improvised theatre meets interactive science 

for 6+ humans

The Discovery Lab is a spaceship, and home to travelling aliens currently on an earth exploration mission.  Don't worry, they come in peace. 


The aliens are perpetually in search of new discoveries, because it's discoveries that power their spaceship. Without that, they're stuck. And they don't like staying in one place for too long.


Their latest transmission to earth indicated their fuel tank is running on cosmic fumes, so they're very keen to make contact and fuel-up with some discoveries donated by helpful Earth Experts.


Ideal for families with children aged 6+.


The Discovery Lab can also be presented as a blend of improvised theatre and hands-on science facilitation.


Although it's designed for families, we have performed the show to an entirely adult audience at the Bristol Improv Theatre and it went down a intergalactic storm, so you know...worth noting.

Dorchester Arts
Corn Exchange

High East Street, Dorchester
DT1 1HF


Sunday 17 March

11am / 2pm

Running time: 50 minutes
(no interval)

The Discovery Lab is next performing at Dorchester Science Festival 2024.


Flights launching from Dorchester Arts Corn Exchange on Sunday 17 March

at 11am and 2pm.

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Photographs by The Studio Duo. With thanks to Bristol Improv Theatre.

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Comments from Earth Experts who have visited The Discovery Lab.

I liked searching for nature.

I liked drawing nature.

It was interesting and fun.

We loved the alien theme.

Fun learning! Please come back.

It was awesome. The children were focused and engaged throughout.

The aliens were funny and made us feel comfortable and welcome.

Such great energy and storytelling.

Very interactive and accessible.

The aliens were friendly and inspiring.

The storytelling was joyful and exciting.

We loved how the aliens brought everyone's discoveries into a story at the end.

Different to anything we've done before.

I loved it all!

The Discovery Lab was devised by Brave Bold Drama in collaboration with Knapsack Productions.
Designed by Bronia Housman. Improv theatre development supported by The Delight Collective.

The Discovery Lab Flight Log:

2024

Dorchester Science Festival


2023

Festival of Nature, Bristol

Dorset Science Festival

Swindon Science Festival


2022

Bristol Improv Theatre

Calne Pop-Up Park (with Calne Wordfest)


2021

Kingcombe Centre, Toller Porcorum (with Dorset Wildlife Trust)

Hengrove Mounds (with Avon Wildlife Trust)


Paddington Farm, Glastonbury (with Children's World)


The Hideout, Hartcliffe (with Learning Partnerships West)


The Discovery Lab was funded by the Royal Society of Chemistry. Flights at Hengrove Mounds were supported by a Magic Little Grant from Localgiving. We would also like to thank Pounds Arts Centre and Bristol Improv Theatre their generous in-kind support of rehearsal space for The Discovery Lab.