Review: Data and Doctor Doom, Hen & Chickens Theatre

Data and Doctor Doom feels very much like a talk at a geek culture convention; part academic slide presentation and part stand-up comedy, it aims to both inform and entertain. 

The data that is being presented is from host and writer Dr MJ Hibbett’s PhD research into the Marvel character Doctor Doom. It is delivered along with a wide spectrum of analysis of this character, who has appeared across several different mediums since he was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1962.

The presentation moves fast, dancing from insight to insight drawn from the data, which keeps the tone lively and the show entertaining. Dr Hibbett’s personal charm and his enthusiasm for both his research and his subject shine throughout, exuding positivity and fun.

There are many great comedy songs, from the opening number introducing ‘Doctor Doom’, to songs that explain aspects of statistical analysis in a fun and accessible way. A lot of the songs are short and sharp, delivering a joke and then ending while the humour is still fresh. Dr Hibbett has a knack for clearly communicating academic details in a way that is both interesting whilst not slowing down the pace of the show.

His slides also contain many interesting details that enliven the experience. The academic research is included in full detail and enhanced with songs and a continuous stream of jokes, turning a potentially dry subject into an interesting 50 minutes of data and comedy.

I learned a lot about Doctor Doom, a character I was only vaguely aware of, which is timely as he will be the villain in the next big Avengers movie, released next year. Certainly, now is the time to dive into the history of Doctor Doom with a high level of detail, as he is likely to become a major part of our cultural discourse.

The humour makes the show very entertaining, but despite the depth of the research, the entire presentation comes across as light, and it left little lasting emotional impact. There is a lack of story, beyond the throughline of the academic research, which reminded me of why the best stand-up shows have a strong story as an emotional anchor. Deeper feelings beyond positivity and enthusiasm are lacking in this show.

Data and Doctor Doom is fun and presented well. It will appeal to a very specific audience of people who like geek culture. If you want to know more about Doctor Doom, then this is the most fun way to do it.

Written by Dr MJ Hibbert

You can read more about the show in our recent interview.

Data and Doctor Doom has completed its run at The Camden Fringe
but will be in more UK festivals throughout 2025.