CAN you always believe what you see? The science and art of visual deception is the theme of the National Media Museum’s next Lates event, inspired by the ground-breaking exhibition Joan Fontcuberta: Stranger than Fiction.

The programme takes its cue from Stranger Than Fiction - the exhibition that features evidence of miracles, mysterious hybrid beasts and mermaid fossils.

Among the highlights for Lates is an opportunity to experience VISR VR, a demonstration of an as-yet unreleased virtual reality headset, developed in Yorkshire, which makes immersive VR gaming accessible by linking to smartphones.

Lates Developer Gina Cooke said: “Lates is a new programme of free, exclusive and entertaining evening activities for over 18s, who may just discover a different side to the National Media Museum.

"On February 5 we’ll be investigating how you can’t always believe your eyes, and revealing what’s really going on behind what you see.”

In other demonstrations, Dr Matt Pritchard, an Associate of the Inner Magic Circle and lapsed atomic physicist, presents Extra Sensory Deception – an interactive show combining the worlds of magic and science which will deceive and surprise the senses, and Alex McAleer, a psychological illusionist & mind reader, will be performing his acclaimed act that has toured throughout the UK and Europe.

The University of Bradford’s Psychology department reveals how the role of facial expressions and body language influences our ability to detect false information, and visitors can learn about The Lie Detecting Camera as University Professor Hassan Ugail explains how a new experimental thermal camera system can accurately expose lies.

Elsewhere the Body Remixer crew, recently seen at Leeds Light Night 2014, will be giving visitors the bodies of their dreams (or not) as they ‘remix’ heads, torsos and limbs, and Spot the Serial Killer takes a look at how dangerous individuals can often have approachable and trustworthy appearances.

The Lates event is also the very last opportunity to see the exhibition Joan Fontcuberta: Stranger than Fiction. The evening includes a Gallery Tour presented by curator Greg Hobson who will be sharing some of the acclaimed show’s deeper secrets.

In addition to the activities outlined, February offers the chance to win prizes and take a look at some of the image-trickery in the Museum’s National Photography Collection, as well as visit the Media Café, which will be serving up some special treats designed to bamboozle the senses.

The event also welcomes back a preview of the 101 Ways to Die videogame by developers Four Door Lemon, following their successful appearance at the first Lates evening.

More information can be found on the website: www.nationalmediamuseum.org.uk/lates and attendance can be registered on the eventbrite page www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/deception-lies-and-illusion-lates-tickets-14991406701

The event at the NMM on February 5 runs from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. Admission is free.