Watch Support Search What's on Education Christmas Lectures Our history About Blog About → News → Spring 2014 → Modern alchemist tour → 'The Modern Alchemist' takes to the road in 2014 The Ri and the Royal Society of Chemistry are taking the 2012 CHRISTMAS LECTURES on the road with the launch of a national tour of 'The Modern Alchemist'. Previous Next Peter Wothers presents the 2012 CHRISTMAS LECTURES 'The Modern Alchemist'. Credit: Paul Wilkinson News Audiences from across the UK are set to witness a spectacular display of fireballs and amazing chemical reactions as part of a national tour of events presented by Peter Wothers and produced by the Royal Institution and supported by the Royal Society of Chemistry. The events will be hosted by partners across the country. The show follows the popular 2012 CHRISTMAS LECTURES series held by the Ri which was presented by Peter Wothers, a teaching Fellow with the Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge. 'The Modern Alchemist' series, shown on BBC Four, proved so successful that the Ri and Wothers teamed up with the Royal Society of Chemistry to put on a touring lecture show. Like the CHRISTMAS LECTURES, the live show echoes the explosive stunts and sense of spectacle created by medieval alchemists for their royal masters. But unlike the showmen of the Middle Ages – who never gave away the secrets behind their spectacular stage tricks Dr. Wothers always uses the impressive feats as a way of explaining the scientific principles at work. Dr Wothers said: “The 'Modern Alchemist' tour is an opportunity to build on the work I did with the Royal Society of Chemistry during the development of the 2012 CHRISTMAS LECTURES. “I think it’s hugely important to make chemistry accessible to new audiences, which is also one of the fundamental principles of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Royal Charter and the work of the Ri. He added: “Perhaps most importantly, the tour is fantastic fun to take part in and is always met with enthusiasm from audiences of all ages and backgrounds.” "The Ri is always looking for new ways to engage more people, young and old, with the science behind the CHRISTMAS LECTURES. "Today we're over the moon to announce that for the first time ever, families and students across the country will be able to watch 'The Modern Alchemist' live in their home town." The tour will include shows for groups of school students and members of public/family audiences. Ticket prices and booking details vary from location to location. Tour details 14 March 2014 – Leicester De Montfort Hall, University of Leicester Schools shows, 11.30am & 2.30pm. Family show, 7.30pm book tickets 26 March 2014 – Edinburgh James Watt Centre 1, Heriot-Watt University Schools show, 2pm. Family show, 6:30pm book tickets 28 March 2014 – Scottish Highlands Moray College, Elgin Both shows will be for local schools Request more information from STEM@uhi.ac.uk 17 June 2014 - Manchester Renolds Building, University of Manchester Schools show, 2pm SOLD OUT. Family show, 6pm book tickets 8 July 2014 – Pontypridd Sports Hall, University of South Wales Treforest campus Schools show, 12.30pm, email sophie.jones@southwales.ac.uk to book tickets. Family show, 6.30pm book tickets 10 July 2014 – Plymouth Roland Levinsky Building, Plymouth University Schools show, 11am and 1.30pm book tickets. Family show, 7pm book tickets 13 October 2014 – Harrogate Royal Hall, Harrogate 3 November 2014 – Norwich Theatre Royal Schools show, 1pm, Call 01603 63 00 00 to book tickets. Family show, 7pm book tickets. More tour dates and booking details will be announced throughout the year. Contact For more information on 'The Modern Alchemist' national tour, please email Olympia Brown. Watch the 2012 CHRISTMAS LECTURES About Peter Wothers Peter Wothers is a Teaching Fellow in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry. He was awarded the 2013 Nyholm Prize for Education by the Royal Society of Chemistry and was the presenter of the 2012 CHRISTMAS LECTURES: The Modern Alchemist. Follow @PeterWothers. Find out more about the Royal Society of Chemistry's education programmes Join the Ri Ri Members experience more! Receive free or discounted tickets, access unique events and connect with others... Sign Up Go Learn Masterclasses L'Oréal Young Scientist Centre Events for the whole family Science shows Interactive games Christmas Lectures Visit News What's On Food & Drink The Faraday Museum Heritage tours Find us Support Donate to the Ri Join the Ri Renew your Membership Corporate Partnerships 14-10 Club Events Jobs Keep in touch Keep up to date with regular emails from the Ri © Royal Institution 2013 Facebook Twitter Youtube Venue Hire Press T&Cs Privacy Policy Accessibility Contact Us