Talks and shows

Everything you know about sharks is wrong!

Find out how cool these fantastic fish really are.

Image credit: Nosy Crow

Sharks have a bad reputation. But far from them being the mindless killing machines found in cartoons and movies, the 500-ish species of sharks are actually a diverse crew of gentle giants, playful pups, and intelligent pack hunters.



To celebrate Shark Week 2023, join Dr Nick Crumpton and marine biologist, writer and broadcaster Dr Helen Scales as they guide you on a journey through the fascinating world of sharks and show that, thanks to recent research on our misunderstood marine neighbours, it might well be that everything you know about them is wrong! 

Copies of Nick's latest book 'Everything You Know About Sharks is Wrong!' are available to purchase after the talk. 



Copies of Helen's latest book 'What a Shell Can Tell: Where They Live, What They Eat, How They Move, and More' are available to purchase after the talk.

This event is particularly suitable for ages 7+. As with all our family theatre talks, this event is designed to be enjoyed by adults and children together. All young people under the age of 13 need to be accompanied by a paying adult and those aged 4 and above need a ticket to attend.

 

Event type

This is a theatre only event where the speakers and audience are together in our Theatre.

By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's event terms and conditions. You also agree to abide by our code of conduct, and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants. Please note that Eventbrite adds a small booking fee to the amount paid for each ticket option.

For any queries regarding this event please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

Timing

The doors will open at approximately 1.30pm, with a prompt start at 2.00pm.

Latecomers will be admitted into the gallery.

About the speakers

Dr Nick Crumpton is a writer and zoologist from the UK. After completing his PhD he worked for the BBC Natural History Unit, ZSL London Zoo as well as the Natural History Museum, where he is currently based. His books for children have been translated into over 15 languages and his new book Everything You Know About Sharks is Wrong! is the third in his series for Nosy Crow. He has helped name species new to science in the Carribbean and has a soft spot for Madagascan tenrecs. He regularly speaks at literary festivals and wishes he had studied sharks instead of mammals as a research scientist.    

Dr Helen Scales is a marine biologist, writer, broadcaster and diver. During her ocean explorations, she's met all sorts of sharks from hand-sized catsharks, to weird wobbegongs and enormous whale sharks. She’s written lots of books about the oceans for readers of all ages, and writes stories about ocean life for newspapers and magazines including the Guardian, New Scientist and National Geographic. Helen teaches at Cambridge University and is a storytelling ambassador at the Save Our Seas Foundation. www.helenscales.com

Covid guidelines

Face masks are no longer mandatory and wearing one in our Theatre and at other Ri events is at your discretion, however please do not attend the Ri if you are displaying Covid symptoms or, if you have tested, the result remains positive. Thank you for respecting other people and their choices, and for helping us keep all of our visitors and staff safe and well.

Accessibility

The event will take place on the first floor and there is step-free access from the street via lift.

The closest underground station is Green Park, which is step-free.

There is space at floor level in the theatre for wheelchair users.

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at events@ri.ac.uk, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Carers can receive a free ticket to an event by emailing events@ri.ac.uk.

Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

Event terms and conditions