Talks and shows

Bringing the CHRISTMAS LECTURES to TV: Who moved the tortoise?

Join us for a live recording of podcast 'Who Moved the Tortoise?' featuring former lecturer Helen Czerski, CHRISTMAS LECTURES directors, producers and more, as they discuss bringing live science to a TV audience.

In the exciting year of the CHRISTMAS LECTURES 200th anniversary celebrations, this special episode of science/media podcast Who Moved The Tortoise? will be recorded live at the Ri with a host of special guests.

Podcast hosts Alex Hemingway and Kate Dooley will welcome physicist, oceanographer and previous Christmas Lecturer Helen Czerski, long-time CHRISTMAS LECTURES TV partner Windfall Films’ chairman David Dugan, and long time demonstration technician Andy Marmery..

There will be messages and interviews from previous presenters, TV crew, demo creators and fans. The guest panel will explore the importance of the Lectures and their rich history; take a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to put them together for television; pick a few of their favourite demos; and take a look at what happens when things just don’t go to plan.

Helen Czerski was the 2020 Christmas Lecturer, and is a British physicist, oceanographer and science communicator known for her work on the physics of the oceans and atmospheric science. She has presented numerous TV documentaries - many for BBC Four - and is a frequent presenter on BBC radio.

David Dugan is the Executive Producer of the CHRISTMAS LECTURES for television, and Founder and Chairman of Windfall Films, who have been producing the TV Lectures for 25 years. David’s strong narrative approach to science and history documentaries has won him multiple awards including three Emmys, a Royal Television Society Award and two British Science Writers Awards.

Andy Marmery was a demonstration technician at the Royal Institution from 2003-2016, during which he developed and performed the demos for 13 CHRISTMAS LECTURES and countless other events.

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.

About Who moved the tortoise?

Who Moved the Tortoise logo
Who moved the tortoise?

Who Moved The Tortoise? Is a science and media podcast celebrating the best of science and natural history TV and filmmaking. In each episode, a guest from the world of science or the media is invited to share the film or TV show that inspired them. Heavy in nostalgia, the podcast is equal parts biography, dissection of the filmmaking process and launchpad for discussion of all kinds of subjects. This up-and-coming podcast began as a hobby when the TV industry collapsed in early 2024, and already has fans in 36 countries. About the hosts: Alex Hemingway is a showrunner and producer/director specialising in science and wildlife. Kate Dooley is a producer/director specialising in science and engineering. 

Timing

Doors to the theatre will open at 6.45pm and the talk will begin at 7.00pm.

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