After its brilliant premiere as part of The Great Indoors at MIF 09, The Difference Engine returns to Manchester for a 4 day run at the Museum of Science and Industry.

Date: Sat 21 – Sun 22 November (schools performances Thu 19 and Fri 20)

Time: 10.30am, 12.00noon, 2.00pm and 3.30pm

Duration: 55 mins approx

Cost: FREE

Booking: Via MOSI, 0161 833 0027 or email r.leese@mosi.org.uk (limited capacity, advance booking advisable)

Ages: 7 upwards, all children must be accompanied by an adult

Take a journey through the mind of Charles Babbage in this fun family show by Walk the Plank with Thingumajig Theatre.

Travel from past to future through a landscape of machines and ideas in this interactive journey. Help inventor and mathematician Charles Babbage find the clues to repair his Difference Engine; solve the spider’s riddles, hidden in the worldwide web; persuade the counting madman to open the gates to the Hall of Shadows and discover the secret workings of the steampunk arcade.

And after all that, you must help Charles Babbage in a quest to repair a gigantic mechanical calculating machine…

Maths, shadow play and steampunk storytelling combine in this site-specific performance designed for children aged 7 upwards.

The Difference Engine was co-commissioned by Manchester International Festival, the Museum of Science and Industry and the Centre for Urban Education. Created by Walk the Plank and Thingumajig Theatre.