The Partnership has hosted, ‘The 5 best things in engineering ever,’ an interactive comedy show outlining some of the most significant engineering achievements from the past, present and future.

Presented by Dr. Helen Pilcher, a scientist, and Timandra Harkness, a freelance science writer, collectively known as the Comedy Research Project, the hour-long show was designed to educate the young audience, while showing them that engineering can be an exciting career choice.

Malcolm Potter, manager of the Tees Valley Engineering Partnership, said: “The purpose of the show was to give young people an insight into the world of engineering and show them how interesting and fun it can really be. We hope that the pupils who saw the performance will begin to understand the true scope of the engineering sector and the wide array of career opportunities that are available.

“Helen and Timandra from the Comedy Research Project are extremely knowledgeable and have appeared at a range of events from comedy club performances to renowned science festivals. I am sure that all our attendees benefited from their experience and appreciated the comic and fun way in which the theme of engineering was presented so we can attract new entrants from school into the engineering industry.”

In the show Helen and Timandra sought advice from experienced engineers in their definition of the ‘5 best things in engineering ever’ and presented a comic list of items and events ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous. This was coupled with a practical display of engineering attributes showed the audience how important engineering was to the current lifestyle and fabric of people in an every day environment.

Ranking at number five was the construction of rollercoasters, starting with the first ever coaster which was made of ice, through to modern day creations that utilise all elements of gravity and velocity and are engineered to fine tolerances for safety.

Number four was the generation of energy, from traditional methods such as coal which is now being used in a modern way to produce electricity, to a light hearted look at harnessing the power of Premiership football strikers, who on average generate enough electricity during a 90-minute match to power a standard television set for six hours!

Steel was named as the third best thing in engineering ever, for its use in famous constructions such as the Transporter and Sydney Harbour Bridges.

Helen and Timandra placed chemical engineering at number two in their countdown, acknowledging its use by local companies such as Oxford Chemicals, which have the ability to manufacture different smells synthetically.

Man landing on the moon was marginally beaten to the number one spot by the Comedy Research Project’s own invention, the ‘I-Pants,’ which if ever put into production, they claim would change the world with their ability to power an I-Pod and self-clean and reduce the amount of greenhouse gases, thanks to a special carbon filter.

The ‘5 best things in engineering ever,’ was performed at the University of Teesside and Macmillian College in Midddlesbrough over two consecutive days, with the four shows being attended by a combined total of more than 600 Key Stage Three pupils from across the Tees Valley, including representatives from Newlands School F.C.J. in Middlesbrough, St Hild's Church of England School in Hartlepool and Thornaby Community School in Stockton