3 November 2011
Where comedy and brains collide
The University of Dundee is hosting a series of bone-tickling comedy events that have been arranged to highlight the funny side of
science as part of this year’s Dundee Science Festival.
Award-winning comedian and creator of BBC Radio 4’s 'It is Rocket Science' Helen Keen is returning to Dundee with two performances
of her new show, ‘Robot Woman of the Future’, an esoteric mix of stand-up comedy, science and shadow puppetry.
Examining everything from clockwork French ducks to human computers, she will present an idiosyncratic guide to the way
cutting-edge development have changed the everyday world we live in.
The free shows will be held within the apt environs of D'Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum at 6pm on Monday 7th and Tuesday 8th
November 2011. Booking is essential, and places can be reserved by contacting Matthew Jarron on 01382 384310 or museum@dundee.ac.uk.
The Tuesday event will be followed by the 'Bright Club' at Braes' Bar and Restaurant from 8.30pm. The event, which Helen Keen will compere, brings together a group of comedians, musicians and staff from some of Scotland’s top
universities for a night of laughs, music and new ideas.
Funny academics will include Fiona Lethbridge (Beetle Juicer - University of Edinburgh), Zara Gladman (Zoo-lol-ogist -
University of Glasgow), Karen Petrie (Lesser-spotter programmer - University of Dundee) and Chris Jefferson (Computer generated comedy
- University of St. Andrews). Tickets cost £3 and can be bought by calling the Bright Club on 01382 386660 or emailing tickets@brightclubdundee.org.
Now in its third year, the fortnight-long Dundee Science Festival (Saturday 29 October - Sunday 13 November 2011) is set to explore the fun, excitement and relevance of science to all, with over 60 events,
twice as many as last year, more partners and a diverse range of over 25 venues.
Dundee Science Festival, coordinated by Dundee Science Centre, is supported by the Scottish Government, Dundee City Council,
Research Councils UK (RCUK) and The Gannochy Trust.
Other supporting partners are EventScotland, Skills Development Scotland, University of Dundee and University of Abertay Dundee,
Dundee College, Dundee Waterfront, Medical Research Council, James Hutton Institute, as well as Dundee Science Centre.
For further information, please email dundeesciencefestival@dundeesciencecentre.org.uk, visit www.dundeesciencefestival.org or
telephone Alexandra Forrest, festivals and Events Officer, Dundee Science Centre on 01382 868609.
Notes to editors:
Research Councils UK (RCUK) is the strategic partnership of the UK's seven Research Councils. We invest annually around £3
billion in research. Our focus is on excellence with impact. We nurture the highest quality research, as judged by
international peer review providing the UK with a competitive advantage. Global research requires we sustain a diversity
of funding approaches, fostering international collaborations, and providing access to the best facilities and infrastructure,
and locating skilled researchers in stimulating environments. Our research achieves impact - the demonstrable contribution
to society and the economy made by knowledge and skilled people. To deliver impact, researchers and businesses need
to engage and collaborate with the public, business, government and charitable organisations. www.rcuk.ac.uk.
The seven UK Research Councils are:
- Arts & Humanities Research Council (AHRC)
- Biotechnology & Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
- Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC)
- Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)
- Medical Research Council (MRC)
- Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
- Science & Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
EventScotland, the national events agency, works to promote Scotland as the perfect stage for events. By developing an exciting
sporting and cultural portfolio it helps to raise Scotland’s international profile and boost the economy through events tourism.
www.EventScotland.org.
The year of Active Scotland is a Scottish Government initiative and is one of a series of focus years and a legacy from
Homecoming Scotland 2009 being delivered by EventScotland and VisitScotland which aims to encourage and inspire everyone
to get active. For more information on events in the year of Active Scotland go to www.eventscotland.org/activescotland
For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277 |
