PREPARE for explosions galore and a life-size T Rex as the Hollywood Special Effects Show comes to Preston this summer.

If you have ever watched a spectacular scene from a movie and wondered 'how did they do that?' then this could well be the show for you says producer Alex Jarrett.

"People have described it as a cross between Brainiac and Mythbusters," said Alex. "We try and explain some of those movie effects you may have seen but rather than spoiling your viewing of a movie I think it enhances your enjoyment of film."

The show was two years in the making. Alex an expert in special effects for live events such as concerts by Lady Gaga and colleagues working in special effects decided to put a show together.

"It took a while as we wanted the show to be truly spectacular but, for example, you can't show how a car chase scene is done on stage," he said.

"It also requires a lot of investment to bring Hollywood to the stage."

The show is designed to entertain.

"It's certainly not a lecture. Subtlety isn't really our strong point," laughed Alex, "But the audience does come away having learned things too.

"It's definitely aimed at families and our core audience of eight or nine year olds lap it up - but so do their parents.

"It's quite a messy show with things exploding and we're now getting children picking up some of the bits and taking them home as souvenirs."

With all the effects being performed live there is a degree of risk to the show.

"You should see the mounds of paperwork we have to get through to pass all the risk assessments," said Alex.

At one stage a sheet of bulletproof glass is placed between the performers and the audience.

"It is there as a precaution," said Alex, "but we have a very experienced crew who make everything happen."

The show also includes some audience participation allowing with youngsters smashing 'stunt' bottles over a cowboy's head.

"Sugar glass bottles were used in the very early days of Hollywood," said Alex, "and the same principles are still used today."

But the show also has some of the latest hi-tech techniques.

"We do show the audience how motion capture works," said Alex. "Computers are good at creating imagery but they can't act so this is how you can bring emotion to CGI effects."

Then there is the life-size animatronic T Rex which was specially made for the show in Japan.

"It's like the T Rex from Night at the Museum which comes to life," said Alex "It's a little scary at first but the audience loves it.

"And that's not the grand finale, it gets even more spectacular than that."

The Hollywood Special Effects Show, Charter Theatre, Preston, Friday, August 12. Details from 01772 804444.