‘Doktor Kaboom: Man of Science’ is an exemplary show that combines a love of theatre, and science – mixed with a flare for dramatics to create one of the most fun, educational and hilarious family-friendly shows the Edinburgh Fringe has ever seen.
Playing at the Pleasance Courtyard-Beyond this August, Doktor Kaboom shows adults and children alike that science is theatrical and that a love for one, does not discount a love for the other. His performance not only explains the basics of rocket science but also teaches us that every one of us is capable of loving science through self-empowerment.
Throughout the performance, Doktor Kaboom takes the audience through multiple experiments that evidence Isaac Newton’s “action-reaction” theory in practice. He engages audience members of all ages (although it is all about the kids), even those of us who thought we had left science experiments behind in school many years ago.
Doktor Kaboom uses hot water and a paint tin to show us how heat expands; a leaf blower and a shower curtain to create his own hoverboard; magnetic forces to show us how electrons have negative forces (and make our hair go frizzy); and finally uses a pickle to create his own lightbulb. Each experiment is met with ‘ooooohs’ and ‘ahhhhhs’ alongside a round of impressed applause. As someone who did not take much interest in school with these subjects, Doktor Kaboom had everyone (including myself) absolutely hooked on his work, wanting to read more. His work is proof that as people, we cannot be defined by one thing, and that we can be united by our passions, no matter how different they may seem.
What is most impressive, however, was not his cool experiments, or his sense of humour, but actually his style of participation. Audience participation can be daunting, especially for young, nervous children and even more so for the adults taking them to the shows but it is clear Doktor Kaboom wants his audience to feel comfortable at his shows, he wants his audience to feel smart and engage with his love of science. One notable part of his show was when a young girl did not want to participate in one of his experiments, as she was nervous, he congratulated her on standing up for herself and led a round of applause for a young girl who was brave enough to speak her mind. A truly heart-warming moment, as he encourages children to have their own voice.
I truly cannot find a fault within this show. Trying to find age-appropriate shows at the Edinburgh Fringe can feel daunting with so many options to choose from, and to help write an unbiased review, I brought my 6-year-old niece and my older brother. Both loved it – and my niece is hard to impress! It is clear to say that this show is a winner for everyone. Doktor Kaboom: Man of Science is a must-see at this year’s festival for families.
’Doktor Kaboom: Man of Science’ is playing at the Edinburgh Fringe from August 3rd-August 26th (excluding August 7th and 14th)
Theatre Scotland 
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