Little Lark of London

“Science is not about being right. It’s about finding the truth”

 Doktor Kaboom: Man of Science! is the work of David Epley, a German-American scientist who travels the world teaching audiences of all ages about science through explosive and electrifying experiments. Doktor Kaboom claims that his name came from an unfortunate incident with a hamster, with the man stating, “We live, we learn” before launching into the #1 rule of science – safety. This is a point that is heavily emphasised throughout the show, something that I’m sure the adults appreciate, especially when Doktor Kaboom tells audience members to “choose your adults carefully” and stating which experiments should not be tried at home.

There is quite a lot of audience participation, as a young audience member is selected to help demonstrate each experiment on stage. One of these experiments is a hovercraft made out of a poker table with the assistance of a leaf blower and what Epley coins the “Happy Chair of Science.” Another has an audience member touching a Vendograph Generator, their long hair standing up for the whole audience to see. There are also experiments that include all of the audience, like one using a black and white spiral to make it appear as though Epley’s head is growing and shrinking. Epley does a fantastic job of controlling the audience, so it always feels as though everything is in control from his perspective. 

Though most of the show is directed at the younger audience members, I found myself fully engaged in the show and was entertained by the quips that Epley has for the adults in the room. As one might expect from a show about pressure, there is a joke about homemade submarines and the explosive dangers pressure can have. In one bit, he discusses his hatred for the phrase, “It’s not rocket science,” as rocket science is actually quite simple, demonstrating Newton’s laws of action and reaction by blowing up balloons and then letting them fly out over the audience. 

One of the unexpected highlights of Doktor Kaboom: Man of Science! is how it focuses on acknowledging the pressure in our lives and working to reduce it for the sake of our health. Through experiment, Epley proves just how real stress and pressure are and emphasises the importance of taking the pressure and using it as motivation, though he warns that one should not let too much pressure build up. There is also a focus on the importance of having an open mind, as Epley acknowledges that no one can ever have the full knowledge of the world. 

Ultimately, Doktor Kaboom: Man of Science! is a silly yet scientific look at the world around us with a surprisingly lovely emphasis on the importance of reducing stress – something that we could all do! When Doktor Kaboom asks if you are ready for more science, all you can say is, “Ja!”

Doktor Kaboom: Man of Science! ran until 26 August at Pleasance Courtyard – Beyond at the 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. More information can be found here.