REVIEW: BRAINIAC LIVE @ GARRICK THEATRE

🎭 Brainiac Live

📍 Garrick Theatre, 2 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0HH

🗓 Tuesday 28th July 2026

⭐️ 4 Stars

A TOTAL BLAST!

BRAINIAC LIVE - the Olivier Award-winning Best Family Show - is back in London for a summer residency at the Garrick Theatre, and yesterday I was invited along to watch the show. It was a sunny afternoon in London, and I wondered if the show could match up to the heat outside.

The excitement of the younger members of the audience was absolutely palpable from the moment I walked in. The stage was perfectly set with TNT plungers, flashing hazard lights, and bright yellow hazard tape, letting everyone know that we were in for some beautifully organised chaos. We were warned it was going to be loud, and the show was loud! Incredibly loud, actually, with explosions that rattled my teeth and left the kids completely wide-eyed. I loved it!

The content of the show is a brilliant, fast-paced mix of science and daredevil showmanship. It completely avoids the dry feel of a school classroom, turning textbook physics and chemistry into a series of massive, spectacular stunts. The pacing is spot on, keeping the energy high from start to finish.

Audience interaction is woven right into the DNA of the production. There is a fantastic communal hearing test that had the whole room participating, though I have to admit, it mostly just made me realise exactly how old I am! It is a wonderful way to get everyone - young and old - involved in the experiments.

The cast are brilliant and have a sharp chemistry that holds the stage together. Andy Joyce is the perfect host for the audience; he is sharp, wonderfully welcoming, and masterfully commands the room, keeping the chaotic energy under total control. Rik Warren is just delightfully silly, throwing himself into the physical comedy, much to the absolute amusement of the children. Providing the perfect balance is Tracy Rahi, who plays the sensible one. She acts as the essential glue that anchors the madness and keeps the whole show on track. The perfect trio for an afternoon of no-holds-barred fun.

There is just enough included in the script to ensure the adults don't feel excluded. Additionally, using a large digital screen for entertainment while the physical experiments are being set up on stage works incredibly well, ensuring there is zero downtime and keeping the children’s engagement completely unbroken.

The production elements are fantastic, packing the hour with massive explosions, rocket-propelled office chairs spinning in circles, and daring performers literally running through solid walls. It is a thrilling, high-octane summer treat that makes science unforgettably fun.

I'm keeping the best surprises a secret by purposely keeping this review quite vague on the details. I really don't want to give too much away. It's definitely a chaotic hour of fun, and one that has to be seen to be believed. It's the perfect family activity for the summer.

Performances of BRAINIAC LIVE continue at the Garrick Theatre Sundays-Wednesdays and Fridays at 11:30 am and 2:30pm until Sunday 30th August. CLICK HERE to book tickets,

Neill Kovacic-Clarke

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one reviewer.  

My ticket for this performance of Brainiac Live was gifted by ANRPR who invited me to watch the show in exchange for my honest review. The fact that my ticket was gifted played no part in the content of my review or the star rating given. 

CAST:

Andy Joyce as Brainiac Ned; Rik Warren as Brainiac Ed; Tracy Rani as Brainiac Raz

RUNNING TIME (approx):

1 hour, with no interval

CONTENT WARNINGS:

Loud bangs; Flames

AGE RECOMMENDATION:

5+

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