Review – Quiz
Author: James Graham (based on the book “Bad Show: The Quiz, the Cough, the Millionaire Major” by Bob Woffinden and James Plaskett)
Director: Sean Baker
Produced by: Bawds
Venue: ADC Theatre Cambridge
Performance: 7 July 2026
Opening night of Quiz was a hugely entertaining piece of theatre – congratulations to Bawds.
The play tells the story of the 2001 scandal surrounding Major Charles Ingram, who was accused of cheating on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? It follows the story from the creation of the television phenomenon through to the court case in which Charles, his wife Diana and alleged accomplice Tecwen Whittock were accused of conspiring to defraud. Did they really cheat their way to the show’s £1 million prize?
The production immediately draws the audience in. Members of the cast, the jury and even audience participants are positioned at the back of the stage, creating an effective theatrical device. The iconic Millionaire chairs, dramatic lighting and familiar sound effects recreate the television studio brilliantly, while the simple set allows seamless transitions between the quiz studio, courtroom, Army life and the Ingrams’ home. Screens provide close-ups of the contestants and even prompt the audience when to applaud, further blurring the line between theatre and television.
Audience participation is central to the experience. As well as taking part in quiz questions throughout the evening, we vote at the end of both Act One, after the prosecution’s case, and Act Two, following the defence. Watching the audience verdict appear on screen each time is genuinely gripping.
Bawds creates a lively atmosphere from the outset, with Rae Morgan doing an excellent job warming up the audience as quiz host. Many of the talented cast also switch effortlessly between multiple roles, the QCs and judge were excellent.
Warren Clark and Izzy Rees play Charles and Diana Ingram superbly, bringing warmth and humanity to characters who could easily become caricatures. Their performances invite the audience to empathise with the couple, whatever conclusions they ultimately reach. Scott Brindle is equally enjoyable as Diana’s slightly dodgy brother Adrian, capturing the obsessive nature of the quiz fanatic. Dean Laccohee also deserves a mention for his portrayal of quiz host Chris Tarrant.
The production explains how Diana and Adrian become immersed in the world of competitive quizzing, joining syndicates that aim to maximise their chances of reaching the coveted “Fastest Finger First” round. Suspicion inevitably falls on Charles when he too reaches the hot seat. How could three members of the same family all make it onto Britain’s biggest quiz show? As Charles considers each answer, an audience member coughs at suspiciously convenient moments. Is Whittock deliberately signalling the correct answers, and could Charles even hear those coughs above the studio noise?
James Graham cleverly presents both the prosecution and defence, inviting the audience to weigh the evidence before deciding whether they agree with the guilty verdict. It’s an engaging structure that encourages plenty of discussion long after the curtain falls.
Afterwards, I discovered that some events were embellished for dramatic effect – for example, the attack on the family’s pets did not happen in real life – reminding us that this is a drama and not a documentary.
Although the second act feels slightly overlong, Quiz is an inventive, immersive and thought-provoking production. My guest and I debated the case all the way home, which is perhaps the greatest compliment the play could receive.
Whether you think the Ingrams were guilty or not, Bawds has delivered an immersive and entertaining evening that keeps you questioning the evidence until the very end.
Photo credit: Paul Ashley
