Going into KABOOM!, experiment enthusiast Magnus D Magnus makes it clear he’s not a qualified scientist, but what he lacks in degrees, he more than makes up for in unbridled passion for the interplay of chemical elements.

“We’re not in a classroom. We’re in the opposite of a classroom – a circus tent,” Magnus points out.

KABOOM!, a South Australian debut, gives adults and children alike the fun and freedom of experimenting with regular household substances and a couple of unidentified powders and liquids. The show has a bit of magic – something Magnus says is actually just science with glitter on it.

He informs the audience early on that his middle initial stands for Danger, and he doesn’t disappoint with the squeal-inducing moments in the show.

The hour is spent with Magnus pacing up and down the stage playing with glowing test tubes and puffs of smoke with child-like excitement – he’s that one zany science teacher everyone has had at least once in their schooling life.

The audience is warmed up with a subtle lesson about the properties of water, and the heat intensifies as things get flammable.

For his first trick, Magnus sets water on fire and then, as he instructs everyone to take out their phones – the Instagram-worthy moment is on its way – he sets his own hand on fire to the delight of the younger audience members.

Yes, it’s fun and approachable for the kids, but it might actually be the first chemistry lesson several of the adults in the audience enjoy.

The show comes to a close with a big, messy bang while Magnus sings Tom Lehrer’s “The Elements” song while carrying out his final experiment.

When it’s all over, kids line up to get their photos with Magnus as they excitedly reel off their favourite science stories – the past hour clearly being added to the mix.

KABOOM! is playing in The Kingfisher in Gluttony until March 17.

Read more 2024 Adelaide Fringe coverage here on InReview.

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