★★★★ There are Fringe shows that promise wonder, and then there are those that simply deliver it. Rainbows! sits firmly in the latter camp. Tim Clarkson, scientist, performer, and unabashed enthusiast for all things colourful, strides onto the stage with the easy confidence of someone who knows he’s about to surprise you.
What follows is a compact burst of curiosity and delight. Clarkson mixes chemicals with the precision of a seasoned researcher, yet presents each experiment with the warmth of a favourite teacher. Four different rainbow effects appear before our eyes—each one distinct, each one met with a ripple of disbelief from the audience. It’s not showmanship for its own sake; it’s science made visible, tangible, and unexpectedly beautiful.
There’s a gentle rhythm to the hour. After the fizz and glow of the chemical demonstrations, Clarkson shifts gears and brings out his rock collection. It’s an unexpectedly charming moment: a scientist sharing treasures like a child emptying their pockets after a day outdoors. He holds each specimen up to the light, revealing the subtle rainbow hues hidden in their mineral structures. The audience leans in, drawn by the quiet magic of colour emerging from stone.
The production is simple, but simplicity works in its favour. Clarkson and his assistant keep the pace brisk without rushing, allowing each experiment to land fully. Children watch with wide‑eyed fascination; adults smile at the clarity and joy of the explanations. It’s rare to find a Fringe show that genuinely suits all ages without compromise, but this one manages it with ease.
By the end, the room feels lighter—brightened not just by the colours on display, but by the sense of shared discovery. Clarkson’s enthusiasm is infectious, and his ability to make science feel playful is a gift.
Reviewed by Jacqueline Sharp
