Reviewed by Louise Watts
This is the second year, I have been given the privilege to attend and review the Ministry of Science Live! Last year, I attended with my 9-year-old daughter and we both absolutely loved it. This year I took my 13-year-old daughter. Ministry of Science Live is the most amazing, interactive, memorable science lesson your children will ever have! It has everything kids could want including danger, fire, loud bangs and 2 completely brilliant teachers!
I attended The Hawth theatre in Crawley yesterday evening to see the Ministry of Science or “Minis Try Science” as the presenters refer to it as at times. The theatre was packed out with school age children all buzzing and excited about what they were about to see. Our teachers for the evening were Mike and Olivia and as soon as they entered the stage, they engaged the children. What followed was sheer genius – the theme of the evening was energy. We were introduced to the world of experiments with a little visual history and theory thrown in for good measure. My favourite was the Methane Bubbles experiment. I do not feel the need to say any more other than the fact that we all know Methane is flammable!!
More experiments followed including a brilliant demonstration of Liquid Nitrogen and its various states. Children from the audience were invited on stage at times to help with the safer experiments and there was certainly no shortage of volunteers willing to try their hand at the world of Science investigation.
One particular experiment which really impressed my teenage daughter was where 2 children were invited on stage to catch their shadow…..impossible I hear you all saying! Well, I encourage you to attend this show and you will see if you are right or not!
There were laughs and dodgy jokes aplenty (Thanks Mike!) and the kids were all having a wonderful time. Sadly, Mike was having some issues with his microphone / sound which became apparent as soon as the show started but did not really get resolved, meaning he ended up with a hand-held microphone throughout the show which worked fine but clearly hampered him in some of the experiments. Full credit to him though for maintaining focus and continuing. His professionalism and humour along with Olivia’s was also clear when they had a malfunction with the smoke ring producing cannon. Let’s be honest though, we all like a bit of adlibbing when watching live shows. It shows the presenters true talent and makes the adults chuckle. Well done to both of you for keeping going!
The show ran for around 2 hours with a brief interval where you could check out the facilities on offer at The Hawth including the bars and snack area. There was also a merchandise stall for programmes and souvenirs. The staff at The Hawth are always friendly and willing to help in any way possible and last night was no exception. Free parking is available on site taking a big stress away.
I would thoroughly recommend this show to anybody with school age children. They will learn so much but it will be so much fun, that they won’t even notice that they are being taught!
Rating: 5/5
Ministry of Science Live is currently on tour around the UK, for more information and tour dates visit www.ministryofscience.org.
For other shows at The Hawth in Crawley visit hawth.co.uk or call the box office on 01293 553636.
The Hawth, Hawth Avenue, Crawley, Sussex, RH10 6YZ | 01293 553636
