Gosh, I have seen an eclectic bunch of acts at the Town Hall over the years. But a science lesson! I never thought I would have one of those and enjoy it so much. Yet this was just the experience myself and Mrs Olley had on Saturday 6 November.
Like any self-respecting Radio 4 listener, I have been a ‘curio’ for some time now. I’m not certain how many of the 110 episodes of ‘The Curious Cases of Rutherford and Fry’ I have listened to over the years, but a fair few.
Now it would appear the Town Hall performance was officially not based on their BBC show. Yet that is clearly more down to contractual obligations than reality. If you are a ‘curio’ and enjoy the ‘Curious Cases…’ this is certainly a night out for you.
The show is in two halves and overall it was a triumph. Time just whizzed by in the first half. Indeed during the first half time this was explained in the most engaging manner. It was a really well thought out half with all the hallmarks you know, love and expect of this astutely discerning duo.
The second half was not so pacy and riveting. This was less formulaic and for me lacked the showmanship and panache of the opening half. A series of Q&As with the audience just couldn’t compete with the well-trimmed and incredibly though out shows beginnings.
I suspect Rutherford and Fry set themselves a very high bar with the opening. After the break, the show was very engaging but couldn’t compete with the tightness and professionalism of the start. Presumably the 110 radio gems they’ve performed together is what makes them bounce so well off each other.
I was keen to see what made these two work so well. Is there a love interest? What chemistry bonds these two into such a delightful bundle of entertainment?
Early doors you rule out the love stuff. This is a relationship built on differing personalities that are electric and bubbling over with zest and fun when they come together. Add in a whole load of massive intellect. Then stir in mutual desire and joy in sharing complex information in easily digestible and engaging manner. They are such fun.
Oh, and by the way, the ‘*Abridged’ in the show title stands for ‘*Abridged, and heavily edited, especially the boring bits.’ So you get the idea!
On our way back to Broad Street afterwards, we passed by the ice rink, big wheel and flyer. Strangely, both myself and Mrs Olley had been as illuminated by Rutherford and Fry as is the rink, wheel and flyer at night.
A great night out and if your quick you may catch them – see the Cosmic Shambles Network web page here www.cosmicshambles.com/events/rutherford-and-fry. Or if you miss all of this there is a book which I brought at the Town Hall to go with the show.
This is also available at all good booksellers and signed copied can be bought here: Get signed copies of both Robin and Adam & Hannah’s book from www.cosmicshambles.com/bookshop.
I dipped into that and it appears to be a great read. So not only did I have a science lesson at the Town Hall, but I brought myself a book I’m really looking forward to reading. What a good night out!
