Simon Evans presents: Alas, Smith and Hume!

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Comedy (spoken word, historical)

  • Accessibility: May not apply to all performances. You'll find more information about accessibile performances and how to book tickets in the accessibility tab below.
  • Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket
  • Policy applies to: Children under 2 years

Description

From the host of Radio 4’s Simon Evans Goes to Market, comes this humorous, even mischievous celebration of the friendship at the heart of the Scottish Enlightenment, and a wider examination of its unique intellectual legacy. From the birth of political economy as a discipline, through the navigations of a genial empiricist in a deeply pious world, to the single greatest unleashing of talent per capita in the history of the modern world. It has never been more important to remind Scots of their birthright of robust and vigorous debate!

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    • Wheelchair access type: Wheelchair accessible (please contact the venue for more information)

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Paddy Riordan 127 days ago

What an excellent hour, education wrapped within a show of wit and humour. I had had reservations that the subject matter might be dry but with the oft self deprecating style of Simon Evans, the show was engrossing and all the more forceful by taking place in Panmure House.

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Christopher Gallop 127 days ago

You will never have laughed so much during a lecture on the towering figures of the Scottish Enlightenment. If only actual academics could perform like this. Nicest venue in the entire Fringe too. Not a large auditorium so book now while you still can.

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Ian Holmes 127 days ago

Splendid, entertaining and very well researched delivery of this fascinating subject matter. And not a single reference to Hume’s capacity to out-consume Schopenhauer and Hegel.

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Craig Sharp 129 days ago

I've seen Simon's shows at the fringe before and he always provides an entertaining hour; on this occasion planted firmly in history with a comic bent. His presentation about a complex and historically significant man like Adams was interesting and made me think that I should look up the works of Adams for myself

Was lucky enough to chat with Simon at the end on the outdoor balcony of the building, which is the nicest Fringe venue of all, I would boldly say

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GM 129 days ago

Loved this show. Evans delivers fast witty pithy dry beautifully crafted information and observation. In a tiny nation on the damp cold edge of Northern Europe (you might say the fringe) 2 men were born a few years apart who became respectively the fathers of economics and an important branch of philosophy - and they were pals. Evans puts it all in context with plenty of topical asides and some very moving stories too. The fact one of the men lived at the venue is a gloss it’s hard to believe. Came away well informed and having chuckled and laughed throughout.

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Lucian Wischik 132 days ago

I knew nothing about Adam Smith before this comedic lecture. Simon Evans gave a great introduction to Smith's life and work. It was exciting to have it in Adam Smith's actual house too (with the best toilets of any venue at the fringe!) It didn't quite deliver on two other narratives mentioned in the blurb -- the Scottish Enlightenment, and the friendship or connection with Hume -- but that doesn't matter. The influence from Smith to the governor of Hong Kong (Robert Black? David Trench?) was a fascinating insight, and also the stories of the Darién Gap.

As a presenter, I think Evans resonated best with fellow 50yo+ members of the audience who enjoyed his pompous blow-hard cynicism.

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