The School For Gifted Children specialises in science experts, but journalist-cum-debunker Ben Goldacre had to withdraw, allegedly due to being injured in a fracas between creationists and evolutionists.

Regular host and serial ranter Robin Ince did his utmost to plug the gap. Ince previously founded the Book Club and like that literary evening, The School... is a stimulating, innovative alternative to the stag-and-hen hells that numerous stand-up clubs have become.

Another previous guest, boffin Simon Singh, raised laughs and solved the Big Bang Theory. By contrast the proceedings here were more damp squib, with various acts tumbling into selfindulgence. But any show that manages to reference Noam Chomsky and Richard and Judy is fine by me. Josie Long was as twitchily eloquent as ever and musician Martin White delivered an elegant spoof Bond theme.

Writer Andrew Collins dredged up the past with a pithy deconstruction of The Poseidon Adventure, illustrated with the aid of a model ship made in woodwork. Just like that cinematic vessel this show sank, but a few enterprising souls made it out safely.

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