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Rayner Explainer

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It's the International Year of Quantum

To celebrate, the Quantum Comedies, Atomically Correct and A Flying Photon are touring in New Zealand and Australia. See dates below. 

Podcast live

A woman with curly grey hair and a green shirt has her arms loosely crossed and smiles at the camera

Australian Highlights - Live

 Be part of this new series by joining the live audience.


The Australian Highlights series explores the captivating stories behind Australia's most groundbreaking innovations in science, art and culture. 


A collection of podcast interviews, explainers and online articles, the Australian Highlights series is shining a light on the ingenuity and diversity that propel Australia forward. 


Each episode is the result of a hunt for people and moments of Australian innovation that are not – yet – common knowledge. Rachel will interview a subject matter expert alongside a comedian for a show of laughs and discoveries which will eventually be published online as part of the series.


These stories can venture deep into space, head across the Western Australian outback, brighten the silver screen and analyse how we stack up against the rest of the world. There's no telling where we'll go and what we'll uncover along the way.


This series was made possible through the Meta Public Journalism Fund, administered by the Walkley Foundation.


For more on this series, visit australianhighlights.com.au

Dates and Venues

Canberra: Space Junk

7 June, 2025, 3:00pm

Canberra Museum and Art Gallery

This event is supported by Inspiring Australia ACT, the ACT Government and the Canberra Museum and Art Gallery


New Zealand International Science Festival: NZ Edition

Dunedin

Thursday, 3 July 2025, 7:30pm

Reviews

**** Fringefeed

"an enjoyable and enlightening experience for anyone curious about the universe—and a perfect fit for the FRINGE WORLD audience."


"Rayner brings together fascinating, articulate experts with curious, intelligent entertainers, facilitating conversations that sound like good friends chatting." 

Customer review

Quantum Comedy

Atomically Correct

This is the (nuclear) fusion you've been waiting for! A science comedy that explores how, even though we're mostly nothing, we all still matter. 


Unravel the mysteries from inside the atom in this new show with Rachel Rayner Science Explainer. From neutrinos and neutrons, to protons and positrons - you can't trust any of them, as they make up everything!


Solidly funny, with a splash of sequins and an air of wonder, this strange yet charming adventure will be full of ups and downs while breaking open the truth and beauty of the atom. 


Delving into language, lies and quantum-level realities, this science comedy show for adults gives us space to contemplate and chuckle at the Universe and the happy accident that is the human race.


Whatever state you're in, it'll be a quarking good time.


TimeOut Sydney editor's pick of the Fringe and recommended by the Governor of South Australia, her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC. 

Dates and Venues

New Zealand International Science Festival

Dunedin

Friday, 4 July 2025, 7:30pm

Saturday, 5 July 2025, 3:00pm

Tickets online soon


Sydney Fringe Festival

September 2025


Natimuk Frinj

October 2025


This show has travelled to:

Adelaide Fringe Festival 2024

Perth Fringe Festival 2024

Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2024

Sydney Comedy Festival 2024

Canberra (National Science Week)



Reviews

 "It's a show of equal parts charm, chaos, and intelligence." 

Fringefeed 


"What you shouldn't miss is any show Rayner is in."

Chuck Moore Reviews


"I had no idea science was or could be so funny but Atomically Correct was a sheer delight from start to finish."

Audience review


"Witty, golden brilliance! Inspiring."

Audience review


"Superb. Rachel Rayner is made of star stuff."

Carl Sagan (allegedly)

Quantum Comedy

A Flying Photon

Go on a glittering and whimsical journey to meet everyone's favourite object in the universe, even if you haven't heard of it: the tiny, tiny photon. Through humour, sequins and stars, uncover a bizarre piece of quantum mechanics which brings us both a sunset and the internet. 


Science show meets fringe show in this amalgamated mess of comedy and quantum. There will be experiments, poetry, and a deep dive into some of the best features in the cosmos, including our wonderfully radiating selves. 


This is science that sparkles on all levels - from the heliosphere to our own lithosphere - that will have you celebrating colours of light you've never seen. 


Just be ready for all the puns. This is enlightening light entertainment after all!


"Humorous and factual, with moments of genuine wonder." - the AU Review

This show won the Adelaide Fringe Festival's Science at the Fringe Award

Dates and venues

New Zealand International Science Festival

Dunedin

Tuesday, 2 July 2025, 7:30pm

Wednesday, 3 July 2025, 7:30pm

Tickets online soon


Past performances

Adelaide Fringe Festival, SA, 2021, 2022

Bendigo Comedy Festival, Vic

Natimuk Fringe Festival, Vic

Sydney Fringe Festival, NSW

Warners Bay Theatre, Lake Macquarie, NSW

Studio Amsterdam, Maitland, NSW

Smith's Alternative, Canberra, ACT

Astronomy Open Night, Macquarie University, NSW

Reviews

* * * * In Daily

* * * * The Advertiser

* * * * On The Record

* * * * The AU Review


“Do yourself a favour – you’ll laugh and learn at the same time.” - Dr Karl

 

"Rachel gives us something special. She shows how science can merge with theatre and poetry to offer information and entertainment at  the same time."
Paula Benson, Weekend Notes 


“Rachel Rayner, Science Explainer, fuses physics with theatre and  comedy in a glittering journey beyond the edges of the visible  spectrum."
Rachel Mead, In Daily

“Let Rayner Explainer blow your mind so you can give a Flying Photon about the universe."
Clare Peddie, The Advertiser


"Very rarely have I had the opportunity to say I walked away from  a comedy show smarter than when I walked in, but that’s the gift Rayner gives you."
Naomi Gall, The AU Review

Have the particles accelerate to you!

 Would you like Atomically Correct or A Flying Photon (details below) to perform in your venue or at your event? Get in touch to discuss all the possibilities! These are very excited electrons.  

Contact

Past Shows

All Wrapped Up

Developed for Planet Ark's National Recycling Week, this show introduced the world to the slightly mad Polly Etheleen. A total plastiphile, Polly will help you keep plastic moving through the circular economy.

Science Explorations (Global)

Since 2011, Rachel has written and performed science shows around the world, on topics such as deep ocean animals, mechanical machines, human biology, and the forces of nature.  

Want a show for your event or venue?

Funny, entertaining and full of wonderful facts, shows are a great way to engage your audiences. To discuss a show that fits your topic, event or venue, get in touch!

Contact

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