Fantastic Fungi Festival

Join us at the Ri for the family premiere of an exciting new performance blending neuroscience, fungi, sound and behaviour. Developed by Pestival and a gathering of renowned scientists and musicians, ‘Zombie Ant Fungus’ is a specially commissioned work exploring the world of parasitic fungi. The performance will explore the science behind the infamous “zombie ant fungus” — Ophiocordyceps, the parasitic organism that hijacks the nervous system of ants and turns living bodies into vehicles of its own survival. Part science demonstration, part immersive theatre and part experimental concert, Zombie Ant Fungus Live investigates what happens when chemistry becomes communication. This performance will be a shorter 30 minute version and afterwards, everyone will have the chance to explore more about the fantastic world of fungi at a mini-festival! There will be lots of scientists, experts and organisations running a range of hands-on activities and demos looking at how amazing mushrooms are. Timings: 14.00 – 14.30: Performance in the theatre 14.30 – 16.00: Tabletop activities and demos Zombie Ant Fungus is delivered in collaboration with Pestival. Pestival would like to thank its supporters: School Farm Studios, Opstart, Marcus Trust, Fenton Trust, the British Mycological Society, and Arts Council England. About The Royal Institute Our charitable purpose at the Royal Institution is to bring the public and scientists together to share their interest and passion for science. We believe there should be equitable access to science, and that people’s desire to engage with science and scientists should be nourished. We help more people to discover science and engage more deeply. We create spaces for scientists and the public to explore science together. We inspire students to see a future with science. We empower people to explore and get involved. And we offer charitable support to those, such as young people in disadvantaged communities, who might otherwise not be able to engage with science. We’ve been doing it for well over 200 years, with an international reach, working with world-leading scientists, from Hannah Fry to Carlo Rovelli and Dame Sue Black to Sean Carroll. We are a home for science and everyone is welcome.