John Hinton, Tangram Theatre and Holden Street Theatres. Holden Street Theatres - The Arch. 28 Feb 2018
This is the fourth year that science entertainer and Brit, John Hinton has contributed to making Holden Street Theatres the place to be during the Fringe. Previously, he performed a single show of the Scientrilogy each year, but this time, he is presenting all three. The trilogy comprises: The Element in the Room (concerning Marie Curie, the co-discoverer of radium), Albert Einstein: Relatively Speaking, and this one, Origin of Species... (Charles Darwin's theory of evolution). In each, the main character is the famous scientist him/herself.
Hinton doesn't delve deep into the science, although he could, as his shows are reviewed by relevant scientists for accuracy. He makes science fun, so it's a great show for the adolescents who are designing their own rockets or reading about dinosaurs, or mucking about with the microscope. The excitement of discovery, studious observation, curiosity and fascination with the natural world, and by the way, perseverance and hard work, are the driving scientific themes, and they are beautifully conveyed with Hinton's highly accomplished comic acting and characterisations, lots of movement with audience participation and little ditties (some are littler than others). His Darwin dons a full beard and speaks to us personally from his study anxious that a colleague is about to publish a theory of evolution similar to his. Unlike some stuffy bios that are strictly chronological, Hinton weaves a narrative with time shifts, twists, surprises and diversions. The school kids at the show I was at loved it, as did everyone else.
Whether you're a fan of these historical figures of science, or just seek great entertainment, Hinton has the shows for you. Bravo!
David Grybowski
5 stars
When: 13 Feb to 15 Mar
Where: Holden Street Theatres - The Arch
Bookings: adelaidefringe.com.au
