The identical twin doctors behind the beloved CBBC show Operation Ouch! are returning to the stage with a spectacularly silly new live production. Dr Chris and Dr Xand van Tulleken will present Operation Ouch: Quest for the Jurassic Fart! at London's Royal Festival Hall on the South Bank from 26 December 2025 to 2 January 2026.
A Prehistoric Parp Pursuit
In their first major live show since the TV series paused five years ago, the 47-year-old medical professionals embark on a gloriously goofy mission. The premise sees them invited to speak at a prestigious scientific conference by an organisation known as FARTERS. Deciding their presentation needs a show-stopping centrepiece, they resolve to track down the ultimate gaseous emission: a genuine dinosaur fart.
What follows is an 80-minute caper filled with the brothers' signature blend of biological education and chaotic comedy. The show delves into how the digestive system works and why all animals pass wind. It also features diversions ranging from the science of embarrassment to a video of maggots at work, and even a moment where Chris uses an endoscope on his own nose.
Famous Doctors, Fart-Fuelled Fun
Since Operation Ouch! went on hiatus, both twins have seen their profiles soar. Chris authored the bestselling book Ultra Processed People, while Xand has become a familiar face on documentaries and BBC's Morning Live. This live show, which debuted on an Australian tour in January 2025, offers a chance to see them return to their roots in unabashed, child-friendly entertainment.
The performance leans heavily into their established personas: Chris as the relaxed, easy-going twin and Xand as the more uptight counterpart. Their bickering drives the narrative forward, which involves a dubious charity scheme, a live dinosaur, and, as the title promises, an endless supply of flatulence. Some parents might note the Jurassic elements are lighter than the fart-focused content, but the combination is a sure-fire hit with primary school-aged children.
Stagecraft and Silly Science
Staged at the prestigious Royal Festival Hall, the production has a charmingly homemade feel in places. There's the occasional flubbed video cue and a dinosaur prop that could be described as budget-friendly. However, this only adds to the show's accessible, madcap energy. It is, at its heart, an excuse for the two highly qualified doctors to mess about on stage in a way that is both amusing and educational.
While they are not trained actors, the Van Tullekens are consummate showmen who know how to command a large auditorium. The show is undeniably very silly, but audiences are guaranteed to leave having learned something about human biology amidst the laughter.
Performance Details:
- Venue: Royal Festival Hall, Belvedere Rd, South Bank, London SE1 8XX
- Dates: 26, 30, 31 Dec 2025 and 2 Jan 2026
- Show Times: 11:00 and 17:00 on selected dates
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
- Ticket Price: From £24 to £50
Transport links are excellent, with Waterloo Tube station being the nearest. This festive season, prepare for a blast from the past—in more ways than one.
