Science stand-up!

Utter terror – all in the name of science communication? You bet. As he took on the Edinburgh Fringe, Dr Matthew Partridge attempted science stand-up.

Science communication can take many forms. I’ve seen people communicate (or attempt to communicate) science using painting, music, dance, drag, games, exercise classes and even pottery. This huge diversity leads to some very strange events but also it helps reach a plethora of audiences who might not normally see much science. It is also a good way for scientists to promote science by doing something they are good at, and highlights their alternative skills.

But, there is a world of difference between teaching science to mildly bored students forced to be there, and explaining science to an audience that is expecting entertainment

Which is why with very little stand-up experience and no skill I decided to go and communicate science in a one hour show at the Edinburgh Fringe. Standing on stage and presenting science is something I am very used to doing. It is a fundamental part of my job as an academic. But, there is a world of difference between teaching science to mildly bored students forced to be there, and explaining science to an audience that is expecting entertainment. At a Fringe show, I know I have damned well better be entertaining or I will be eaten alive. And by ‘eaten alive’ I mean face some severe tutting... a form of disapproval that makes my English blood run cold.

Make ‘em laugh

A little earlier this year I tried my hand at science stand-up via the Science Showoff format. I did a 9 minute talk which was pitched at being ‘science standup’. It was equal parts terrifying and brilliant. For that I’d written a script and tested out some jokes with unsuspecting academic conference attendees. I knew I wasn’t a practiced comedian, but my aim was to stand-up, have people laugh at a couple of things and learn a little about the motivations of scientists. This plan went to hell about 30 seconds in to my set.

There is no panic like the panic of suddenly realising you’re not as funny and entertaining as you thought while in front of an audience expecting you to be both of those things

I got into my script and set out my first joke to a wall of complete silence. There is no panic like the panic of suddenly realising you’re not as funny and entertaining as you thought while in front of an audience expecting you to be both of those things. Obviously I couldn’t stop but, while pressing on, my brain was screaming: “Oh god if they hated that joke, what about all the others! Quick, get to the next joke and check to see if they find ANYTHING funny!” So in panic I skipped to the next “audience laugh here” bit. And they laughed. Instant validation. I relaxed, everything was fine.

Next joke, no laughter… cue repetition of the above. Then repeat all this every 30s for the entire duration of my set. It was exhausting. From that show I learnt a lot. Firstly how to not have a nervous breakdown live on stage, secondly that I really need to relax. Standing on a stage and entertaining a room full of people is hard – some people are naturally better at it, but everyone can get better with practice.

I’m not a comedian, those are some brilliant and dedicated people. I am a scientist that loves making their work entertaining and mildly amusing. Doing events like this is terrifying, but fun. Doing the Fringe was a long way outside my comfort zone but I figure if I keep doing this I’ll manage to find a point where I’m as confident about the mildly amusing as I am the science.

Dr Matthew Partridge