By Sharon Kean
Space, time and the universe are complicated subjects. “D’ya see what I mean?” is Ken Campbell’s response, as he launches into yet another anecdote which makes the physics seem so silly. Parallel universes can explain why one wakes up with a mysterious bruise, despite not having been out drinking the night before. The reason is that another “you”, in another, parallel universe, must have had one too many before stumbling home.
Comedian Campbell gave his own take on physics on Wednesday night.
The sell-out crowd love Campbell’s cheeky remarks and slightly nasal tones. Apparently, dogs, cats and even gnats, exist in parallel universes. The time in these universes is split into instants, making the whole idea a bit too much for an animated Ken to cope with. Throwing his hands in the air he proclaims, “I told the scientist it was nonsense, and he said, ‘You’ve got it!’”.
Apparently, if you ever meet anyone who says that they understand quantum physics, they are lying. Whether Campbell understands it or not is uncertain, although you get the feeling that everyone there is learning something about the science as they laugh at his often-ridiculous analogies. He uses a “ferret’s whim” rather than a yard-stick to measure things, and particles “wazzing” around in a huge “gnothing” is his way of explaining what goes on at CERN.
Stand-up comedians and science don’t often mix, probably because science is not usually very funny. Campbell doesn’t let this stop him, as he indulges both of his passions simultaneously, providing a show which oozes atmosphere. He’s not the tallest of people yet the large stage seems to be filled by him, or maybe it’s several versions of him, all from different parts of his multiverse.