Horrible Science (Tour – Manchester)

Birmingham Stage Company, following on from their success with the Horrible Histories, have turned their attention to the popular Horrible Science books.

The plot is that Horrible Science World opens today and is opened by Billy Miller, a supposed member of the public who asks a lot of questions. However The Intelligent Machine (TIM) which controls the theme park turns rogue – and there’s only an hour and a half to save the world by learning about science.

There are four major areas of science looked at  – bacteria, the body, electricity and gravity. Basic knowledge and principles of science are imparted in a fun and easy to understand manner. Clever use is made of the projection backdrop and basic 3D is used during the second act just to make everything a little closer to reality.

Gareth Warren is an engaging Billy Miller with Laura Dalgleish, Benedict Martin and Sarah Nightingale playing all the other roles, including the three mad scientists who work at Horrible Science World. TIM is capably voiced by Neal Foster.

Apart from a few props and the projection screen, the stage is bare; but this doesn’t stop the creation of a fairly immersive world for children to enjoy. However, the outstanding part of Jackie Trousdale‘s designs is the clever costuming.

Overall, while this a suitably horrible look at some of the simpler science facts, it’s almost too simple. My two ten year old companions informed me that they knew most of this anyway Along the way, somehow this show lacks some of the magic to make it great entertainment.

– Helen Jones