Talks and shows

Christmas special: Chemistry of a candle

Now sold out in-person, but online livestream tickets are still available!

two men are at the faraday desk in the Ri theatre. a candle is alight on the desk.
via David Ricketts

Please note: this event is now sold out in-person at the Ri Theatre, but you can still join our online livestream!

Join the Ri Demo team and Innovator in Residence David Ricketts, as they reimagine the Faraday classic Christmas Lecture - A chemical History of the candle.  Originally delivered by Faraday in a series of 6 lectures, the chemical history was the most popular Christmas lecture Faraday gave, with over 700 people in attendance when he last delivered it in 1861. The RI demo team takes a modern interpretation of Faraday's original lecture and demonstration, to deliver Faradays' original series into a single lecture. They have  curated an amazing array of demos to teach the physics and chemistry of the simple candle, of the physical world and life.

This one-night-only performance will combine the historical feel and vibe of the Ri as it was in 1861 with modern science concepts and new demonstrations.

The lecture will include many loud noises, bright lights and surprises...oh, and several very large fires!

Event type

This is a theatre and livestream event for a family audience, where the speakers and audience in our Theatre are joined by our audience online. 

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. 

About David Ricketts

Prof David Ricketts is an Innovation Fellow in the Technology and Entrepreneurship Centre at Harvard University. He works with organisations around the globe, such as Mastercard, Ubisoft, Disney, General Motors, Dell and Ferarri to accelerate innovation.

David is also an accomplished academic, having his work appear twice in Nature as well as other distinguished publications and books. He is recipient of the National Science Foundation (US) CAREER award and the DARPA Young Faculty Award for his work on nano-electromagnetic devices. His innovations include a re-programmable, self-assembling matter, an American football tracking for sports visualisation with Disney/ESPN, and an advanced wireless power systems for next-generation cars with General Motors Research.

Timing

The doors will open at approximately 5.30pm, with a prompt start at 6.00pm.

Latecomers will be admitted into the gallery.

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. 

Tickets for Good

the tickets for good logo

We’ve partnered with Tickets for Good to provide tickets for the NHS, charity sector workers, and cost of living payment recipients to come and enjoy our upcoming shows.

Tickets for Good offers free and discounted tickets for live events in the UK, and we’re very excited to have teamed up with them!



Grab your tickets by becoming a member here: https://go.ticketsforgood.org/3LPtYV5

Event terms and conditions

Closed 11th April

The Ri is closed to the public on Wednesday 11th April.