We recently had the pleasure of attending Mark Thompson’s Spectacular Science Show, and it absolutely lived up to its name. As a science teacher myself, I’m always curious (and perhaps a little critical!) when it comes to science-based entertainment. But this show hit all the right notes — it was educational, engaging, and full of excitement.
I attended with my two children, aged 9 and 6. Both have a budding interest in science, but it’s fair to say they — along with everyone else in the audience — were completely captivated from start to finish. There wasn’t a dull moment. The atmosphere was electric, with each new experiment or fascinating science fact keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
What really stood out was the perfect balance between fun and learning. Yes, there were lots of live demonstrations (and plenty of wow moments!), but the science behind each one was clearly explained in a way that both kids and adults could understand. Mark Thompson has a fantastic stage presence and a natural rapport with the audience. He managed to correct misconceptions and handle incorrect answers with humour and kindness, encouraging curiosity rather than shutting it down.
Audience participation was another highlight, with a few lucky volunteers getting the chance to help out on stage — much to the envy of many others!
And of course, what would a science show be without a bit of fire? Or in this case — quite a lot of it! There were flames, pops, bangs (well, more like loud pops — but according to my 6-year-old, it was “the things that went bang bang bang!”). He’s been asking me non-stop ever since if we can recreate some of the experiments at home.
All in all, Mark Thompson’s Spectacular Science Show was just that — spectacular. It’s a brilliant way to ignite a passion for science in young minds and a thoroughly entertaining experience for the whole family.
Edinburgh with Kids rating – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Please note – we received press tickets for the purpose of this review but all reviews are our own! Catch it at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Assembly George Square Studios (Studio Three): Book your tickets here
