On Illusion and Delusion – Performance Science and Quackery. Talk by Tony Lidington
This illustrated romp through the performative nature of science and showmanship is presented by renowned performer, researcher and presenter – Tony Lidington. When asked to define his job, Tony describes himself as a showman, as it is close to the role of shaman – a portal to other perceptions of reality… or illusion.
This talk explores the ways in which popular culture and science have been fused and confused over the years: how the definitions of what is real, unreal, imaginary, fake or hallucinatory, are all woven together. Learn how pseudo-science and empirical knowledge bifurcate, blur and merge over time, to create a blended muddle of perception that we sometimes call truth, sometimes fakery, or sometimes just a show.
Tony is a leading authority on British popular entertainment forms – well-known for his numerous BBC Radio and television programmes, as well as live performances at festivals and events throughout the country.
Tony has been a showman, researcher and teacher for more than 40 years: he has run theatre venues, companies, festivals and events for and with a wide range of diverse communities. Tony specialises in historical popular entertainment forms and their application to contemporary contexts and in 2017, he was awarded a doctorate by University of Exeter for his research into itinerant British performance forms and where he is now a part-time lecturer. He regularly broadcasts for both radio and television – most recently for David Walliams’ & Lee Mack’s episodes of ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ However, he is perhaps best known by families throughout the country, as ‘Uncle Tacko!’ – ringmaster of his extraordinary flea circus and the founder of ‘The Pierrotters’, Britain’s last professional seaside pierrot troupe.
Talk in partnership with the Art Society of Sidmouth