Almost two decades after comedian Robin Ince’s original idea to mash up science with comedy, music and culture in a new variety show, Nine Lessons and Carols for Godless/Curious People and Robin and Brian's Christmas Compendium of Reason are still here brightening the dark days of winter with a joyous celebration of all things curious and creative. This feature length documentary charts the evolution of those pioneering and legendary science variety nights that have attracted legions of fans both on and off the stage and raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity. With loads of exclusive interviews and never before seen behind the scenes footage we look at how one person's 'stupid idea' ended up changing the shape of science communication and entertainment forever, moving science from the classroom to arenas.
With input from an eclectic mix of scientists, engineers, sportspeople (and about thirty thousand snails) the film focuses on the many incarnations of speed and how it affects us all on land, sea, sky, space and even in our thoughts.
Brian Cox and Robin Ince host a close encounter of the first kind with comedian Lucy Beaumont, astronomer Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Prof Tim O’Brien and science presenter Dallas Cambell to ask if UFOs and aliens have visited Earth.