JOHN HINTON’S SCIENTRILOGY: THE ELEMENT IN THE ROOM Holden Street Theatres Until 18 Mar 2018 Review by Kylie Pedler The third play in John Hinton’s ‘scientrilogy’ is about the incredible life of female scientist Marie Curie. Two-time Nobel prize winner, Curie was an inspiration to a generation of women. Her discoveries have saved lives, leading to radiotherapy and x-rays, but have also been responsible for hideous deaths due to unknow dangers such as radiation poisoning and radioactive bombs. But the most valuable outcome of Curie’s work may well be her belief that science is for everyone and her willingness to give her scientific discoveries to the world! A cross-dressed Hinton reminds us he is not Marie (obviously she is dead), but he wants to take us on her journey. The show is generally fast-paced as Hinton includes many of Curie’s scientific discoveries and achievements, however this may be why it is hard to follow at times. The songs are full of tongue twisters and often hard to hear over the accordion and Hinton falls out of character during the longer monologues, dropping accents and lacking diction. With a ball of string, information cards, and obligatory audience participation, Hinton provides an interactive science lesson explaining the periodic table and its radioactive elements. As with classrooms of the past, be prepared to be questioned about your science knowledge. If you want to take part in the show you have paid to see or squeal and wobble in your seat this is a show for you. But if not, this may not be the show for you. Rating: 3 stars (out of 5)