The Argus: fringe_2011_logo_red_thumb Zombies have been a staple of the horror world for decades, from George A Romero’s classic Night Of The Living Dead, to the TV hit The Walking Dead.

Dr Austin’s debut Brighton lecture answers the questions of whether a zombie apocalypse could really happen and what could be done about it should the worst occur, using real science.

The good doctor mixes the facts with lighthearted banter, video experiments and live audience participation – including an impressive attempt to destroy a zombie “brain” armed with just a feather duster.

The show eliminates, scientifically, that zombies are able to come back from the dead and outlines they are more likely to eat anything than just rely on a diet of human flesh (so if you’re being chased, head for Tesco).

But along the way the audience learns about prion diseases – the most likely reason for zombie-like symptoms to occur – and the Papua New Guinea outbreak of kuru in the 1950s, which is the closest we have seen to a zombie epidemic in history.

Although the show is supported by the Wellcome Trust – the charity helping public understanding of science – the main focus is to entertain, with no feet -shuffling moments during the “science bits”.

* 8pm, £6/£5. Call 01273 917272