When experiments tell stories

Burning soap bubbles, fire tornadoes and electrical discharges of hundreds of thousands of volts: at the physics show organised by Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, physics takes centre stage. The student-run ‘Physikshow’ initiative has been combining theatre and experimental physics for around two years. In stories written especially for the show, scientific experiments become part of a plot – sometimes as a crime thriller, sometimes as a Christmas story, or as a competition between teams.

“This sense of tangibility is often missing in school,” says co-founder Nicole Jaroscakova, who is in her fourth semester of a Bachelor’s degree in physics. “Many people only know physics as formulas on the blackboard. We want to show that there’s something behind it that you can really experience.”

Together with Dr Martin Quast, teaching staff for special requirements, Nicole Jaroscakova organised the first edition of the physics show for Physics Day 2024. Every year, on Physics Day, the Institute of Physics at the University of Magdeburg invites the people of Magdeburg to find out all about physics. “Back then, it was just a pure experiment show with no real storyline. We wanted to change that,” recalls the 20-year-old.

The idea developed into an ongoing project. Gradually, more students joined in. “After the first two performances, we said: ‘This shouldn’t just be a one-off project’,” says Nicole Jaroscakova. “So we decided to set up a student initiative.”

Today, the group has 13 members. “Two help set up the experiments and look after the collection,” explains Nicole Jaroscakova. “Five are actively on stage. The rest handle organisation, technical aspects and everything that goes on behind the scenes.” As well as physics students, the group also includes a mathematical engineer, a computer science student and a design student. “That’s incredibly valuable to us, because everyone brings different perspectives.”

They meet every two weeks on Mondays. “These are usually very relaxed get-togethers,” says Nicole Jaroscakova. “We often have a snack buffet; sometimes we plan new shows or film explanatory videos, and sometimes we just have a games night.” Things do get intense in the run-up to a performance, though: “Then we sometimes meet every day. First we write the script, then we set up the experiments, and finally we run through the whole thing.”

The show is usually performed in Lecture Hall 5 on campus. “That’s our favourite venue,” says Nicole Jaroscakova. “We’ve got everything we need there: the technical equipment, the space and the chance to really let our experiments come into their own.”

Each show follows its own story. “Sometimes we do a Sherlock Holmes story with a new case, sometimes a Christmas story based on Dickens,” explains the physics student. “Or we have experiments competing against each other in a contest.” The plot is always the main focus: “The physics should flow naturally from the story, not the other way round.”

The shows last between 45 and 90 minutes. A variety of experiments are used: from thermal imaging cameras to high-voltage demonstrations. “Anything that goes bang, burns or moves goes down well with the audience,” says Nicole Jaroscakova with a laugh.

Her personal favourite experiment involves burning methane soap bubbles. “You mix soapy water with methane to create flammable bubbles,” explains Nicole Jaroscakova. “I hold them in my hand and light them. Then you see a big flame, which goes out again as soon as I pull my hands apart.” At first glance, it might look dangerous, says Nicole Jaroscakova, “but the water protects my skin. The fire doesn’t actually come anywhere near me.”

It’s the audience’s reactions in particular that stick in her mind. “After the show, children often come up to the front and want to try everything out for themselves,” says Nicole Jaroscakova. “That’s the best thing for us – seeing that immediate enthusiasm.”

Sometimes the impact goes further than expected, too. “There was actually someone who saw our show and said afterwards that they wanted to study physics,” says Nicole Jaroscakova. “That was a very special moment for me.”

Financially, however, the initiative is not yet on a firm footing. “Unfortunately, we don’t have a large budget,” says Nicole Jaroscakova. “This year, we received support from a university fund to produce explanatory videos. But in the long term, we’ll need to find sponsors.”

Nevertheless, the project continues to grow. “In future, we also want to visit schools and put on shows there,” says Nicole Jaroscakova. Furthermore, new performances are already in the pipeline, including a sequel to the Sherlock Holmes story, as well as the Christmas lecture and Physics Day in November 2026.

Anyone who wants to get involved doesn’t need any prior knowledge. “The most important thing is that you enjoy working as part of a team,” says Nicole Jaroscakova. “You’ll learn everything else with us.” Anyone interested can simply come along to a meeting or get in touch via email or Instagram.

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