Talks
I am happy to deliver any of my popular talks online or around the UK. Click on the links to find more information and fill in the form at the bottom of the page to make a booking.
Agatha Christie revelled in the use of poison to kill off unfortunate victims in her books; indeed, she employed it more than any other murder method, with the poison itself often being a central part of the novel. This talk looks at how the writer used her extensive knowledge of drugs and medicines mixed with real life cases to create her brilliantly plotted crime novels. Her poisons were picked with care, often providing vital clues to the discovery of the murderer. We will look at howdunnit but whodunnit is for you to find out.
If this sounds like your cup of tea just fill in the form below.
There are 92 naturally occurring elements in the Periodic Table but how many of them would you need to make a human? The chemical formula for a human has some surprising inclusions and the recipe to make a fully functioning person is carefully balanced. This talk looks at some interesting facts about the elements that make us what we are.
If you would like to hear a talk about yourself just fill in the form below.
Shakespeare found dozens of different ways to kill off his characters, but how realistic are these deaths, and did Shakespeare have the knowledge to back them up? This talk turns a scientific eye towards the Bard and the varied and creative ways his characters die. Was death by snakebite as serene as Shakespeare makes out? Can you really murder someone by pouring poison in their ear? Find out all this and more in a rollercoaster of Elizabethan carnage, poison, swordplay and bloodshed.
If you would like to stage this talke somewhere near you fill in the form below.
Throughout history humans have sought to embellish and augment their physical appearance. As fashions change new contraptions, cosmetics and costumes are devised. There has often been little regard given to comfort and well-being when it comes to the body beautiful, and as this talk illustrates, some fashions can be fatal.
If you would like this talk to make a glamorous appearance somewhere near you just fill in the form below.
An alternative look at Mary Shelley’s classic novel. Was Shelley really inspired by a dark and stormy night telling ghost stories or is there more to the tale of a man who created a monster? Many 18th and 19th century scientists and charlatons were exploring the properties of electricity and much of their work would have been known to Shelley. Is there some science fact in amongst the fiction of the monster?
If you want to resurrect this talk near you just fill in the form below.
Has your partner been asking about insurance? Does your tea taste funny? Do you have a rich relative tenaciously clinging to life? This is the talk for you! This talk explores a potted history of classic poisons, poisoners and their victims. Expect fatal formulas, lethal umbrellas and deadly wallpaper (plus a few handy hints for your defence barrister).*
If this is your poison fill in the form below.
*Legal Disclaimer This talk is designed as information rather than recommendation.
Has your partner been asking about insurance? Have some sinister new species suddenly appeared in your garden? Are there strange new herbs simmering in the soup? If so, this is the talk for you! We will explore a ‘potted’ history of plant poisons and the part the have played in myths, magic and murder. Expect witches, Vincent van Gogh and a three-headed dog.
If you’d like to see this talk sprouting up somewhere near you just fill in the form below.
The adventures of James Bond have thrilled and delighted readers since Ian Fleming’s novel Casino Royale was published in 1953, and when the movie of Dr No was released in 1962, Bond quickly became the world’s favourite secret agent. Science and technology have always been central to the plots that make up the world of Bond. Kathryn Harkup explores 007’s exploits from the practicalities of building a volcano-based lair, to whether being covered in gold paint really will kill you. This talk will give you the answers to all your Bond villain questions.
If you want some help with your plan to take over the world, fill in the form below.
An introduction to the family of elements with some remarkable tales of discovery, inspiration and revolution, from the everyday to the extraordinary. Uncover the personalities, passions, quirks and historical oddities of the elements: from the gothic leanings of phosphorus to the strange story of lithium and spa towns.
If you’d be in your element hearing about the periodic table, fill in the form below.
Revealing the inner lives of the invisible molecules that make up our world, ranging from the fundamental to the frivolous; from the psychedelic effects of caffeine to the global impact of medicines. This is a talk about the stories of discovery, the quirks of science and of human history that have enhanced our appreciation and understanding of the world.
For a bit of chemical entertainment fill in the form below.
Ever wondered if there is more to Dracula than a pale complexion and difficulties shaving? This talk is a spooky tour through the history of vampires with frightening folklore tales, blood sucking bats and sinister scientific stories.
This sounds like fun, I’ll bite …