BRAINIAC LIVE

Garrick Theatre

★★★★

“a mad scientist lair with an unexpectedly polished West End finish”

As someone who grew up watching Brainiac on TV, I was curious to see how this explosive, cheeky science show would translate to the stage. But ‘Brainiac Live’ doesn’t disappoint – bursting with fun, physics and literal fire, it’s a great family show that keeps kids enthralled from start to finish.

Walking in, you’re met with a gleefully chaotic array of equipment – from radioactive barrels and hazard tape, to hot water bottles and deck chairs – a clear sign you’re in for a wild ride! Through a slick blend of experiments, videos and high energy performance, this snappy show keeps you on your toes and teaches you something too.

With original creative contributions by Ben Keaton and writing by Andy Joyce, the show is surprisingly funny and slick. The energy is kept high with rapid fire dialogue and ample audience interaction – the screaming, cheering and booing hardly needs encouragement. Though aimed at kids, the adults in the audience aren’t forgotten with jokes and references for them too. The comedy is largely physical, though the misheard lyrics section is delightfully silly and fun. The experiments are genuinely impressive and entertaining, even if they lean on big bangs which upsets a couple of kids – but explosive science is part of the Brainiac bargain!

Joyce’s direction keeps the energy high and the pacing snappy, each Brainiac high kicking onto the stage, and whipping the crowd into claps, cheers and competitions. The experiments are engaging – if sometimes loud – while punchy video segments mean you barely notice ’Brainiac Dave’ (i.e. Stage Management) expertly resetting the stage. Moments of unexpected silliness – such as the ‘Single Ladies’ bit complete with smoke and leotards – establish this as entertainment first and science demo second, though they blend seamlessly. A great example of making science fun!

Jack Andrews’ Brainiac Ned (a role shared with Joyce) keeps things zipping along expertly, with big, bouncy energy for the kids plus sharp comic timing for the adults. Andrews keeps the audience hooked throughout. Rik Warren gives Brainiac Ed a stoic but silly charm, opening with the strong, silent treatment before busting out some hilarious moves. Tracy Rahi’s Brainiac Raz completes the trio with real gusto. A cameo from Madison Grace sets the edgy tone early, and dramatic voiceovers from Odinn Orn Hilmarsson keep things moving.

Hilmarsson’s video editing, paired with GDL’s artwork, design and animations, give the video segments a really polished feel, boosting both the educational and entertainment value without ever feeling like filler. Additional design by Damien Stanton and Charlotte Paveley, including hazardous waste debris, playful lighting and slick sound design, builds a mad scientist lair with an unexpectedly polished West End finish.

Catch ‘Brainiac Live’ this summer – it’s big fun and bigger bangs, a perfect pick for kids who don’t mind a bit of noise.

BRAINIAC LIVE

Garrick Theatre

Reviewed on 28th July 2026

by Hannah Bothelton

Photography by Mark Douet

BRAINIAC

★★★★

“a fantastic show for young audiences and their families”

This show is quite literally, explosive, in both its energy and experiments. It certainly delivers more than the snap, crackle and pop from your morning cereal! Based on the original Sky TV show made by ITV studios, Brainiac Live! is a series of experiments, using everyday situations and making them extraordinary. It is a dazzling display of how exciting science can be. The four ‘Brainiacs’, fronted by ‘Ned’ (Andy Joyce), have an infectious energy, so you can’t help but become engrossed in the action. The whole cast put their all into the production and it was evident that they were truly passionate about experiments.

Audience members enter the theatre that has been transformed into a seemingly abandoned laboratory. Hazard tape, upturned warning cones and old radioactive barrels make you feel as if you have stumbled upon a secret location where exciting and dangerous events are to come. This is echoed in the use of lighting (Glyn Edwards), which uses flashes of light that scan through the audience as if on a helicopter search. There is a sense of peril as often writer and director Andy Joyce, suggests that this is the first time the actors are trying the experiments. This made the already exciting series of spectacles even more gripping.

This is a fantastic show for young audiences and their families. At no point did I feel alienated for being an older audience member – we were welcomed with open arms. Whilst most of the jokes were aimed at children, there were comedic moments for the whole family. An example of this was when ‘Raz’ (Maggie Frazer) tested the audience’s hearing by playing differently pitched noises. This marked the difference between young and ‘more experienced’ ears, who could hear less.

The experiments flowed seamlessly between each other, leaving no moments for audience distraction. The aftermath required stage clean up and this time was cleverly filled by interactive videos on a large projector (Odinn Orn Hilmarsson). These included showing optical illusions, doing number quizzes and explaining why we mishear song lyrics. The content used was modern making the show feel relevant and up to date. However, there was only one female character and one small section making reference to female inventors, which felt a bit clunky and underdeveloped.

Ultimately, the loud bangs, colourful flares and smoke clouds steal the show. Although, this is not its only strength – this show has beauty, and brains. The content is informative too as it teaches about the science behind the experiments. At every point where there are loud noises, a warning is given to cover your ears, making it accessible to more nervous audience members. You simply can’t go wrong with this fun, exciting show that is carried by the sheer energy of the performers.

Reviewed by Emily Morris

Photography by Anna Kucera

Tag Archives: Andy Joyce

BRAINIAC LIVE

★★★★

Garrick Theatre

BRAINIAC LIVE

Garrick Theatre

★★★★

“a mad scientist lair with an unexpectedly polished West End finish”