayals of Elizabeth and Anne. The Comedy of Errors was more popular, garnering four stars for a "highly entertaining and clear story-telling extravaganza" and performances that highlighted "how strong this ensemble is."

STV praised Richard III for "breathing new life and gallows humour into an old classic," contrasting the casting of Tony Bell and Robert Hands for this show and Comedy as but two examples of a "cast deserving of all the plaudits that come their way." Jon Trenchard's musical arrangements and Richard Clothier's "mesmerizing" performance also receive their due.

Scotsman thinks Richard III may be a bit too busy, but concludes its review by saying "we do need Shakespeare's magnificent and subtle poetry about the horrible logic of political ambition, cast adrift from all moral restraint; and in the end...this production delivers that shuddering poetic climax, with great force." On the other hand, it found Comedy of Errors "enjoys every nuance of the comedy" and had strong performances from Dugald Bruce-Lockhart and Robert Hands.

The Herald Scotland gives Richard four stars, as the company "never loses sight of the play’s inherent seriousness," despite all the playful flourishes.

PlayShakespeare is enthusiastic about both productions, trumpeting that Richard III  "is a sight to behold, and one not easily forgotten" while Comedy of Errors "offers wicked entertainment combined with a clear rendering of the script."

Bold, Brash, Feel Good Fare

STV praises The Comedy of Errors as a "production that manages to be playfully contemporary, while at the same time still remaining true to the play." Sam Swainsbury and Dugald Bruce-Lockhart are mentioned for their portrayals of the separated Antipholi, along with Jon Trenchard and Richard Frame's Dromios, and Robert Hands' Adriana is considered "pitch perfect."

The Scotsman was more reserved in its review, acknowledging the deliveries of Sam Swainsbury and Dugald Bruce-Lockhart and gives credit to the fact "the production does find quirky, imaginative ways to re-invent the text," but, in the end, wonders if the chaos doesn't threaten to overshadow the story.

Who Wrote This?

The Norwich Advertiser talked to Dugald Bruce-Lockhart and Jon Trenchard a few days ago about Propeller's current productions, the company's all-together attitude and getting modern audiences into Shakespeare.

Hilarity and Horror

The Observer links the themes of Comedy of Errors and Richard III, crediting the seemingly disparate works for being "dynamically yoked and forcefully performed." The major speeches of both plays "sing out," with Richard Clothier as a "powerful" Richard (though also falsely credited with Tony Bell's performance as Dr. Pinch). The women of Richard, Jon Trenchard especially, are also marked for their "extraordinary delicacy and precision."

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.

A Wicked Side That Delights

The Journal finds itself a "willing partner" in Richard III's murderous scheming, calling Richard Clothier "truly memorable."Jon Trenchard and Dominic Tighe are credited for bringing "gravitas and real anguish to their roles of bereaved royal wives."

More Raves Coming In

The Telegraph gives both Richard and Comedy five stars, bemoaning there is too much in the productions for the review to do them justice (Richard in particular).

Financial Times is a little more reserved, with three stars for Comedy and four for Richard, but points out the dual performances of Richard Clothier, Tony Bell, Robert Hands and Chris Myles.

The Stage calls Comedy "a fast and funny evening," and says of Richard "for young audiences, I can’t imagine a more exciting introduction to our greatest dramatist." Dominic Tighe, Jon Trenchard and Tony Bell are praised for their portrayals of Richard's grieving queens.

A Production Not to Be Missed

musicOMH gives Richard III four stars, hailing Richard Clothier as 'pretty near perfect' and lauding Jon Trenchard, Dominic Tighe and Tony Bell for their takes on the female roles.

Richard Slays Critics

The Public Reviews calls Richard III "a first class and imaginative production," crediting Richard Clothier with "a truly powerful performance."

Meanwhile, WhatsOnStage.com gives the performance four stars, hailing John Dougall and Jon Trenchard for splendid work in their scenes, calling Richard Clothier 'persuasive and often compelling,' and making mention of Tony Bell's Queen Margaret/rapping citizen double act.

Richard III in Sheffield

The British Theatre Guide revisits Richard III, this time finding the production a bit too busy. Nonetheless, Jon Trenchard, Tony Bell, John Dougall and Chris Myles all receive mention for their performances, as do Sam Swainsbury and Richard Frame for providing 'welcome light relief' and the music was 'a delight.'

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.

Unmissable

There Ought to Be Clowns joins in the praise for Richard III, marking the Victorian feeling of the production in its review. The actors in female roles are given commendation (as well as a special mention of Jon Trenchard for his work on the music), in addition to Sam Swainsbury, Richard Frame, Dugald Bruce-Lockhart and Richard Clothier.

Richard III Rehearsal Blogs

A wonderful part of the new Propeller website is the communal company blog. Haven't decided whether linking to each post is superfluous or thorough, but Jon Trenchard's rehearsal posts (here and here) are definitely worth a look, especially for anyone interested in the musical aspect of the production.