The Man in the Lab Coat

Since 2004, Shaolin Punk has produced a series of “Man in the Lab Coat” shows and other science comedy events, all written by and starring me, Ben McKenzie. This page has details of my earlier shows; recent, current and upcoming shows have their own pages, though they’re listed here for your convenience.

A Brief History of A Brief History of Time

The great unread classic explained! A special show for National Science Week 2008.

The Melbourne Museum Comedy Tour

The first in what will hopefully be a series of comedy tours around scientific and/or historic institutions.

Science-ology

Science is rock ‘n’ roll, baby! And this was the show that proved it.

Evolutionary: the Man in the Lab Coat Evolved

The tale of life’s evolution from simple beginnings to staggering variety is one of drama, suspense and discovery featuring a cast of untold billions and an awful lot of sex. But it is also a tale often half-told, and widely misunderstood.Now, Ben McKenzie – who proved science is sexy, funny and very, very cool in 2004’s Listen to the Man in the Lab Coat – is pulling on the white coat and kicking out the jams to kill off all misconceptions and tell the longest, most important story in the history of life on Earth.

Evolutionary: the Man in the Lab Coat Evolved takes audiences on a comedic journey not only through the story of life’s evolution, but also the development of “Darwin’s dangerous idea”, without which “nothing in biology makes sense”, and which has impacted every facet of human thought.

This is the second show written and performed by the Man in the Lab Coat. Originally performed at the 2005 Melbourne Fringe Festival, and then again for the Adelaide Fringe in 2006.

“Brilliant…the lecture you always wanted as a kid and that’s never too late as an adult. I couldn’t stop smiling.”
- Dr. Andi, Einstein A Go Go, 3RRR

“A warm and likeable character…amusing and informative.” – Colin Flaherty, The Groggy Squirrel 17

“The erudite science communicator serving up their subject with passion and humour has a long and honourable lineage and Ben McKenzie does not let the side down…a warm and spirited delivery.”
- Jonathan Goodfield, AEU Journal SA, Vol 38, No. 2, April 2006

Listen to the Man in the Lab Coat

“The most exciting phrase to hear in science, the one that heralds new discoveries, is not ‘Eureka!’ (I found it!) but ‘That’s funny…’” – Isaac Asimov

Listen to the Man in the Lab Coat was the solo debut of Ben McKenzie Evans, returning for his fourth Melbourne Fringe. He set out to show that science is sexy, funny, and very very cool. How? By making you laugh and think at the same time with his unique blend of extreme enthusiasm, scientific know-how and a touching look at how science has touched his own loves and life and left him better, funnier, and smarter.

Listen to the Man in the Lab Coat played at the North Melbourne Town Hall as part of the 2004 Melbourne Fringe Festival.