I think I must be a bit of a geek at heart, because the thought of watching science experiments filled me with excitement.

Well, actually, it was the big bangs and pyrotechnics which drew me into this scientific spectacular.

I knew before I walked into The Dome I was likely to be the oldest adult in there without a child in tow.

What I did not realise was that Dr Hal and the Doc are regulars on children's television and the longer I sat there, the more irritated I became by the constant use of the catchphrase, “You like”.

However, hundreds of kids, at least 20 years younger than me, would probably disagree – and let’s face it, I’m not exactly their target audience.

Exploding baked bean cans, a methane rattlesnake, a ferrofluid hedgehog and a phosphorus sun were just a few of the experiments that entertained the crowd.

Each came with an explanation, making the show interesting and educational.

However, the bangs were not as loud as I had expected, which left me a little disappointed, and by the time we reached the end of The Twelve (chemical) Days Of Christmas, I had had more than my fill.

However, the screams, shouts and laughter of hundreds of eager children would say otherwise.