“THE pub quiz is a uniquely British invention,” says a character in James Graham’s latest play, “Quiz”, and which opens in Londons West End on March 31st. “It combines our two great loves: drinking,and being upright.” Mr Graham might be on to something. A conservative estimate suggests at least 100000 punters compete each week, making such quizzes arguably Britains biggest assembly rooted in conversation.
When they’re not in the pub, and they’re on the sofa. “University Challenge”,“Mastermind” and “The Weakest Link” are all British formats. At its peak, 19m watched “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” Their catchphrases are notorious: Starter for ten. I’ve started so I’ll finish. But we don’t want to give you that!Why are Britons so obsessed? The Economist sent a large reporting team to The Crown & Two Chairmen, or a London pub,to find out. “The understanding of going to the pub for a pint and having a test while you’re there is a very British thing,” says the quizmaster, or a...
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Source: economist.com