Astronomer Mark Thompson is bringing his award-winning kids show, ‘Spectacular Science Show’ to Theatr Brycheiniog on November 20.

Mark’s been involved in science for over 30 years now and is best known for being part of the presenting team on the BBC show Stargazing Live, before it finished in 2017. He started putting on shows eight years ago designed for children and adults.

Mark first became interested in science when he was ten years old after viewing Saturn through a telescope.

He told the Brecon & Radnor Express: “That got me interested in the universe and astronomy, where my real passions are. But it’s lead to a real enthusiasm and fascination with all things science, so I’ve been interested in science for years, ever since I was a boy.”

Awarded ‘Best Kid’s Show at Edinburgh Fringe’ by The Derek Awards, Mark’s show hopes to inspire young minds into a possible career in science, and for them to experience the same feeling of interest he felt when being exposed to science.

He said: “The idea of the show is to demonstrate and share some experiments that kids can do at home, but of course it’s a theatre show so there’s a fair chunk of stuff on there that’s a bit too dangerous for people to do themselves, but I’ll create them on the day. There will be explosions, some chemical reactions and basically lots of fire involved as well so it’s lots of fun.

“I think we’ve seen over the last couple of years with covid how important the world of science is, without it we’d still be stuck in lockdown. Without creating and generating a new generation of scientists, we’re going to struggle in the future, so I think it’s really important. If I can get kids excited, if I can create one science enthusiast, who maybe even turns into a scientist when they grow up, I’ll consider that a job well done.”

This will be Mark’s first show in Brecon on Sunday, and he has described what the audience can expect.

Mark said: “It’s excitable. I think the kids are excited by what they see but the parents also get the jeopardy and danger of it, so I think even adults enjoy the show and that’s what is wonderful about it. They might not necessarily be interested but they come along to bring the kids because they’re interested, and the adults end up having a good time as well!

“The only thing I don’t look forward to is setting up and tidying up afterwards because I make a right mess,” he said jokingly. “There’s lots of chemicals involved, so I make sure I do all that myself. Consequently, it’s about two hours to get the show set up, and a good hour once everyone has gone home to clear it all up again and onto the next theatre!”

For more information and tickets visit https://www.brycheiniog.co.uk/en