THEATRE

Jack Klaff is  a phenomenally talented performer, with a vast range of experience. Here he challenges himself more than usual, by taking on more than a score of voices in one show. His big point is one of unity – the unity of humanity, and the threats to humanity’s existence caused by division.

Early on we meet Einstein’s daughter, whom he had adopted, and who cannot believe she could have been given away – Einstein is seen as an outsider, even at his death, and we see a competition of ideas between him and his friend, Nils Bohr, who was much more into unity – perhaps with a capital U. Many other 20^th century figures appear, especially revolving around the 1962 nuclear stand-off – the Cuban Missile crisis.

Jack Klaff involves you in these debates and issues, leading the viewer along a fascinating path, and drawing the whole into a satisfactory unity eventually. It is a true feat to convey all of this in one show – and we are left wondering how we have survived this tempestuous 20^th century – and hoping we may survive (as a species) this current one. It is a pity that the timings at the fringe are so fierce – I noticed Jack Klaff looking at his watch several times towards the end, and he is not the only performer, this Fringe, that I have noticed feeling the need to do that!

This performance could well benefit from a more relaxed and reflective showing. I can imagine it working very well on radio. But if you want your grey matter stimulated to a degree rare on the fringe, and to be left with much to contemplate, as well as seeing a master craftsman of the stage at work, get along to this show.