New Vic Theatre's Last Quiz Night on Earth

(Photograph by Andrew Billington. Pictured left to right: Sam Redford, Ayan Philip, Lisa Gorgin, Pria Kalsi)

The Last Quiz Night On Earth combines the concept of the pub quiz with the play, inviting audiences to participate in the world of the characters. The stage is transformed into a pub, with a drinks bar suspended from the ceiling and a jukebox in the corner. Walking to my seat, I half-expected sticky floorboards.

        The 'Queen of the Kingdom' Kathy (Lisa Gorgin) masterfully commands the stage from start to finish, creating a dynamic atmosphere whilst revealing the vulnerabilities of her character. The feud between her and her brother Bobby (Sam Redford) plays out in tense and tender moments, relatable to many, as the characters navigate their differences during their final hours on Earth. Similarly, quizmaster Rav (Ayan Philip) must navigate a reunion of his own - with an ex he cannot remember. Pria Kalsi plays the fangirling character of Fran, who, endearing and childishly innocent, yearns for her lost love. The costumes of the characters are bold and fun, from Mamma Mia-esque jumpsuits to bright green Wellington boots. Addressing audience members with fondness and familiarity, the protagonist Kathy creates a community feeling between all in the auditorium-turned-pub (enhanced by the theatre's in-the-round layout) and we begin to find ourselves drawn into the characters' world. We participate in numerous quiz categories throughout the show - from TV shows to countries - adding to the interactive and intimate nature of this play.

        And so it becomes all the more terrifying when the announcement arrives: "This is a world ending event." Silence. The jukebox stops, the laughter stops, the lights turn dark and haunting. Daniella Beattie's lighting design, along with the radio, interrupt the quiz at unsettling intervals to remind us of the impending disaster. And you have become so drawn into the world of the play that you cannot help feel, just for a moment, like this may actually be happening.

        The Last Quiz Night On Earth is exceptional in its manipulation of emotions, with audience members roaring with laughter one moment and wiping their tears the next. As Madonna and Queen become replaced by Skeeter Davis' 'The End of the World', a hush falls across the audience. For within that auditorium, we witness our final hours on Earth, and we ask ourselves: what would we do with them? What really matters in the end?

        As the lights come on, the applause sounds, and I exit into the cold night air, I look up. There may be no meteor headed for Earth today, and there may be no end of the world just yet. But if there was, I sure did spend my last night well.

        But I know you are wondering - I may be safe, but what about the characters? What happens to them?
       This is a multiple choice question, and here are your options:

        A) The meteor hits the Earth.
        B) The meteor's course gets deterred.

        Is the answer A or B?

        Well, you'll have to find that out for yourself.

        The Last Quiz Night on Earth continues at the New Vic Theatre until the 1st March 2025. For ticket information contact 01782 717962 or [email protected] or visit the website at newvictheatre.org.uk.

Review by Maria Conlon