Review: The Last Quiz Night On Earth is a apocalyptic comedy set at an actual pub (where else?)

Set during the planet's final few hours, Alison Carr's dynamic show breaks the fourth wall while making you believe you're at the local pub quiz

Written by Millan Dudson
Last updated 2 years ago
Theatre

An asteroid is heading for earth, meaning the end is nigh, so of course, everyone heads down to their local to take part in a pub quiz.

As they say: “the pub to humans is pretty much walkies to dogs”.

In this Box of Tricks production, the audience becomes pub regulars immersed in the show, as you take part in a quiz whilst watching the action unfold in front of you. The clock is ticking down as the characters await their impending doom.

Old faces return to settle old scores throughout quiz rounds and perhaps have one last shot at love.

The decision to set the show in an authentic pub works brilliantly, and you do feel like you are part of the show, rather than just an audience spectator.

Meriel Scholfield plays Kathy, who oozes your typical pub landlady, delivering clever lines and witty comebacks. ‘The host with the most’ Rav, played by Matthew Khan, provides an excellent performance as the colourful quizmaster who becomes caught in a dilemma when a blast from the past arrives.

Bobby (Chris Hoyle) and Fran (Tilly Sutcliffe) make dramatic entrances and feel like well-developed characters, which makes you care about each of their personal stories.

The show is interactive, and often you do forget the world is about to end as you become engrossed in action before being grounded by the reality of what’s to come.

Hannah Tyrrell-Pinder directs the show skilfully, and Katie Scott succeeds in designing a setting that makes you believe you’re at the local pub quiz.

The audience’s participation in the drama is unique, and despite this show being set at the end of the world, this show is full of laughs.

The Last Quiz Night On Earth is a well-told story exploring love, change, and regret themes.

This isn’t your usual show, and it certainly serves as an excellent night out if you are interested in watching something different.

Presented by Box of Tricks Theatre, The Last Quiz Night on Earth is set at Derby Brewery Arms, 95 Cheetham Hill Rd, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M8 8PY. Book tickets here

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