John Hinton in Fringe Review: Albert Einstein: Relativitively Speaking. Photo by Hannah Houston.
Presented by Tangram Theatre, John Hinton and Holden Street Theatres
Reviewed 12 February 2014
Two years ago, actor/playwright John Hinton gave Adelaide an insight into the musical world of Charles Darwin and the Origin of the Species. Now Albert Einstein – he of the Theory of Relativity fame, owner of the uber coolest moustache of his day, and perhaps the originator of ‘bed’ hair as a fashion statement – is given the Hinton touch in Albert Einstein: Relativitively Speaking.
This is a very clever and highly entertaining piece featuring comedy, audience participation, songs, a puppet, pathos, a little bit of science education, and talc.
Starting in 1933 at America’s Princeton University, where Einstein (Hinton) explains frames of reference, gravity and, of course, his famous Theory of Relativity (E=MC2 hilariously performed as a rap number by MC Squared Hammer), the audience meet his mother, his first and second wife, the latter who also happened to be his first cousin. All three women are played by the delightful Jo Eagle, basically so she can play the great songs she composed on the keyboard.
In a beautifully moving moment, we also understand how disturbed Einstein was that his theory was the basis for the Atom Bomb.
Hinton relates to his audience wonderfully, possibly helped by the fact that he greets each and every one of them, in character, as they arrive – and is extremely personable. He also has the knack of making science fun and a joy to participate in.
This entertaining, yet highly educational piece of theatre has quite possibly invented a new formula: H(to the nth degree) + JE = E+ : (Hinton(to the nth degree) plus Jo Eagle equals Entertainment plus).
Reviewed by Brian Godfrey
Venue: Holden Street Theatres – The Studio 34 Holden Street, Hindmarsh
Season: 11 February 2014-16 March 2014
Duration: 60 minutes
Tickets: $15.50 – $26.90
Bookings: Book through FringeTix online or phone 1300 621 255
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