So a few months back I posted about a couple shows I was very much looking forward to. This past weekend it was finally time to take my seat to watch them. And they were so worth the wait. They were both amazing, but then were shows by Propeller ever going to be anything but? No, no they weren’t.
First of all, let me just point out that I bought the tickets in June of 2012 so it was a very long wait (or, if the reaction of a couple of the guys is to be believed then actually, the tickets were bought next month and we time traveled - I swear it should take more then one drink before this kind of thing).
So Friday night was Taming of the Shrew. I’d seen a couple of versions before this one and was left feeling a bit like they played up the comedy and brushed the dark side of the show under the carpet (or the actual bed sheets in one case). Not so with Propeller. Yes the comedy was played to full effect but then so was the other side. There were times when I felt genuinely uncomfortable about what was happening on the stage. Vince Leigh as Petruchio was actually a little bit terrifying at times and the change in Dan Wheeler’s Katherine was so beautifully done. His final speech had me completely mesmerised and I spent near enough 5 minutes just staring at the top of his head once he was done (he was kneeling with his head bowed).
Finn Hanlon just has something that was perfect for Lucentio. The scene during which he pretends to have sex with Arthur Wilson’s Bianca was remarkably funny (and the fact I could see them arranging themselves behind the ‘table’ just made it funnier). Speaking of Arthur’s Bianca, she was such a sassy little madam, I loved it.
During the interval of Shrew the company forgo their break to come out and sing for the audience and raise money for a charity (this years charity is Target Ovarian Cancer). This is always a delight for us watching (in the past we have been saluted which was fun). This time, we could only really see Lewis Hart, but he was up on a balcony, with a guitar and singing. Not totally against this.
The start of the second act is all about Joseph Chance’s chef, Curtis. He’s fabulous. Simple as that really (and a bit of a charmer).
Also have to give Ben Allen’s Biondello a special mention especially since the part was miscredited in a review and the rest of the company have been mocking him ever since.
After the show we ended up in the bar with the guys - they bought the drinks. Had a great time with them all, they’re all such great guys.
On Saturday was Twelfth Night, lighter then Shrew but still with some dark moments. The scene when Malvolio finds the letter is an absolute winner here with moving topless statues and a guy in a mask pretending to be a bird whilst waving his arms around - fantastic.
Gary Shelford (who finally got to wear a dress - and was very happy about it) delighted the house with his tap dancing Maria.
Joseph Chance took on the role of Viola in Twelfth Night. A man, playing a woman pretending to be a man brings an extra layer to that part and he was perfect. He often looked so lost and lonely that I just wanted to hug him. His ‘oh shit’ face when something about his being a woman slipped out was a picture.
Lewis Hart’s reaction to Chris Myles’ yellow stockings is the best reaction ever - obviously well rehearsed but utterly hilarious.
After the show we again ended up in the pub. I’m not entirely sure how some of them were still standing (up until the small hours drinking every night guys? Really?). Got to chat to everyone again (including Joseph this time) and terrified Vince Leigh before his journey home on the night bus.
All in all, it was a fantastic couple of days. Already had tickets to see both shows again in London in July, but today decided for definite to see them in Nottingham in half term. They’re just that good.
If you want to find out more about Propeller then the website is: propeller.org.uk
and if you want to support them in their fundraising you can do so by either going to see Shrew and donating during the interval (which is the better, more fun option) or you can donate on their just giving page: http://www.justgiving.com/propeller13
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