Quiz: The Coughing Major Millionaire Scandal: Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury
15th November 2023
★★★★
Quiz: The Coughing Major Millionaire Scandal takes on a fictional imagination based on the real events of the infamous Coughing Major scandal which engulfed the world’s most popular TV quiz show in 2001. In this interactive new play the audience themselves are asked to join in to put fingers on keypads and answer the ultimate 50/50: guilty or not guilty? Starring Rory Bremner as Chris Tarrant and Charley Webb, Lewis Reeves and Mark Benton this star-studded new play hits Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre this week during its UK tour.
This fast paced show is excellent entertainment blending comedy with drama. James Graham’s clever script darts between the present and past telling the story in an unique and entertaining way with barely a dull moment. The cast are all brilliant in their roles with many of the talented cast taking on multiple characters, each with their own distinctive accent and personalities. Mark Benton, an fan favourite from TV and stage, holds the audience’s attention instantly and is hilarious as Paddy Spooner. Rory Bremner’s impersonation of Chris Tarrant is superb and at times is laugh out loud funny, but due to his almost caricature style of acting can be a little over the top which doesn’t match that of the other actors. Marc Antolin switches characters with ease and is captivating to watch in every role. Charley Webb, who makes her stage debut after her well known portrayal of Debbie Dingle in Emmerdale, plays Diana Ingram fantastically from her little mannerisms down to her accent and Lewis Reeves’ bumbling Charles Ingram really does win over the audience. Sukh Ojla manages to hit the comic timing perfectly with every character she plays. From the little mannerisms to witty one liners, each character is unique and played brilliantly.
What sets this play apart from others is its use of audience interaction – this time in the form of a multiple choice keypad in true ‘Millionaire’ style. Unfortunately, this is only used a few times during the show and definitely could have been included more to allow the production to be even more immersive. However, the use of the device is very clever, especially at the end of the show when the audience votes if the Ingrams were guilty or not. The past few shows results are also displayed on the screen making for an interesting finale to the show.
The set itself, designed by Robert Jones, is a clever mix of the traditional court room in which the Ingram’s trial is taking place and the Who Wants To Be A Millionaire set itself. The rounded back wall and fixed set is brought to life by Ryan Day’s clever lighting which again takes note of the circular lighting once used on the hit ITV show. In fact, there are several mentions to the show throughout the play which help give the story more depth from the use of different colour lighting to the cleverly integrated heartbeat in the music which was also played in the contestant’s chair, adding even more to the drama of the show. The centre console and use of onstage cameras transform the play’s set into a working tv set excellently.
Whilst most of the audience had no doubt seen the popular ITV show and already came to the show with an already formed judgement whether the Ingram’s were guilty or not, Quiz the play is suitable for everyone as it tells the story of the show from its very conception to the scandal in question. The clever use of the legal prosecution and defence really allows the audience to feel like they are involved and breaks of the forth wall brilliantly. All in all, this is a well directed, fast moving play which will have audiences questioning themselves throughout.
Quiz: The Coughing Major Millionaire Scandal is playing at the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury until Saturday 18th November. For information and tickets click here.
Photo Credit: Johan Persson
Musical Manda 
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