Making Sense: experiencing the world around us

Do you have a sixth sense? Are you a super taster? Explore your senses: watch a drama that challenges your perceptions, be presented with illusions and soak up the atmosphere over a glass of wine, picking up some tips on how wine connoisseurs use smell and taste to discover the finest vintages.

An evening exploring and challenging human perceptions and senses through performance, illusion and wine tasting.

Enjoy a performance of a modern version of Little Red Riding Hood called You Know It Makes Sense, and let scientists attempt to deceive and stimulate your senses on one of five 'sense stations'. When Little Red Riding Hood steps up to the psychiatrist's couch, all is not what it seems. Science communicator and writer Erinma Ochu presents this modern take on the Grimm brothers' fairy tale. You Know It Makes Sense is sponsored by the Medical Research Council.

Can humans trust their eyes? Or is everything we see around us the brain's best guess? Audiences will be amazed as they join neuroscientist Penny Fidler on a journey through the remarkable world of visual illusions. How neuroscientists use these powerful illusions to understand how humans perceive the world and how exactly the brain can be fooled by shadows, shapes and colour are some of the things that will be discussed. Penny Fidler is an independent consultant advising on both neuroscience and science exhibitions.

John Ducker, from the Association of Wine Educators, will tantalise visitors' taste buds with a variety of wines. Learn about taste, culture and wines of different strengths and tastes. Harry Witchel of Bristol University will round up the evening with a discussion about senses, the tricks they can play and the experiences of the evening.

Collaboration between the BA, EDAB and the Science Museum.