Edinburgh 2018: Review: BRAINIAC LIVE!, Underbelly
Can you run through plasterboard? How does an electric fence work? How good is your hearing? What is the best way to spin an office chair? All questions that may or may not have crossed your mind but are answered by the Brainiac team live on stage.
Those familiar with the 2003-2008 TV show of the same name and those who are less so are treated to an hour of non-stop explosions, experiments and excitement. The four lab coat-clad presenters demonstrate various scientific phenomena to an all-age audience, some involving equipment on stage, as well as puzzles and brain teasers projected onto a large screen.
It certainly is "science abused", as the show's byline suggests, as are some of the cast members who participate in some of the experiments. The cast have good rapport and play a variety of personalities to engage the younger audience.
Within a minute or two of the show starting the audience are asked to put their fingers in their ears for the first of many explosions throughout the show which impress and amaze the crowd. A whole variety of scientific disciplines are covered from chemistry to physics to neuroscience and more.
The language is accessible and engaging for science enthusiasts of all degrees and ages. As well as seeing on-stage experiments the audience get to learn about a number of male and female scientists who shaped the world we live in with their discoveries.
The show features some classic scientific demonstrations such as the extreme cooling effects of liquid nitrogen, exploding gas balloons and electric shocks as well as some less conventional demonstrations. It is stressed on multiple occasions that what is happening on stage should not be attempted at home.
While there aren't any exploding caravans, a popular feature of the TV show likely for venue health and safety reasons, an exploding microwave (and various other objects) feature. Brainiac Live! is a show for curious minds with a tolerance for loud bangs!
Brainiac Live! at Underbelly until 27 August
Photo credit: Brainiac Live!
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