Theatre review: Walking with dinosaurs

Published on Thursday 2 July 2009 18:57

WALKING WITH DINOSAURS **** SECC, GLASGOW

IT'S amazing how much information you can glean from a couple of old bones. Clutching an ancient fossil, Huxley the palaeontologist strides into the arena and explains exactly how he knows so much about dinosaurs. Based on a clever combination of palaeontology, science and intelligent guesswork, he can ascertain what roamed the earth, which particular delicacy they feasted on and, ultimately, what brought about their demise.

Understanding what went on in the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods isn't always easy. But by bringing these vast, powerful beasts "alive" before our eyes – with the help of 15 life-size dinosaurs – this 10 million spectacle turns a complex subject into pure entertainment. In the space of 90 minutes, Huxley takes us back 245m years, then propels us forward to 65m years ago – which feels relatively recent by comparison.

One by one, these incredible creatures lumber, glide and trot on to the stage, from the sweet-faced brachiosaurus to blood-thirsty raptors and the powerful T rex.

Huge tails swishing behind them, they prowl the space searching for food, protecting their young or spoiling for a fight. Inevitably, the mechanisms which move these beautifully crafted beasts are partially on show, breaking the spell ever so slightly.

But it's a small gripe, and, as you stare into their quizzical, blinking eyes, these creatures seem very much alive. Then, when a 20-foot wide comet blinds us as it plunges to earth wiping out each and every one of them, it's a chilling reminder that nothing lasts forever.