‘Quiz: the Coughing Major Millionaire Scandal’ is a thought provoking depiction of controversy and conformity. An excellent time capsule of British “culture” and attitudes. This two sided, black and white version of events is a mind spinning adaptation of the well known scandal. This slick, clever piece of theatre will have you on the edge of your seat, bringing up unresolved feelings surrounding the media, the British justice system and our attitude towards the rise and fall of those who seem to be on top.
In a shockingly shameless scam, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire was duped out of £1,000,000. Or was it? The story remains a mystery and had over six million people glued to their screens watching ITV’s adaptation of this West End smash hit play. Now, uncovering new evidence, it’s time to ask you, the audience, to put fingers on keypads and answer the ultimate 50/50: guilty or not guilty?
Rory Bremner was an outstanding Chris Tarrant. Bremner’s impersonation was a true masterclass in impersonation. This physical imitation was second to none, using lifelike facial expressions Bremner embodies Tarrant on stage almost causing audience members to double take. The commitment to the role was most impressive, having studied Tarrant’s mannerisms to perfection. As well as these physical attributes Bremner also studied the voice of Tarrant, portraying his quirks expertly – using inflection and intonation to amuse the audience as he impersonated the presenter and host that we as a nation have welcomed into our homes over the years.
Charley Webb as Diana Ingram made for a wonderfully intriguing character. Webb used her body language as a multifaceted tool which conflicted us, using body language to portray her as timid and reserved yet bold. Webb’s mannerisms and posture lent towards an old fashioned type of woman that we have seen portrayed time and time again – that of a well behaved, middle class housewife. Webb’s delivery of the dialogue was excellent portraying Diana Ingram as vulnerable, unsure of herself and yet somewhat deceitful. Webb did an excellent job of portraying the mystery, however, the writing of the character itself feels flawed. The character almost feels half baked, a representation of ‘a wife’ rather than a real person – though perhaps this was the intention.
Lewis Reeves as Charles Ingram had a wonderfully light tone of voice, which made the audience inclined to listen to his version of events. His physicality matched that of a member of the Army, using tension and good posture. Reeves brought an interesting element with his portrayal of nervous body language and behaviour by using subtle and naturalistic movement.
Mark Benton as Judge Rivlin among other characters was a hilarious addition to the cast. Despite the very serious nature of the courtroom scenes Benton acted as a breath of fresh air through the balance of the delivery of his dialogue. Benton created many interesting characters which mainly added humour. He used a variety of accents and physical comedy to keep the audience thoroughly entertained.
Stefan Adegbola as Paul Smith was excellent and created a stern, truthful character. Adegbola took the character through a wonderful journey using his storytelling ability, his character journey was well mapped out which allowed the audience to follow his personal investment. Adegbola’s naturalistic, minimal approach to the emotive aspects of the character allowed the audience to believe in the character’s ability to build the world he was eager to protect.
Marc Antolin brought a wonderful energy to the stage. Antolin’s stage presence was moreish. Antolin’s commitment to his craft showed wonderful versatility and left the audience in awe of his ability to develop many wonderful characters. As well as this ability to command the audience was fantastic – igniting a reaction.
Danielle Henry excelled in her role as the defence lawyer. Her delivery of the dialogue was convincing, concise and effective. Her emphasis and intonation built an emotional drive behind the defence’s case which conflicted the audience and was the driving force behind the shift in the narrative. Her body language was certain and confident, allowing the audience to be hooked on her every word.
Sukh Ojla was an extremely versatile actor who took her moments to shine within this performance. Her delivery of her dialogue left the audience in stitches at times and her interpretation of familiar character resonated with the audience.
Jay Taylor was fantastic within his multiple roles. His characters were fully rounded and each portrayed to perfection. Through voice and body language Taylor depicted his character with such differentiation that Major General Roberts and Adrian Pollock feel like they were played by two completely different actors. His commitment to each character allowed the audience to fall into the worlds of them, separating the characters from the actors completely.
Leo Wringer as Nicholas Hilliard QC was excellent. His portrayal of the character was powerful. Wringer played his part to perfection, sternly and concisely laying out the facts and acting as devil’s advocate. His interaction with the audience was excellent, truly selling the fact that the audience itself was being called upon to make decisions and bringing us along in the journey.
Daniel Evans and Seán Linnen have directed an extremely intriguing, thought provoking show. The time capsule of British culture in pop music and soap opera’s is particularly charming. The tension they have created throughout the show is fantastic and gripping. The play is clean, set out in two acts – one in favour of the defence and one the prosecution. Although this makes for a clean timeline, there could be more tension if there was more interjection made between the cases. Unfortunately, due to the courtroom being the main setting it removes the ability to delve into the characters personal lives. With the character’s being real people there’s a want for that insight and knowledge of the why – which is somewhat missed due to the court structure. The audience have the opportunity to be involved due to devices handed out before the show has begun, this could be used more often to create a fun engaging tool throughout and is a lovely quirk. Although the tension is well portrayed, some stylistic movement as well as a flashback both feel somewhat out of place in an otherwise rigid but effective structure. This being said the movement itself is fantastic. The depiction of the media could have been more vulgar and deceptive to create a more sinister and sickly atmosphere.
‘Quiz: the Coughing Major Millionaire Scandal’ is a wonderful piece of theatre which leaves you wanting more. The tension and intrigue of this crime documentary style of theatre is particularly interesting and something which will inspire many more of its kind. The novelty of audience participation is a great tool to make the audience feel involved and although it feels like we need to know more of the characters themselves the black and white nature of the scandal leaves the audience feeling conflicted and self-reflective.
‘Quiz: the Coughing Major Millionaire Scandal’ is playing at The Glasgow King’s Theatre from the 10th-14th of October. Get your tickets here: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/quiz-the-coughing-major-millionaire-scandal/kings-theatre-glasgow/calendar/2023-10-11
📸Johan Persson
Theatre Scotland 
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