Science broadcaster and author Mark Thompson will bring his 10th anniversary UK tour of Mark’s Spectacular Science Show to The Kenton in Henley-on-Thames on Tuesday 26 May 2026, with an afternoon performance aimed at families and younger audiences. The Henley date is part of a wider UK tour that includes stops in Suffolk, Hampton, London and Hertfordshire.
The show, which the venue says is suitable for ages 5 and over, runs for 1 hour 40 minutes and starts at 2.30pm. Tickets at The Kenton are listed at £18.50 and £20.50, with the venue noting that the price includes booking, restoration and community levies.
What is Mark’s Spectacular Science Show about?
The production is billed as an interactive family science show built around live demonstrations, audience engagement and theatrical presentation. According to The Kenton and the tour’s official website, audiences can expect experiments involving exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and howling jelly babies, with the aim of making science entertaining as well as educational.
The show has previously been recognised at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where it was awarded Best Kid’s Show by The Derek Awards, and reviews quoted by the venue describe it as a strong all-family option rather than a children-only performance.
Who is Mark Thompson?
Mark Thompson is best known as an astronomy broadcaster, author and speaker who has built a public profile around making science more accessible. His own website says he has published nine books and is working on a tenth, while his titles include A Down to Earth Guide to the Cosmos, A Space Traveller’s Guide to the Solar System and 101 Facts You Didn’t Know About Space, first published in April 2021.
His website also says he is launching a new podcast project for 2026 called Cosmic Commerce, adding to a wider portfolio that spans books, talks and stage work.
Why the Henley date may appeal to Oxfordshire families
For local families, the Henley performance offers a half-term style afternoon show within Oxfordshire rather than a trip into London. The Kenton is one of the county’s best-known small theatres, and the 2.30pm start makes it more practical for younger children than an evening performance.
The combination of live experiments, comedy and science education also gives it a broader appeal than a standard theatre event. It is being marketed as a show for children and adults alike, which makes it more of a family outing than a schools-style demonstration.
Other tour dates nearby
Henley is the Oxfordshire stop on the current tour, but families elsewhere can also catch the show at The Hammond Theatre in Hampton on 27 May, Leicester Square Theatre in London on 30 May, The Radlett in Hertfordshire on 5 September, and The Athenaeum in Warminster on 7 February 2027. Earlier spring dates include Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds and Thornbury Arts Festival.
At a glance
| Detail | Information |
| Show | Mark’s Spectacular Science Show |
| Venue | The Kenton, Henley-on-Thames |
| Date | Tuesday 26 May 2026 |
| Time | 2.30pm |
| Running time | 1 hour 40 minutes |
| Age guidance | 5+ |
| Tickets | £18.50 / £20.50 |
FAQs
When is Mark Thompson performing in Henley-on-Thames?
He is appearing at The Kenton on Tuesday 26 May 2026 at 2.30pm.
How long is Mark’s Spectacular Science Show?
The Kenton lists the running time as 1 hour 40 minutes.
Is the show suitable for children?
Yes. The Kenton lists the content guidance as 5+.
What kind of show is it?
It is an interactive family science show featuring live experiments, audience-friendly demonstrations and science-themed entertainment.
Where can tickets be booked?
Tickets for the Henley performance are available through The Kenton.
