The Sky TV favourite comes to life in a spectacular show that leaves young audiences wanting more.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
What's it about?
Not to be confused with The Producers, which occupies the Garrick Theatre in the evenings, Brainiac Live! takes over the daytime slot to entertain younger audiences with an energetic hour of science experiments, explosions and audience interaction.
The stage production is inspired by the hugely popular Sky television series Brainiac: Science Abuse, which first aired in 2003. The original show became famous for turning science into high-energy entertainment and this live adaptation successfully captures that same spirit, bringing the controlled chaos and infectious enthusiasm of the television series into the theatre.
Three enthusiastic Brainiacs lead the show (Andy Joyce, Rik Warren and Tracy Rahi), putting scientific theories to the test through a series of increasingly entertaining demonstrations. Can a human run through a door made of cling film? Apparently yes. A door made of netting? Apparently not. The experiments are simple, visual and guaranteed to keep young minds guessing.
What we loved
This is a show that understands its audience. From the moment the lights go down there's barely a chance for anyone to sit still. Loud bangs, smoke, fire, flying objects and constant audience participation ensures the energy never drops.
Children are encouraged to cheer, clap, solve riddles and even catch objects launched into the auditorium by on-stage cannons, creating the feeling that everyone is part of the experiment rather than simply watching it.
At just one hour long, the running time is spot on. The pace is brisk enough to keep even the youngest audience members fully engaged.
Beyond the spectacle, Brainiac Live also succeeds in making science genuinely exciting. The presenters don't shy away from using proper scientific terminology for the chemicals, reactions and experiments, introducing children to real scientific language while keeping everything fun and accessible.
One particularly thoughtful touch is that the Brainiac team always warns the audience before a particularly loud bang or explosion. It gives everyone a chance to cover their ears if they wish, making the experience more comfortable for younger children and anyone sensitive to sudden noises. As someone who is a little jumpy, I really appreciated this. Rather than spending the show anticipating unexpected surprises, I was able to relax and simply enjoy the experiments unfolding on stage.
The fun doesn't have to end when the curtain comes down either. The show's programme doubles as an excellent take-home souvenir, packed with puzzles, brain teasers and simple science experiments that children can try at home.
Anything we'd change?
No, perfectly pitched and performed
Who would enjoy it?
Families, curious young scientists and anyone who enjoys hands-on, interactive theatre. Even younger children are likely to be captivated by the constant stream of experiments and surprises.
Verdict
Sometimes the most honest review comes from the audience itself. Sitting beside me was a very worldly three-year-old theatregoer named Sienna. When I asked what she thought, her response was wonderfully simple:
"I want more Brainiac."
You can't get a clearer recommendation than that.