Pip Utton brings another solo show to the Fringe, this time enacting the most historically significant decades of Albert Einstein’s life. In the early 1900s, Einstein postulated theories and concepts that were to change the face of physics forever. Mankind would gain new insight into the universe, space and, closer to home, our own selves as a result of this scientist’s work.
Utton is a fine thespian. He remains completely in character and owns the crowd throughout the performance, with his experience in this genre of theatre evident. His minimal props are just right, his German accent is spot on and he even has the slight twitch of the neurotic scientist down to a tee. The content is intelligent and lovers of physics will be pleased to see it not dumbed down to just please a crowd. And yet, it still remains accessible to all, the technical turned fascinating by all the links to everyday occurrences. The audience is invited to close their eyes and participate in a couple of ‘thought experiments,’ which stop the show from becoming monotonous.
The script does jump around a bit, though. The narrative isn’t linear, nor is it linked in any thematic way. It simply jumps from one topic to another, which makes it difficult to piece together chronologically. For those unfamiliar with the phases of Einstein’s life, clues of cause-and-effect are missing.
That takes little away from what is otherwise a well-executed piece. Finally, there is a wonderful moral too. It takes the form of a lesson in human awakening, touching upon the sides of the coin of science and is sure to leave the audience with a sense of belief. This show has great appeal for both teenagers and adults, and whether you come from the sciences or not, you will truly appreciate with wonderment the marvellous dynamics of our universe.