Two Explosive Shows at the Torch

Do you enjoy science? Do you want to see some exciting experiments on stage? Exciting Science visits the Torch Theatre on Wednesday 18 February for two explosive shows. Anwen went to find out more ...

How did the Exciting Science show come about?

It all started when our five-year-old son came home from school and said he’d like a Science Party for his Birthday. After looking around at various science themed parties - we decided we’d create our own. The kids loved our Film Canister Rockets, our Vacuum Cleaner Missile Launcher and Smoke ring dustbins so much, that we decided to go even further and turn it into a stage show.

Which is great, because in a theatre there’s more space to create even more mess.... which is easier to clean than our lounge was at the end of our son’s birthday party!

So, you combine science experiments with theatre - to create a fun show for kids?

Exactly. Experiments carried out live on stage is the perfect way to engage an audience, and fuel their interest in science.

Tell me about the hosts - Mad Mike, Dangerous Dean, Krazy Kelly and Fabulous Faye? Are you all secretly (or not so secretly) mad scientists?

Well Mad Mike is the inventor of the group, handy with a role of gaffer tape and a set of pliers, he can turn anything into a new science experiment. Then there’s Dangerous Dean – he’s like our very own crash test dummy – if there’s anything the rest of us are unsure of doing....... We make Dean do it first. Kindly Kelly – don’t be fooled by the big smile and flashing eyes, she’s a master of destruction - our very own demolition expert. (And it’s not always intentional), and finally, there’s fabulous Faye - she knows her facts, she knows her science... she’s just... well, fabulous.

And it’s interactive - does that mean I get to light a Bunsen burner?

Not quite. I think it’s best to leave the lighting up, blowing up and burning stuff .... to the professionals (well, the ones who are insured at least!!)

Is this a show where you want to avoid sitting in the front row? I’m not going to end up with singed eyebrows, am I?

Don’t worry, your perfectly safe. We take our health and safety very seriously.... (Though the odd bit of water flying about doesn’t hurt anybody!!!)

Seriously though, have any experiments ever gone wrong?

All the time. That’s the nature of science!

What’s the funniest thing that’s happened on stage?

That’s an easy one - It has to be during the Coke & Mentos; experiment when Dangerous Dean, (who has to pull the pin and move out of the way, before the Coke Bottle explodes) - slipped and fell into the paddling pool and got covered in 1 litre worth of foaming coke. I did suggest we keep it as part of the show... but Dean wasn’t too keen... lol.

Exciting Science, will visit the Torch Theatre on Wednesday 18 February at 11.30am and 2pm. Ticket price: £15.50. For further information visit the Torch Theatre website www.torchtheatre.co.uk / phone the Box Office on (01646) 695267 or click here.