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".

-cs

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

A+ in Chemistry

The Evening Standard raves about Propeller's double bill. Comedy of Errors is "fused with demented energy, yet is perfectly controlled," with Dugald Bruce-Lockhart, Richard Frame, Sam Swainsbury and Robert Hands getting specific mentions. Richard III, with particularly fine work from Richard Clothier and Dominic Tighe,  is "direct and engaging" with the entire ensemble contributing to a production that is "gruesomely realised in Michael Pavelka's structurally ingenious design."

"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.

Killing Doubts

Marlborough People was skeptical of the Propeller hype, but converted after seeing Richard III. Richard Clothier, Dominic Tighe, Tony Bell, Sam Swainsbury, Richard Frame and John Dougall were all mentioned as standouts in a cast with "no weak links."

(reposted on the author's blog)

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.

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.

Comedy of Errors Gathers More Praise

The Northern Echo's review of Comedy is mostly a recap, but Robert Hands is hailed a "flouncing triumph," Tony Bell is "a riot" and Sam Swainsbury's recounting of his character's trials "earns him the applause of the night."

The Chronicle's young review is, likewise, to the point, but praises the production and warns audience members their "cheeks will be left aching from [laughing at] the plentiful puns and occasional innuendos which build on the comedy."

Sweet Tweets: Jan. 28

January 28, 2011

director1992: Saw The Comedy of Errors @SheffieldLyceum last night. Absolutly brilliant, hilarious. Every one should see something by the Propeller Group.

OughtToBeClowns: Off to make Sam Swainsbury my husband. Or watch Propeller's Comedy of Errors @sheffieldlyceum (or hopefully both!)

dickiedee: Propeller's Comedy of Errors is one of funniest things I've seen...EVER! So proud. Catch it all over UK, New York and Boston.

lyngardner: Don't think I've ever seen a funnier Comedy of Errors than Propeller's which I saw this afternoon at Sheffield Lyceum.

lyngardner: School child at interval for Propeller's Comedy of Errors: "I don't understand every word but I know what it all means."

hpmort: Seen #Propeller's Comedy of Errors & Richard III -brilliant,especially comedy of errors which was hilarious!!Going on tour so see if u can!

leight79: andydickson Just read ur interview with Ed Hall. Saw Propeller's Comedy of Errors 2day and haven't laughed so much for ages. Just brilliant

esmerael: Propeller's #RichardIII @ #Crucible: Richard Clothier disturbing, duplicitous king; Dominic Tighe electrifying, grief-stricken Elizabeth. A+

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.

A Jewel

Comedy of Errors got five stars from The Public Reviews for making the Lyceum stage "sparkle." Dugald Bruce-Lockhart, Sam Swainsbury and Robert Hands received special mentions and the company as a whole was commended for whisking away preconceptions of what a 'Shakespeare play' means.

Not for the Squeamish

The Shakespeare Review had a lot of trouble getting past the blood and guts of Richard III in its detailed account, wishing the gore had been turned down a notch or two. Still, performances did shine through the carnage, and appreciation was given to Richard Clothier's "excellent" portrayal of the eponymous king, as well as Sam Swainsbury and Richard Frame's "thoroughly enjoyable" murderers.

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.

"Truly Mesmerizing"

More good news out of Guildford as Sheila Connor calls Richard III "the most thrilling, and the most wayward, production you are ever likely to see" in her review for The British Theatre Guide. Richard Clothier gives a "mesmerising performance of steely and ruthless ambition" and attention is paid to the puppeteering performances of Sam Swainsbury and Richard Frame (though neither are mentioned by name).