The No Ball Prizes

On 16th of November 2017, the Second No-Ball Prizes were held. The event that some have called the sci-comm Olympics, (held, of course, in a London pub basement) kicked off with the two teams squaring up as Professor Sophie Scott (of the Ri Christmas Lectures) took her seat in the royal box....
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​I am part of a science communication/comedy/other  group called the Talent Factory, based at the Wellcome Collection. After being taken under the wing of experienced comedian Dr Steve Cross, the Talent Factory members work together to produce interesting and fun science shows across the country (and beyond). 
It was Steve's diabolical mind that created the No-Ball prizes, a quick fire improv science comedy battle with rounds such as; Powerpoint Mix-up, Being a Male Scientist on the Telly and Press Office Scandal. ​

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​Preparation is key when considering sci comm, but as this was science improv, I had to to take a chance with more liquid version of my usual book of notes. 

After a shaky start, I almost began to enjoy to bizarre nature of the night, with ingenious answers and loose-ruled refereeing from the fabulous Charlotte Mykura, however the pressure began to ramp up when Oz and Alex went in for the kill in the Press round

​Overall, the night was terrifying, inspiring and ridiculous, and made me visibly shake with nerves, something that I've never experienced before. As someone who has always been very at ease with public speaking, from very large crowds to small groups of moody teenagers, being quite this scared at the prospect of a show was a very new experience. 

Our team won the event, and was presented with the traditional glowstick medal of honour by Prof Scott. I am very grateful to be part of such an exciting group of science communicators, creators and comedians, sharing reassuring phrases such as 'I think I'm going to be sick, I hate this, why did I sign up for this', Bell Taylor.