Theatre Review - THE LAST QUIZ NIGHT ON EARTH - PEOPLE'S THEATRE, NEWCASTLE

 

Aimee McKay - Fran, Maggie Childs - Kathy photo Paul Hood

So it’s the ‘last call’ for the planet as an asteroid hurtles towards it; where would you rather spend your final hours? In the pub, doing a quiz, obviously. Written by Alison Carr, The Last Quiz Night On Earth is an innovative and heartening story of four people’s final decisions as they face their approaching demise.

You find yourself as less of an audience member, more a patron of your local, joining in with answering questions on your table. The atmosphere is electric and, with nothing left to lose, everyone is up for a good night. Amidst the quiz, however, we have a couple of unexpected visitors who add a little drama to an already explosive night. A humorous and over-all warm look at what we would regret at the end.

Sam Burrell - Rav photo Lauren Aspery

Alison Carr and Director Kath Frazer have crafted the ultimate theatre phenomenon. Not so much an immersive experience as an ‘involved’ experience. You really feel like you are just joining-in with a pub quiz – and for people afraid of audience participation, you should feel safe in the knowledge that’s as involved as you’re expected to be, just a quizzer hoping to get the right answers. The atmosphere is light-hearted and joyful; certainly the place I’d be happy to spend my last hour. Set Designers Daniel Magee and Rhiannon Wilson created a bar you feel you could walk up to and order a pint, while Claire Brissenden’s lighting design added to the effect of the experience. Actor Aimee McKay brought to life the ever-hopeful Fran as she has one last shot at true love, while Mark Burden is the better-late-than-never estranged brother of publican Kathy – but what’s the real reason he came tonight? Sam Burrell brings fun as Rav, the man determined to do it properly, on this night more than ever. Maggie Childs is Kathy, the brilliant woman who brings everything you want, and more, to the role. A strong cast, a great show and a wonderful experience.

The Last Quiz Night On Earth shows at the People’s Theatre until 17^th February.

This is so much more than any other night at the theatre. See it now before it’s too late!