The Last Quiz Night on Earth – Review
New Vic theatre kicks of this season’s plays on a high with ‘The Last Quiz Night on Earth’ written by Alison Carr and directed by Anna Marland.
This dark comedy explores the great British culture of pub quiz’s and proposes that when the world is ending it may well be the best place to go. Review by Mel Osborne
The news has just announced a giant meteorite is heading our way and its game over for the world. Do you race across the country to make amends with an estranged sibling, cycle in a pair of welly boots to see your childhood sweetheart?
Or head down to the pub for a few drinks and the quiz?
In Kathy’s case it is the latter. Kathy (Lisa Gorgin) is the landlady of The Four Horsemen, affectionally known as Queen Kathy by Rav (Ayan Phillip), Kathy’s barman and quiz master.
Kathy and Rav’s plan to keep the punters happy with the best quiz night is soon disrupted by unwelcome visitors.
This is a play about evaluating your life. Exploring regrets and successes.
(All images by Andrew Billington.)
On arrival at the New Vic guests are presented with a pub quiz sheet which is a bit confusing as surely this is a play? But all is revealed on entering the auditorium where the theatre in the round has been transformed into a pub.
A very cosy surrounding with warm lighting, community notice board and a very welcoming host.
Gorgin’s portrayal of Kathy is warm and endearing and her on stage rapport with Rav
captured the wonderful working relationships which happen in pubs – such as the people who end up being more family than family themselves.
Ayan Phillips was a delight to watch as Rav. An earnest people pleaser who is devoted to his quizzes and his delivery of the quiz was fresh and he had the audience eating out of his hands.
For fans of 80/90s classics this show is bursting with them courtesy of the faithful Juke box in the corner.
What is compelling about this play is the concept that as the world is about to crumble the safest, warmest place to be is the pub, with friends.
But there are some eerie scenes amongst the warmth and banter, which remind us of the horror to come as lighting creates a sinister and terrifying ambience.
The Last Quiz night on Earth is a brilliant watch and the interactive audience quiz caused plenty of laughs – and Yes there is a winner.
This is a fun, warm hearted show which reminds us of what is important in life and it isn’t always what you think…
5 Stars
