Royal Institution Christmas Lectures Start Tonight

For almost 200 years, the Royal Institution in Mayfair has delighted children and adults alike with a seasonal series of lectures on a scientific theme. Unless you're (a) of school age and (b) in possession of a time machine, you won't be able to get a place in the audience for the 2008 lectures. But fear not; all five talks will be screened on FIVE, beginning tonight (7.15) when Christopher Bishop of Microsoft Research describes the 'Quest for the Ultimate Computer'. Bishop follows in the revered footsteps of Richard Dawkins, Carl Sagan, David Attenborough and Michael Faraday. Props from previous lecture series can be viewed on the first floor of the recently refurbed Royal Institution, which also houses a swanky bar and restaurant. If you're after more seminars, all the Christmas Lectures since 1973 are available as webcasts, and an excellent interview with Christopher Bishop can be found on last week's Guardian Science Weekly podcast. The RI's early 2009 events program is also now available.