Mark Thompson

Science broadcaster and author. Mark is known for his tireless enthusiasm for making science accessible, through numerous tv, radio, podcast and theatre appearances, and books.

Theatre Tours
In Spring and Autumn 2024, Mark returned to theatres across the UK with his award-winning Spectacular Science Show, which he performed to sell-out audiences up and down the country. 2019 saw the show being awarded ‘ Best Kid’s Show’ at the Edinburgh Fringe and 2025 sees the show touring in its 10th year. He is now developing ‘Spectacular Science - The Game Show’ which he hopes to tour to find the smartest place in Britain.

TV Work
Mark was part of the presenting team for the award-nominated BBC Stargazing Live where he guided viewers around the night sky. He has also presented films for The One Show (BBC One), on subjects ranging from ‘the strange properties of dark matter in a salt mine’ to ‘the mysteries of Stonehenge’, and appeared on The Alan Titchmarsh Show, This Morning, Good Morning Britain, Steph’s Packed Lunch, Sunday Brunch, Celebrity Mastermind and Celebrity Pointless.

Podcast
Mark hosted the The Sleep Charity's ‘Sleep On It’ podcast exploring the relationship with sleep and ADHD. In 2025 he launches his new podcast ‘Cosmic Commerce’ where he investigates all aspects of the space sector from tourism to innovation and security to safety.

Speaking
Mark is an accomplished speaker having lectured at the Royal Astronomical Society, The Royal Institution, and the Norwich Science Festival to name a few. In addition to science and space, Mark speaks about sleep and the impact it has on our mental and physical health.

Books
Mark published his first book A Down to Earth Guide to the Cosmos in 2013. A Space Traveller’s Guide to the Solar System, Philips Stargazing with Mark Thompson and Philips Astrophotography with Mark Thompson and Rocket Science followed. His most recent book, 101 Facts You Didn’t Know About Space often tops the ‘astronomy lists’ both here in the UK and Canada.

Hosting
As a confident speaker, Mark has acted as host for the Norfolk Tourism Awards and Space Comm Expo where leaders in the space sector from across the world meet.

Charitable work
Mark has been involved in several charities, most notably Barnardo’s Children’s Charity, which he raised tens of thousands of pounds for when he attempted to perform the ‘longest ever lecture’ in 2021. He lectured for 140 hours and 40 seconds.

He is a patron of the Norwich Science Festival, Youth STEMM Awards and The Sleep Charity, and in 2018, Mark received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of East Anglia.

Spectacular Science Show

Mark's Award Winning Spectacular Science Show is celebrating its 10th Anniversary Year of touring UK theatres. Join him as he celebrates his 10th year with all his favourite experiments.

You think science is boring, think again; this is science like you have never seen it before. Designed for children and adults alike, Mark’s Spectacular Science Show explores the strange and magical properties of matter with exploding elephant’s toothpaste, vortex-generating dustbins and even howling jelly babies! Awarded ‘Best Kid’s Show at Edinburgh Fringe’ by The Derek Awards, this interactive show promises to entertain and educate in the most spectacular way!

“A brilliant show for all the family.” One4Review

“The Spectacular Science Show is certainly spectacular! The hour-long show blends perfectly the balance of an educational display with entertainment and amazement.” Families Online

“A truly spectacular and explosive show full of drama and some really cool science too!” Primary Times

Running time approx. 1hour 40 mins includes 20 minute interval