‘What an adventure!' comic says

Dara Ó Briain is to present a new TV documentary about volcanos. 

The two-part series will air on Channel 5, for which the comedian has previously fronted shows about the Sun, the Moon and pyramids.

For the new show, he heads to Italy to explore Stromboli, whose constant eruptions have earned its nickname 'Lighthouse of the Mediterranean; Etna, where volcanic soils produce some of the best wines in the world’ a Vesuvius,  whose eruption buried Pompeii and ‘boiled the brains’ of its inhabitants.

Ó Briain said: ‘What an adventure! I got to clamber up the side of live volcanoes, and watch plumes of lava explode into the air; I learned how close we live to these magnificent, unstoppable monsters and saw how real their threat is. 

‘Then we drank wine from volcanic soil, ate the best pizza in the world and learned how to love life, under the shadow of destruction. Who said geology was just rocks!’

The show has been made by the BBC Studios Science Unit and Krempelwood, who made the comic’s programmes about the Sun and the Moon. 

Denise Seneviratne, commissioning editor for Channel 5 said: ‘Volcanoes have always captivated me. How insignificant we are in the face of the power of nature – I think this will really resonate with our viewers and who better to bring this to life than Dara Ó Briain with his enthusiasm and fresh outlook. Working with BBC Studios once again, who bring their expertise and creativity to the series, has been a real pleasure.’

And Rob Liddell, executive producer for BBC Studios added: ‘It is really exciting to be working with Dara again on this incredible trip to Europe’s most volcanic hotspot.   

‘Dara uses his unique combination of amazing wit and passion for knowledge to uncover one of Earth’s most powerful forces. With him as our guide and BBC Studios Science Unit’s reputation for outstanding programming we’ve created a series that I believe will thrill audiences.'

O Briain is back on tour this year with his new stand-up show Re:Creation. Dara ​O Briain tour dates.

Published: 28 Jan 2025