Explosions, cool gases and Darth Vader playing with plasma!

When the Ministry of Science Live explodes onto the Norwich Theatre Royal stage on September 28, it will offer plenty of amazing science and history which includes a fully operational hovercraft, massive cannons with lots of bangs, a push bike that makes the best smoothie ever and even Darth Vader playing with plasma!

Investigating the inventors and engineers who have shaped the modern world we live in, the audience can expect to experience everything from liquid nitrogen flowers to hydrogen bottle rockets, Buzz Aldrin to Virgin Galactic, cat food tins to methane and the invention of the battery.

This fully engaging interactive experience explores energy and engineering using some brilliantly designed demonstrations and historical references as a narrative. Combining stimulating live entertainment with the world of education, the show’s primary aim is to inspire and educate young people through the medium of live theatre. 

Ministry of Science Live was launched at Northern Ireland’s CultureTech festival in 2014 where it played to critical acclaim to over 7,500 people in a week.  Since then, the show has been to the United Arab Emirates before arriving back in the UK for a 60-date national theatre tour.

Mark Thompson, the show’s writer and director, has been involved in family shows for over 13 years working with some of the biggest brands that perform in the UK and around the world.  He is passionate about science communication and wanting to inspire youngsters about science and engineering in a fun way.

He previously wrote the touring productions of Brainiac Live (which recently made its West End debut), Science Museum Live!, Guinness World Records Officially Amazing Science Live and BBC Hidden World Live. 

Ministry of Science is Mark’s own brand and works around the curriculum for 6-12 year olds with a style which is slick, fun and full of action, getting good feedback from adults as well as children.

Audience participation is used throughout the show and some audience members are invited to join the presenters on stage to get a bit closer to the action. 

Mike Goble, who presents the show, said he loved being part of live theatre experience, especially one the whole family could enjoy. 

“One aim of the show is to prove that science is actually fun and to hopefully inspire, not only the kids but the grown-ups, as well as to enjoy exploring and learning about the world around us.  Maybe one day someone in our audience will be the next great inventor or make a huge scientific discovery.”

He said audiences could expect to go away from the show hopefully both entertained and having learnt something new. “It’s fun and entertaining with a few loud bangs thrown in for good measure! The starting point of everything in the show is always the science.  Then we find a way of presenting it that’s clear, engaging and enjoyable.  I present the show with Emma Blackwell and we have a lot of fun working together and hopefully that comes across to the audience as well.”

Mike said: “The show is live science and uses a number of gases, such as our demonstration that explains the fire triangle which includes igniting hydrogen and oxygen balloons, which when ignited makes a rather large bang right in front of you on the stage. A lot of the elements of the show are dangerous if not handled correctly and by professionals.

“All the cast and crew are experienced in handling chemicals and gases and have been trained by both scientists and health and safety personnel in order to be able to deliver the show safely to audiences. However,” he warned, “none of the demonstrations on Ministry of Science Live should be recreated at home or school!” 

His favourite part of the show is that it “allows me to play with some very cool gases!” “It is jam backed with explosions, chemicals, science, history, engineering and all round a lot of fun.  I like seeing live entertainment and this is a show that the younger members of my family would love, but also Grandad could come along too and thoroughly enjoy it.

“I’d come and see it because it would be a fun family trip and just maybe you might discover something about the world we live in that you didn’t know before!”

For further information see www.ministryofscience.org

Ministry of Science runs on Monday 28 September at 10.30am & 7pm. Tickets £7-£14.50. Discounts for Schools. BOX OFFICE 01603 630000.  For more info or to BOOK ONLINE www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk