The Poet’s Guide To Science – A Sceptic Think Tank: Thought-Provoking And Entertaining ~ Adelaide Fringe 2019 Review

[THEATRE/COMEDY ~ SA PREMIERE ~ ACT] Rob Roy Hotel – Queen Street Ballroom, Thu 14 Mar. The Poet’s Guide To Science follows the protagonist, Cy, as he grapples with losing his faith in science. He consults in turn, a general practitioner, and a poet laureate, who each offer helpful (or not) advice. Along the way, we have cameos from some Adelaide-based working scientists, who offer their own insights on Cy’s problem, as well as sharing about their respective research interests. The first guest scientist, Professor Rachel Burton, is a plant scientist at Waite Campus, University of Adelaide. She discusses the pros and cons of both genetically-modified and organic foods. Her field of research is increasing dietary fibre yield in plants by selectively turning genes up or down slightly. The second is Professor Paul Ward, a sociologist who works in Public Health at Flinders University. His research includes projects looking at public trust in different health care services, and he talks about the ethics around compulsory vaccination of children. The third guest scientist, Associate Professor Paul Willis, is a palaeontologist and science communicator. His focus is on how science as a system of knowledge, is not faith-based, but instead has scientists checking each other’s work. It’s not faith that’s required, but trust in the process. The participating scientists will vary each show and participate in a Q&A session towards to end of the show. Written by Michele Conyngham and performed largely by Patrick Davies Trumper (as Cy) and Dr Phil Dooley (as the GP and poet laureate), The Poet’s Guide to Science contains many moments of laugh out loud humour. The musical numbers, adaptations of Love Is In The Air from Strictly Ballroom and We Go Together from Grease, are highly entertaining. This is a thought-provoking and entertaining night out and will be enjoyed by anyone with a science background or with an interest in developing a healthy scepticism, rather than having either blind scepticism or blind faith in science. 3.5 stars Tori Brookes The Poet’s Guide To Science – A Sceptic Think Tank continues at Rob Roy Hotel – Queen Street Ballroom, at various times, until Sun 17 Mar. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets. #ADLfringe