Comedy show highlights serious side of climate change

Marcus Brigstocke, stand-up comic, writer, presenter and actor, who is best known for hosting his own live topical BBC television show The Late Edition, is appearing in a must-see comedy show at the Nuffield Theatre on the University's Highfield campus on Monday 10 March.

Marcus will be sharing his take on environmental issues with a sense of humour that holds people to account and encourages those with the power to effect change to do so. All proceeds from the event will support 'Discover Oceanography', the South coast's leading public outreach programme for education about oceanography and the environment which is based at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton (NOCS).

The Lighter Side to Science and Climate Change Comedy Show also features Mark Stevenson, Britain's 'premier scientific comedian', with his humorous take on the science of laughter. The Irish Independent called him 'a uniquely funny and unashamedly intelligent comedic talent'.

Professor Ed Hill, Director of the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, says: "Through the 'Discover Oceanography' programme and the work of the RV Callista, the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton is providing the latest scientific information to young people interested in oceanography, and also helping to raise both the national and global profile of the importance of oceanographic sciences and their role in mitigating global climate change. We are very grateful to Marcus for his generosity in supporting the fundraising effort for this worthy cause by putting on this special comedy show here in Southampton.'

The comedy show is just one of a number of University National Science and Engineering Week events revealing the excitement of science and engineering which take place between Saturday 8 March and Saturday 15 March.

Families are invited to attend fascinating exhibitions, interactive displays and lectures at two headline events: Science and Engineering Day at the Highfield campus on Saturday 8 March and Ocean and Earth Day at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton on Saturday 15 March. Popular TV science presenter Johnny Ball is one of the hosts of invitation-only lectures for local schoolchildren, and tours of the Chilworth conservation area are also on offer. All events are free of charge and more information is available at:
http://www.creatingthefuture.net/sew08/index.html

The University's Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Wheeler says: "I hope lots of people will join us on 10 March for what will undoubtedly be a very funny evening in support of 'Discover Oceanography' and the first of a number of activities we have organised in celebration of National Science and Engineering Week.

"But there is a serious message here too. National Science and Engineering Week aims to inspire and excite the next generation of scientists and engineers who are crucial to the economic development of the UK. The events also demonstrate how the University's scientists and engineers are helping to shape the future of our world through their research."

Source: By University Of Southampton