Spluttering Drama Quiz Tells The Story Of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire Cheats
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James Graham’s Quiz at Noel Coward theatre elevates a minor moment in history into a reality show fit for television. The story is around the trial of Charles and Diana Ingram who were convicted of trying to defraud the quiz show Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? in 2003, through a series of well-timed coughs.
It’s fun and well-performed. There’s even a nod to the humble pub quiz as the origins of a nation obsessed with quizzes. But the production is drunk on the television gimmicks it’s trying to critique. The glamour of television, instant polls and dazzling lighting all come at the expense of character development and a convincing argument about confirmation bias.
This makes it hard to care much about the characters — particularly given they’d later be convicted for insurance fraud. At times it touches on some serious issues; the manufactured news from a relentless publicity machine; the cosy relationship between the police and press. But then there’s another instant poll or pub quiz to do, and the bubble bursts.
Quiz, Noel Coward Theatre, St Martins Lane, WC2N 4AU, £15-£95, until 16 June 2018.
Last Updated 13 April 2018
