Review: QUIZ, Theatre Royal Norwich - Tour
Photo credit: Johan Persson
The performance of Quiz really begins before you enter the auditorium, when you’re handed what can only be described as a Who Wants to Be a Millionaire keypad, with instructions to use when advised during the performance. At this point, the scene is well and truly set as we’re thrust straight back to the late 90s and the inception of one of the biggest game shows on TV.
This dramatic performance is a story of two halves, determined to bring new perspective and light to a well-known British scandal. Did Charles Ingram cheat his way to a million pounds? The story takes on the role of prosecution and defence; one story told two ways, in a bid to cross examine the audience who in effect have the final say on the outcome.
Whilst the set and scenery remain static throughout, the action is anything but as we were transported from a multitude of venues, from ITV studio to court case seamlessly, covering an incredibly broad plot telling, in just the first half alone. With actors also interweaving across differing roles, there is a lot to keep track of, yet it is effortlessly delivered making it incredibly easy to be absorbed by the journey.
Rory Bremner encapsulates everything iconic there is about Chris Tarrant, from the gestures, the laugh, the facial expressions, perfectly reminding the audience of the nostalgia this iconic TV show evoked, whilst never overly drawing focus from the story or plot.
Mark Benton definitely brings a comedic take to the performance which, at times, is the perfect antidote, however on occasion, it turns slapstick, taking away some of the key elements the performance delivers on so well.
Charley Webb and Lewis Reeves play Diana and Charles Ingram, who both steer the performance incredibly well, given the shift in dynamic across both halves. To demonstrate these characters without seemingly inadvertently implying guilt or otherwise, is really rather cleverly done, and the two are very easy to watch.
What is most enjoyable to watch is that there is such an essence of truth in each and every one of the performers, moving from judge to jury member sometimes quite literally, all with well defined, clear characters, an absolute credit to an incredibly strong and well-cast ensemble.
There are some inconsistencies in the style of the performance, as it incorporates elements of breaking the fourth wall, slapstick comedy and physical theatre. Some of these styles really add to the tension and the performance, however due to there being an inconsistency in how these are displayed throughout are lost in some ways on the performance, as it tries to cram too many styles into one performance.
We can’t help but enjoy getting to play the role of ‘Ask the Audience’ at key moments throughout the show though, which again is just another nostalgic nod to the occasion.
The scenes change seamlessly with a pacy performance, which at the core is a story about people. With an incredibly well cast company, there is a real opportunity to hear a human element to a story we all think we know. Tackling the issue of right and wrong in a world where there is so much room for ambiguity is actually fascinating to see played out on stage, because even after the performance finishes, you are left questioning your outcome.
*** Three stars
Reviewed by: Lauren Farley
Quiz plays at Theatre Royal Norwich until 4 November, before continuing its tour. For more information, please click here.