In our ongoing Edinburgh Fringe interview series, we are speaking to artists and creatives who are bringing their shows to the Scottish capital this summer.
In this interview, David Lampard discusses his show The Alphabet of Awesome Science.
What can you tell me in your words about your show?
The Alphabet of Awesome Science is a scientific race through the alphabet — where rare and obscure words (like erumpent, ideopraxist and jocoserious) inspire mind-blowing science (like fireballs, liquid nitrogen clouds and smoke doughnuts that fly over the heads of our audience). Performed by Professors Lexi Con and Noel Edge (the Word Nerd and the Science Freak) the show is a joyful adventure that celebrates being truly passionate about the things that fascinate you — that is, it’s all about being an unapologetic geek!
Where did the inspiration for this piece come from?
Kids love big words. That fact was made very clear to me when performing in a school setting. I’d drop a ‘big’ word into my spiel and then watch as kids tried it on for size — repeating it under their breath, chewing on it and digesting it. So, it struck me that this might serve as a neat scaffolding for a new show. That seed of an idea evolved to 26 words (one for every letter of the alphabet) inspiring 26 science demonstrations. When I started writing the first version of the show, the ideas flowed so easily… I felt like I was onto something very special. We’ve tweaked the show in a billion different ways (over nearly 350 performances) but that initial inspiration still burns brightly in the DNA of the show.
Kids love big words. That fact was made very clear to me when performing in a school setting. I’d drop a ‘big’ word into my spiel and then watch as kids tried it on for size — repeating it under their breath, chewing on it and digesting it. So, it struck me that this might serve as a neat scaffolding for a new show. That seed of an idea evolved to 26 words (one for every letter of the alphabet) inspiring 26 science demonstrations. When I started writing the first version of the show, the ideas flowed so easily… I felt like I was onto something very special. We’ve tweaked the show in a billion different ways (over nearly 350 performances) but that initial inspiration still burns brightly in the DNA of the show.
How have you approached developing the show?
For my entire working life I have worked professionally as both a theatre creator and as a science communicator. For a long time I kept these two careers (mostly) separate, but it was inevitable that they would eventually collide in a substantial way! The Alphabet of Awesome is the result of a lot of dedicated experimentation with the idea of ‘science theatre’. Previously, I have created scientific rock concerts, scientific game shows and other character lead science-theatre confections. They’ve all been successful in their own way, but The Alphabet of Awesome Science is the show that has truly captured audiences’ attention. It is the result of experimenting with other works in this space — and is a distillation of what we’ve learnt as a company when exploring how to take science ideas to the stage to create art.
For my entire working life I have worked professionally as both a theatre creator and as a science communicator. For a long time I kept these two careers (mostly) separate, but it was inevitable that they would eventually collide in a substantial way! The Alphabet of Awesome is the result of a lot of dedicated experimentation with the idea of ‘science theatre’. Previously, I have created scientific rock concerts, scientific game shows and other character lead science-theatre confections. They’ve all been successful in their own way, but The Alphabet of Awesome Science is the show that has truly captured audiences’ attention. It is the result of experimenting with other works in this space — and is a distillation of what we’ve learnt as a company when exploring how to take science ideas to the stage to create art.
How would you describe the style of the show?
I like to think of this show as an alphabetical, scientifical variety hour! Due to the structure of the show, we present a new ‘skit’ — a new idea, a new surprise — every two minutes. I love that! I kind of feel like we accidentally built this show for the ‘TikTok’ generation! We scroll rapidly through our 26 featured words, showering the audience with astonishing science — that splashes, bursts and erupts — at every turn. One reviewer described the show as ‘carefully crafted chaos’ and another as ‘wonderful, wonder-inspiring wonderment’. I think those phrases sum up the vibe of our performance pretty perfectly!
Can you describe the show in 3 words?
Energetic. Explosive. Enlightening.
How do you mentally and physically prepare for a run like the Fringe?
By establishing a daily routine as quickly as possible upon arriving in Edinburgh! Getting the show to Edinburgh is now a ‘relatively easy’ exercise for our company — but sustaining the relentless performance schedule (including setting up and packing down the show every day) is a completely different matter. Personally, I do this by creating a daily routine that establishes a regular rhythm for my brain and body and attempts to separate work time from down time (the key word there being ‘attempts’!).
By establishing a daily routine as quickly as possible upon arriving in Edinburgh! Getting the show to Edinburgh is now a ‘relatively easy’ exercise for our company — but sustaining the relentless performance schedule (including setting up and packing down the show every day) is a completely different matter. Personally, I do this by creating a daily routine that establishes a regular rhythm for my brain and body and attempts to separate work time from down time (the key word there being ‘attempts’!).
Away from your show, what are you most looking forward to about being in Edinburgh?
Meeting new people (members of the public, as well as other theatre creatives) and being inspired by new theatre experiences. With so many diverse shows on offer, this fringe presents an incredible opportunity to explore what’s happening in the world of theatre (and other artforms). I’m always looking to be inspired — by conversation and theatre experiences. Plus, as always, I can’t wait to meet our audiences! Both those that are seeing us for the first time, plus friendly faces who return each year to see us perform. I have also fallen madly in love with Edinburgh itself, and always love returning to explore the city and its surrounds…
Meeting new people (members of the public, as well as other theatre creatives) and being inspired by new theatre experiences. With so many diverse shows on offer, this fringe presents an incredible opportunity to explore what’s happening in the world of theatre (and other artforms). I’m always looking to be inspired — by conversation and theatre experiences. Plus, as always, I can’t wait to meet our audiences! Both those that are seeing us for the first time, plus friendly faces who return each year to see us perform. I have also fallen madly in love with Edinburgh itself, and always love returning to explore the city and its surrounds…
Are there any other shows at the Fringe you’d like to recommend?
To be honest, I don’t really look at the program properly until I get to Fringe! And then it’s a matter of keeping my ear to the ground to discover the shows that other festival goers (and festival participants) are talking about. Plus, there’s always a few shows that leap out at me — from posters or blurbs. I like to balance my theatre going experiences with shows that I know I’m going to love PLUS performances that I take a complete punt on. That’s what fringe is about, right? Taking a risk and seeing things that you might not otherwise see… (it might end up your favourite thing!). Oh, and if you haven’t seen Mario the Maker Magician (for kids) and Classic Penguins (for adults) then put both of these on your MUST SEE list — you won’t regret it.
What is one hidden gem in Edinburgh that everyone should visit?
Dynamic Earth. It’s not exactly a ‘hidden gem’ (seated prominently at the foot of Arthur’s Seat), but it also might not be the kind of place you’d think about visiting while attending the world’s biggest performing arts festival! However, this unique science centre is absolutely incredible — telling the story of planet Earth from ‘beginning to mend’ (you have to admire the thoughtful pun they’ve created with that tagline!) with a particular focus on Edinburgh’s place in that narrative. It’s a fascinating, and brilliantly immersive, experience. Oh, and there’s also this awesome coffee van hidden around behind George Square that creates the most exquisite hot chocolate… (which is definitely part of my daily routine).
What was the first piece of theatre you saw that had a big impact on you?
I think the first piece of theatre that had a big impact on me was a puppet show that used to visit our primary school (from memory, this was an annual event). I don’t remember a huge amount about the performance itself, but I do vividly remember the workshop that accompanied it — where we were coached through the creation of elaborate paper puppets. The process of making something and then bringing that thing to life had a profound effect on me — giving me an experience akin to making theatre… which I have been doing ever since.
I think the first piece of theatre that had a big impact on me was a puppet show that used to visit our primary school (from memory, this was an annual event). I don’t remember a huge amount about the performance itself, but I do vividly remember the workshop that accompanied it — where we were coached through the creation of elaborate paper puppets. The process of making something and then bringing that thing to life had a profound effect on me — giving me an experience akin to making theatre… which I have been doing ever since.
What do you hope an audience member takes away from seeing the show?
As we tell audiences in the show, we don’t expect them to remember everything we show and tell them BUT we do want to inspire them — to open a dictionary, and to ask questions… about life, the universe, and everything. Most of all, we want to leave folks goshbustified (go on, Google that word — it’s a good one!). Additionally, we want to encourage people to explore their geeky passions — whatever they might be. Lexi loves words and Noel loves science — but what is your ‘thing’, what makes you happy? Makeup? Dancing? Netball? Football? Cooking? Dive in. Geek out! Happify yourself!
As we tell audiences in the show, we don’t expect them to remember everything we show and tell them BUT we do want to inspire them — to open a dictionary, and to ask questions… about life, the universe, and everything. Most of all, we want to leave folks goshbustified (go on, Google that word — it’s a good one!). Additionally, we want to encourage people to explore their geeky passions — whatever they might be. Lexi loves words and Noel loves science — but what is your ‘thing’, what makes you happy? Makeup? Dancing? Netball? Football? Cooking? Dive in. Geek out! Happify yourself!
Where and when can people see your show?
We are performing in the great big upside-down cow in George Square (Underbelly). You can catch one of 24 performances between July 30 and August 24 — with all shows starting at 12 noon. Tickets can be found here: https://underbellyedinburgh.co.uk
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