Families looking for an entertaining way to introduce children to the wonders of science can head to the West End this summer, as Brainiac Live returns to London for a limited run at the Garrick Theatre.
The Olivier Award-winning Best Family Show will be at the theatre from 26 July to 30 August 2026, before continuing its UK tour. Tickets are on sale now, with prices starting from £19.50.
Science, experiments and plenty of surprises
Based on the popular television show owned by ITV Studios, Brainiac Live combines science with spectacular theatre in a fast-paced show designed to keep children and adults entertained.
Audiences can expect everything from liquid nitrogen clouds and vortex smoke rings to exploding hydrogen balloons and spinning CO? chairs, alongside plenty of other experiments and demonstrations.
The show promises to take audiences into the stranger side of science, exploring some of the things that are fascinating to watch on stage but definitely shouldn’t be attempted at home!
The current production has been written and directed by Andy Joyce, with design by Damien Stanton. The original production direction and writing was provided by Ben Keaton.
Returning to the Garrick Theatre from the Olivier Award-winning cast are Rik Warren and Tracy Rahi, joined by alternating performers Andy Joyce and Jack Andrews.
The production is produced by Dan Colman for Dan Colman Creative.
From television to the stage
Since making its stage debut in 2008, Brainiac Live has entertained and educated more than one million children and families.
The production has enjoyed three previous West End summer seasons, as well as international appearances including a two-week run at the Sydney Opera House and performances in Hong Kong, Brisbane, Edinburgh, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai and Barcelona.
More recently, the show appeared in an English/Arabic dual-language production at Ithra in Saudi Arabia.
Its Olivier Award win in 2025 recognised its summer season at London’s Marylebone Theatre.
The production has been developed through collaboration between theatre producers, writers, directors, designers, science communicators and a Professor of Public Engagement in Science, with the show continuing to evolve as it travels to new audiences.
Producer Dan Colman says:
“We are absolutely thrilled to be bringing Brainiac Live back to the West End following its Olivier Award win last year. The show has always been about inspiring curiosity and excitement about science in the most entertaining way possible, and there’s no better place to share that energy with families than in the heart of London this summer.”
Brainiac Live UK tour
Following its West End season, Brainiac Live continues its UK tour with dates including:
- Grand Opera House York – 13 September
- Queens Theatre, Barnstaple – 18 October
- Chelmsford Theatre – 28 October
- Lighthouse, Poole – 29 October
- Anvil Arts, Basingstoke – 30 October
- St George’s Hall, Bradford – 31 October
- New Theatre Peterborough – 1 November
Further dates are due to be announced.
The show will also return to Butlin’s for its sixth season, appearing at Minehead, Skegness and Bognor Regis during the May and October half terms and school summer holidays throughout 2026.
Suitable for ages 5+, Brainiac Live is designed to be enjoyed by the whole family.
Tickets: From £19.50
West End: Garrick Theatre, London, 26 July–30 August 2026
Book tickets: Brainiac Live at the Garrick Theatre
More information: Brainiac Live official website
