The Last Quiz Night On Earth

Once again TABS have proved their versatility as a company, this time with the tragic yet incredibly funny “The Last Quiz Night On Earth”. This group continues to impress with it’s handling of a wide variety of material that showcases the talent of it’s Actors – and this Play was no exception.

With only four players to deliver playwright Alison Carr’s witty, fast paced and at times heart wrenching dialogue, the audience were treated to an immersive, highly interactive evening. In fact it could be said that the cast was also made up of the audience themselves, without us actually realising quite how integral we were to the Play itself. An asteroid is heading toward earth so naturally friends and family gather to that one familiar place where people come together to celebrate or in this case commiserate life events..the pub.

A pub quiz within a play (genius concept) we were warmly welcomed at the bar and handed our quiz sheets and pens and shown to our table. Before we knew it we were fully immersed in what felt like a “real life” quiz, chatting away to our team members and waiting for the arrival of our hosts for the evening.

In true Landlady style, offering both a warmth and a Peggy Mitchell style brashness, Rhiannon Thorn had her audience/patrons hooked as Kathy. Delivering superb comedic timing we really felt as though we were the customers she had known for years. She was easily able to switch her dialogue from speaking to us as whole to then directing it to small groups and individuals, handling the banter well, adapting to people’s responses as she went along. Her character evolvement was great as we learnt more about her backstory, he need for recognition from her brother and ultimately her acceptance that she should be proud of herself.

Equally impressive, Tonio Ellis, the Quiz Master very much enjoying the sound of his own voice, gave a suitably camp, self indulgent performance as Ray. But again this was a character that evolved throughout the evening. Initially controlling, bossy and with his own agenda we gradually see the more vulnerable side to him. Ultimately a lonely man with no where else to be on the last night on earth he hides his insecurities with a bravado that wanes as the play progresses. Eventually we see that he actually has a huge heart and a genuine friendship with Kathy. As with Rhiannon, he interacted with the audience well and together these two gave very strong performances.

I was absolutely delighted to see Matthew Jones step out from the tech desk to take to the stage as Kathy’s long lost brother Bobby. Sulky, flippant and derisive toward his sister this was such a natural performance that I forgot I was watching an Actor and felt more like a fly on the wall watching his story unfold. He had some cracking one liners that were delivered with an easy subtlety that I really enjoyed. Finally admitting the awful reason for his surprise visit – wanting the last thing he sees to be his sisters failure. An uncomfortable moment for everyone. But in the true style of this play, he sees reason and the relationship is restored just in time.

Finally, Katherine Tokley gave a sweet performance as the love lorn Fran. Besotted with Ray since they dated at school she decides to turn up out of the blue to declare her feelings for him. Awkwardness ensues as Ray cannot recall who she is but Fran remembers every moment of their time together, finally jogging his memory they have a brief moment of passion. However it is short lived when Ray is outed by Kathy. Katherine gave such a moving display of heartbreak and then eventually acceptance that the audience truly felt for her character. Initially appearing to be a little unhinged we begin to understand as the play progresses that she is actually very brave, taking a chance on love before time runs out. Beautifully done.

Only having four Actors on stage can be very exposing, particularly with a minimal set but each did a wonderful job. The set itself comprised of a well made bar, with the rest of the room dressed as you would expect with tables laid out for the quiz. I would have liked to see a little more use made of the bar itself. Perhaps some pints being poured, some glasses handed out to the audience and Kathy stood behind the bar a little more busying herself with some bar duties – polishing glasses etc. When we did see two of the Actors behind the bar in Act 2 they were blocked from view unnecessarily by the other two. Just a small spacing issue but there was ample room to avoid this happening. Having said that the addition of the old CD player was a great idea, used to good effect to introduce each quiz round with some very funny music choices that had us all laughing.

Lighting was good, particularly at the end when the inevitable happens with flashing red signifying the impact of the asteroid. Sound also good, no need for microphones in this venue, particularly when you have a cast that know how to project. Costumes were also appropriate, suiting each character nicely. Kathy and Ray suitably glam with some glitter thrown in for good measure, Bobby completely dishevelled as you would expect from a man who has been walking for 7 hours and Fran dressed to reflect her slightly quirky yet sweet personality. I love these small but important areas of attention to characterisation.

This was a truly entertaining evening from a talented cast and creative team. Director Jacquie Newman must be delighted with the end result and should be congratulated on achieving a piece of theatre that was as funny as it was moving. My guest and I were thrilled that “WE WERE HERE” to see another stellar production from TABS.

 

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