Bang! The Science of Explosions

This new Gastronaut show is a physics spectacular exploring pressure, combustion, sound and explosive chemical reactions. BBC Gastronaut Stefan Gates brings rockets, mini-motorbikes, catapults, flamethrowing, live insects (yup, you read that correctly), big explosions, a massive whoopee cushion and ridiculously big balloons. It is, quite literally, a blast.

The Gastronaut team create world-class science shows for elite STEM organisations such as the BBC, Royal Society, Big Bang Fair, Wellcome, the Science Museum, British Museum, Eden Project, universities, schools and dozens of science festivals across the world every year. We also perform headline shows at major entertainment venues for Butlins, P&O Cruises, theatres and food shows. These STEM shows make complex ideas exciting, spectacular, unforgettable and very, very funny.

In 2018 Gastronaut shows had total audiences of 155,000. We specialise in high production value, high-energy shows with audience interaction, on-stage volunteers and whole-audience demos. We use rockets, robots, explosions, multimedia, edible, chemical reactions, video clips and unusual props to make the experience engaging and educational. All shows are highly structured, funny and challenging, yet rigorously fact-checked and meticulously risk assessed.

The show comes in various forms and sizes depending on venue and budget. For arenas and large auditoriums we have huge props, inflatables, mini-motorbikes and huge explosions. For smaller venues we have smaller kit, less devastating explosions and more tasting opportunities!

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