Deadly 60 Live

Deadly 60 is one of the most popular children’s television shows in the world, and the face of the show naturalist UK born Steve Backshall has brought his passion to the stage with a 70 minute presentation of his many adventures across the globe.

Within seconds you are drawn in by his enthusiasm for what he describes as the greatest job in the world. His extensive knowledge about his subject matter is astounding and even though the presentation is aimed at a younger audience, it is fair to say that I too learned something in this productive hour.

Concentrating on animals found in caves, swamps, Arctic regions, Africa and the ocean; he described detailed encounters and showed mesmerising footage. Video was beamed onto a giant backdrop giving the audience a close up look at the stunning scenery and wildlife that Backshall clearly has adoration for. He touched on some home grown animals, which was warmly received and sheepishly showed footage of times when even he got a little too close to his prey.

Charismatic and warm, Backshall had the audience in the palm of his hand as young ears hung on every word. He finished with house lights up encouraging questions from an eager audience. When asked what the scariest animal on earth was, he pondered before saying “Humans”. There was almost a collective sigh.

He closed the show by sharing a quote by explorer George Mallory that summed up the evening perfectly, “What we get from this adventure is just sheer joy. And joy is, after all, the end of life. We do not live to eat and make money. We eat and make money to be able to live. That is what life means and what life is for.”

Kerry Cooper