Standing on the shoulders of idiots
Run time: 18.30 – 19.30
Discover how the theory of light was shaped by brilliant minds doing stupid things in a comedy show that was an Edinburgh Fringe sell out!
Join physicist and stand-up comic Nick Werren (Heriot-Watt University) for a whistlestop tour of quantum theory.
Find out how an argument on the medieval equivalent of Twitter shaped the physics of light but also caused hundreds of miles of French countryside to vanish. And how Isaac Newton – best known for describing gravity – is also famous for jabbing himself in the eye with a needle.
Nick will reveal how some of our most celebrated physicists were ordinary people just like us. And how good science relies on communities, rather than singular so-called geniuses.
Take part in a Q&A at the end where we’ll debate what makes a great scientist.
This performance is part of a British Science Festival takeover of Quirky Quarter, an evening of activities and performances that will encourage you to see the world from a whole new perspective! Tickets to this event will also grant you access to the Quirky Quarter exhibits and drop in activities.
For access information and directions to this venue, and all British Science Festival venues, please click this link https://britishsciencefestival.org/british-science-festival-2025-venues
