Offbeat Science

Offbeat Science returns to The Cambridge Junction on Sunday 15 November, with two performances on the same day: a matinee from 13:00 to 15:00 and an evening show from 19:30 to 21:30. It's a collaboration between the Cambridge Science Centre and the Upbeat Big Band, and it does exactly what the name suggests: pairs a full big band sound with live science demonstrations, set to a soundtrack of jazz, tango, blues and soul. The organisers describe it as an uproarious show of explosive science and a healthy dose of mayhem.

This year the show turns to a biological theme built around the human senses. The five famous ones — hearing, smell, taste, sight and touch — are demonstrated live, alongside lesser-known senses like proprioception and balance. The science is woven into the performance rather than standing apart from it: the physics of a bowling-ball pendulum and some explosive chemistry are part of the act, and the fire tube returns to visualise sound live on stage. Argentine tango dancers David Chartoriski, a UK stage tango champion, and Bethshona Kenny are also in the mix, illustrating principles like the conservation of momentum.

On the music side, the Upbeat Big Band provides the backdrop, with vocals from Andrew Farrer and Chloe Grimes. The whole thing is put on in partnership with Cambridge Junction, the Cambridge Jazz Festival and Cambridgeshire Music, so it sits right at the intersection of the city's science and music scenes. It's recommended for ages seven and up, with nothing inappropriate for younger audiences, so it works as a family outing as much as a night out.

Tickets are £18.50, and you can choose between the afternoon or evening slot depending on what suits you better. Both run for two hours, and both are held in J2 at The Cambridge Junction on Clifton Way, CB1 7GX.