ROUND 1 - ‘Happy Birthday Albert Club – 1874 to 2024’

1.

In 1962 the biggest selling single in the UK was recorded by a chap from the West Country and dedicated to his daughter Jenny.  What instrument did he play?

2.

Which vehicle is often quoted in English law courts when describing someone who is a reasonably educated, intelligent but nondescript?  It is used as a yardstick to determine whether a defendant's conduct is reasonable?

3.

Which country park in the Dukeries was originally owned by the Dukes of Newcastle?

4.

Which North American city is the most populous city on the banks of Lake Erie?

5.

The middle two lines of a well-known four-line verse are:

“… / said, ‘I am going to dine with some men. / If anyone calls / …’”.

What was the middle name of the man who wrote these lines?

6.

Which 1971 film had a soundtrack that featured: Henry Purcell’s Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and Rossini’s William Tell Overture?

7.

Which New England dish is a traditional method of cooking seafood by steaming the ingredients over layers of seaweed in a pit oven?

8.

Who is the only player to have won the Champions League with three clubs – once with Ajax, in 1995, once with Real Madrid, in 1998 and twice with AC Milan, in 2003 and 2007?

Sp.

Who became Mayor of Stepney in 1919 and then entered parliament for a nearby constituency in 1922?

Go to Round 1 questions with answers

ROUND 2 - ‘The Athens of the North’

A Round of questions related to Edinburgh

1.

What is the name of the hill situated beyond the east end of Princes Street on top of which are a number of monuments such as the National Monument and the Robert Burns Monument?  The Scottish parliament building lies at the foot of this hill.

2.

Edinburgh has had a number of Scottish Football League teams over the years. One moved in 1995 to play in Livingston as Livingston FC - but what was its name when it was based in Edinburgh?

3.

What is the 3-word name of the main river of Edinburgh that rises in the Pentland hills and flows into the Firth of Forth?

4.

Which population hub to the west of the city centre shares its name with a street in London which contains two theatres?  It is the last rail stop before you get to Edinburgh Waverley, the main terminus in the centre of the city.

5.

Stevenson’s book The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde was said to be based on the real-life story of a notorious Edinburgh character who was head of a trades guild and Edinburgh city councillor by day but a burglar by night.  Who was he?

6.

Which 94-year old British physicist and Nobel laureate is Emeritus Professor at the University of Edinburgh?  His most notable work has been on the mass of subatomic particles?

7.

What was the name of the Catalan architect who designed the much-lauded Scottish Parliament Building who sadly died before its opening?

8.

What was the original name of Edinburgh airport?

Sp.

Edinburgh has four Universities, two of which are called the University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Napier University.  What are the names of one of the other two?

Go to Round 2 questions with answers

ROUND 3 - Pairs

1.

The first recorded association of Valentine's Day with romantic love is in the Parliament of Fowls by which English author?

2.

Published in 1930, who wrote Ash Wednesday a long poem in six sections about the difficulty of religious belief?

3.

It’s not Valentine, but… in the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches February 14th is the joint feast day of two saints and brothers known as the 'Apostles to the Slavs'.  What is the name of either?

4.

It’s not Valentine’s Day, but… created by the writers of the TV show Parks and Recreation, and nominally marked on February 13th, which unofficial festival celebrates women’s friendship?

5.

Which recording artist of the 1920s, the highest-paid black entertainer of her day, was called the 'Empress of the Blues'?

6.

Bessie Smith began her career touring with this singer.  Which recording artist of the 1920s, subject of a 2020 Academy Award-winning film about the recording of her Black Bottom, was called the 'Mother of the Blues'?

7.

One of only ten stations awarded 5 stars in Simon Jenkins’ Britain’s 100 Best Railway Stations and Category 'A' listed by Historic Environment Scotland, which station is noted for, among other features, a large glass-walled bridge that takes the station building over Argyle Street, nicknamed the 'Hielanman's Umbrella'?

8.

One of only ten stations awarded 5 stars in Simon Jenkins’ Britain’s 100 Best Railway Stations and listed Grade II* by Historic England, it is noted for its large, curved glass and iron roof.   Which is this railway station a 1 hour 52-minute non-stop journey from King’s Cross?

Sp1

Which non-alcoholic cocktail consists of soda and grenadine, often garnished with a cherry, and is named after a Hollywood child star?

Sp2

Which non-alcoholic cocktail consists of coca-cola and grenadine, often garnished with a cherry, and is named after a Hollywood actor and singer, who appeared in many Westerns?

Go to Round 3 questions with answers

ROUND 4 - 'Britney Spears songs'

Each answer refers to the title - or the antonym to the title of - a Britney Spears song

1.

Written in 1992, the fifth book in the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy series, and the final book released in the author Douglas Adam’s lifetime, is called what?

2.

Ultimately deriving from the Latin word for ‘right hand side’ what adjective describes one who is skilful and competent with the hands or who has good manual co-ordination?

3.

Following the story of an orphan in 18th century France, and written in German with subtitle Die Geschichte eines Mörders, which novel chronicles the murders by and eventual murder of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille?

4.

Named after the supposed lack of political action, despite actually passing 906 public bills, what is the nickname given to the 80th United States congress, meeting in Washington from 3rd Jan 1947 to 3rd January 1949?

5.

Deriving from an Old French word for the wick of a candle, and originally referring to a continuously burning length of cord, now made from small wooden sticks or tightly rolled stiff paper and coming in a box or a book, what are these fire lighting tools?

6.

In structural engineering, when analyzing the load-bearing capacity of a material, what term is commonly employed to denote its diminished ability to withstand external forces, thereby necessitating additional reinforcement or support to ensure structural integrity?

7.

Directed by Tarsem Singh, produced by Ram Bergman and James D Stern and written by Alex and David Pastor, which film tells the story of a business tycoon and billionaire diagnosed with a terminal illness who manages to save his own life by transferring his consciousness into a new, younger body. The film stars Ryan Reynolds, Natalie Martinez, and Ben Kingsley among others.

8.

A 1992 novella by Warren Adler, a 2004 album by Absolute Steel, a 2002 novel by Rick Salutin and a 2008 song by Britney Spears, what is a term that could be applied to the writer of the autobiography Histoire De Ma Vie, with the first names Giacomo Girolamo on account of his complicated and elaborate love affairs?

Go to Round 4 questions with answers

ROUND 5 - 'Manchester University Alumni MPs'

Each answer contains either the forename or the surname of an MP who studied at Manchester University - however none of the answers are the actual Manchester University alumni MPs

1.

Which Scottish bass guitar player was one of the founder members of the power trio Cream?  He later played with many different bands – including one named after himself.  He died in 2014.

2.

Born in Maesteg, Glamorgan, who was the UK’s longest serving female weather forecaster when she stepped down from ITV weather in 2014, following 24 years in the role?

3.

What is this, the 22nd letter of the Greek alphabet?

4.

The triumphant veteran of the American War of Independence, Banastre Tarleton, ended his military career as a General and served as the 2nd Liverpool MP for more than 20 years.  He is perhaps best remembered today for this painting – but who was the artist.

5.

The Sniper film series of 10 films to date, features Tom Berenger in 6 of them and Chad Michael Collins as his son in 7 of them.  What is the surname that they share?

6.

Who is Member of Parliament for Suffolk Coastal?  Her most recent Cabinet role was as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, resigning in November 2023.  One of her memorable suggestions was that people should eat turnips instead of tomatoes during a shortage of salad vegetables in the UK.

7.

A 7-minute period of play in a polo match is known as what?

8.

Born in 1902 and dying in 1985, who was ranked as the 7th best jockey of the 20th century?  He was nicknamed 'The Head Waiter' due to his riding style of coming from behind in races?  After a 27-year riding career, he became a great trainer in a 36 year career.  In rhyming slang his name was widely used to mean a cigarette.

Sp.

Name the Brazilian footballer who has played in 8 different countries during has career, clocking up 457 appearances and scoring 144 goals.  His career highlight was between 2008 and 2011 when he played in the premier League for Manchester City and Everton.

Go to Round 5 questions with answers

ROUND 6 - Announced Theme - 'Taskmaster'

Each answer is the name of someone who has appeared on the C4 show Taskmaster

1.

Finding fame as one half of indie duo 'Slow Club' and launching a solo career with albums such as Compliments Please and Prioritise Pleasure, how is the artist Rebecca Lucy Taylor better known?

2.

With the show LadsLadsLads reflecting on the breakdown of a relationship and its aftermath, which comedian married Australian comic Steen Raskopoulos in 2020?

3.

Possibly best known for his voiceover work on Love Island, which Scottish comedian started his television career on CBBC working alongside Dodge the Dog, The Toad of Wisdom and Hacker T Dog?

4.

With stand-up shows based around an Ian Dury and The Blockheads song, finding people sharing his name, and internet search queries that yield a single result, which comedian is well-known for his
extensive use of PowerPoint presentations in his shows?

5.

Starting his television career in bi-lingual children’s television presenting, before becoming a regular panellist and host of comedy panel shows in the UK, which comedian and former student of mathematics and theoretical physics became a patron of the Stockport Plaza Theatre in 2022?

6.

A surreal comic and artist, sometime team captain on Never Mind the Buzzcocks and participant in various Big Fat Quizzes, this performer is now perhaps best known as one of the presenters of The Great British Bake Off.  Who is he?

7.

A Scottish comedian, writer and podcaster who studied Arabic and Islamic History at the University of Edinburgh, who released a memoir in 2023 called Strong Female Character?

8.

With the breakdown of the relationship being the theme of Sara Pascoe’s aforementioned LadsLadsLads, whose 2017 Edinburgh show based on the same topic won the Edinburgh Comedy Award for his show The Darkness of Robins?

Sp1

Visiting Tallinn with Richard Ayoade in an episode of Travel Man, former host of Big Brother’s Bit on the Side, who is one of the three co-creators and presenters of the hit podcast series My Dad Wrote a Porno?

Sp2

Son of a Jamaican-born British citizen, and brother of novelist Zadie Smith and rapper Luc Skyz, which English actor, comedian, rapper and screenwriter said that he took his stage name from a character in Back to the Future?

Go to Round 6 questions with answers

ROUND 7 - Pairs

1.

Henry VIII’s elder sister, Margaret, married which King of Scotland in 1503?  (name and regnal number required)

2.

Henry VIII’s younger sister, Mary, married which King of France in 1514? (name and regnal number required)

3.

His brother, Jason, plays centre for the Philadelphia Eagles; Travis played in the 2024 Super Bowl as a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs.  What is their shared surname?

4.

His brother, Joey, plays linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers; Nick played in the 2024 Super Bowl as a defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers.  What is their shared surname?

5.

Although only half as bright as Sirius, what is the name of the second brightest star in the night sky, also designated Alpha Carinae (pronouncevd ka-RY-nee)?  It is too far south to be visible from Britain.

6.

Although readily visible from Britain, Sirius lies south of the celestial equator.  Designated Alpha Boötis (pronounced Boh-OH-tis), what bright red star is the fourth brightest in the night sky and the brightest in the northern celestial hemisphere.

7.

In this year’s Oscar nominations who became the oldest person to receive a Best Director nomination, for Killers of the Flower Moon?  It is his tenth nomination in this category, a record for a living person, although he has only won one of the previous nine.

8.

Who is the oldest Oscar nominee in any category, and has the most nominations of any living person?  This year he received his 54th nomination, Best Original Score for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.  He has previously won five times.

Sp1

Who acceded to the throne of Denmark in January 2024? (name and regnal number required)

Sp2

The name of the heir apparent to the throne of Denmark should come as no surprise, as every king of Denmark since 1513 has been called either Frederik or which other name?

Go to Round 7 questions with answers

ROUND 8 - Hidden theme

First names and surnames required for this round where appropriate

1.

Starring Bob Odenkirk, what is the name of the prequel to a well known US series shown on the Cable TV network AMC illustrated here?  It ran for 6 seasons between 2015 and 2022.

2.

What are the names of these 2 gantry cranes that have become symbols of the city of Belfast?

3.

Name the American National Park situated north of Palm Springs in California.  It straddles both the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert.

4.

Who was the prolific lyricist, best known for his collaboration with Burt Bacharach with songs such as Walk On By and Anyone Who Had a Heart?

5.

What is the name of the political adviser to Theresa May, who served as Joint Downing Street Chief of Staff alongside Fiona Hill?

6.

Which New York Yankees outfielder was 'Rookie of the Year' in 2017 and hit 62 Home runs in the 2022 season to break the 61-year-old record for this particular feat?

7.

Who is the English singer-songwriter who rose to prominence in 2014 with the song Budapest?  He won the British Male Solo Artist at the Brit Awards in 2019, and 2023 saw him awarded a Brits Billion Award – for having over 1 billion digital streams in the United Kingdom.

8.

What is the name of the system used by the USA to secure access to the country?

Sp.

Which sinfonia begins Act 3 of the oratorio Solomon by Handel?

Go to Round 8 questions with answers

ROUND 1 - ‘Happy Birthday Albert Club – 1874 to 2024’

1.

In 1962 the biggest selling single in the UK was recorded by a chap from the West Country and dedicated to his daughter Jenny.  What instrument did he play?

Clarinet

(Acker Bilk playing Stranger on the Shore)

2.

Which vehicle is often quoted in English law courts when describing someone who is a reasonably educated, intelligent but nondescript?  It is used as a yardstick to determine whether a defendant's conduct is reasonable?

Clapham omnibus

(as in ‘The Man on the Clapham Omnibus’)

3.

Which country park in the Dukeries was originally owned by the Dukes of Newcastle?

Clumber Park

4.

Which North American city is the most populous city on the banks of Lake Erie?

Cleveland

5.

The middle two lines of a well-known four-line verse are:

“… / said, ‘I am going to dine with some men. / If anyone calls / …’”.

What was the middle name of the man who wrote these lines?

Clerihew
(Edward Clerihew Bentley – missing first and fourth lines are “Sir Christopher Wren” & “say I’m designing St Paul’s”)

6.

Which 1971 film had a soundtrack that featured: Henry Purcell’s Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and Rossini’s William Tell Overture?

Clockwork Orange

7.

Which New England dish is a traditional method of cooking seafood by steaming the ingredients over layers of seaweed in a pit oven?

Clambake

8.

Who is the only player to have won the Champions League with three clubs – once with Ajax, in 1995, once with Real Madrid, in 1998 and twice with AC Milan, in 2003 and 2007?

Clarence Seedorf

Sp.

Who became Mayor of Stepney in 1919 and then entered parliament for a nearby constituency in 1922?

Clement Attlee

Theme: The Albert Club is 150 years old this year so the first word in each answer starts with the letters ‘CL’

(150 in Roman numerals)

ROUND 2 - ‘The Athens of the North’

A Round of questions related to Edinburgh

1.

What is the name of the hill situated beyond the east end of Princes Street on top of which are a number of monuments such as the National Monument and the Robert Burns Monument?  The Scottish parliament building lies at the foot of this hill.

Calton Hill

2.

Edinburgh has had a number of Scottish Football League teams over the years. One moved in 1995 to play in Livingston as Livingston FC - but what was its name when it was based in Edinburgh?

Meadowbank Thistle

3.

What is the 3-word name of the main river of Edinburgh that rises in the Pentland hills and flows into the Firth of Forth?

Water of Leith

4.

Which population hub to the west of the city centre shares its name with a street in London which contains two theatres?  It is the last rail stop before you get to Edinburgh Waverley, the main terminus in the centre of the city.

Haymarket

5.

Stevenson’s book The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde was said to be based on the real-life story of a notorious Edinburgh character who was head of a trades guild and Edinburgh city councillor by day but a burglar by night.  Who was he?

Deacon Brodie

6.

Which 94-year old British physicist and Nobel laureate is Emeritus Professor at the University of Edinburgh?  His most notable work has been on the mass of subatomic particles?

(Peter) Higgs

7.

What was the name of the Catalan architect who designed the much-lauded Scottish Parliament Building who sadly died before its opening?

(Enric) Miralles

8.

What was the original name of Edinburgh airport?

(RAF) Turnhouse

Sp.

Edinburgh has four Universities, two of which are called the University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Napier University.  What are the names of one of the other two?

Go back to Round 2 questions without answers

ROUND 3 - Pairs

1.

The first recorded association of Valentine's Day with romantic love is in the Parliament of Fowls by which English author?

Geoffrey Chaucer

2.

Published in 1930, who wrote Ash Wednesday a long poem in six sections about the difficulty of religious belief?

T(homas) S(tearns) Elliot

3.

It’s not Valentine, but… in the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches February 14th is the joint feast day of two saints and brothers known as the 'Apostles to the Slavs'.  What is the name of either?

Cyril or Methodius

4.

It’s not Valentine’s Day, but… created by the writers of the TV show Parks and Recreation, and nominally marked on February 13th, which unofficial festival celebrates women’s friendship?

Galentine’s Day

5.

Which recording artist of the 1920s, the highest-paid black entertainer of her day, was called the 'Empress of the Blues'?

Bessie Smith

6.

Bessie Smith began her career touring with this singer.  Which recording artist of the 1920s, subject of a 2020 Academy Award-winning film about the recording of her Black Bottom, was called the 'Mother of the Blues'?

'Ma' Rainey
(also accept Gertrude Rainey or Gertrude Pridgett)

7.

One of only ten stations awarded 5 stars in Simon Jenkins’ Britain’s 100 Best Railway Stations and Category 'A' listed by Historic Environment Scotland, which station is noted for, among other features, a large glass-walled bridge that takes the station building over Argyle Street, nicknamed the 'Hielanman's Umbrella'?

Glasgow Central

8.

One of only ten stations awarded 5 stars in Simon Jenkins’ Britain’s 100 Best Railway Stations and listed Grade II* by Historic England, it is noted for its large, curved glass and iron roof.   Which is this railway station a 1 hour 52-minute non-stop journey from King’s Cross?

York

Sp1

Which non-alcoholic cocktail consists of soda and grenadine, often garnished with a cherry, and is named after a Hollywood child star?

Shirley Temple

Sp2

Which non-alcoholic cocktail consists of coca-cola and grenadine, often garnished with a cherry, and is named after a Hollywood actor and singer, who appeared in many Westerns?

Roy Rogers

Go back to Round 3 questions without answers

ROUND 4 - 'Britney Spears songs'

Each answer refers to the title - or the antonym to the title of - a Britney Spears song.

Where an antonym the song title is in brackets below the answer.

1.

Written in 1992, the fifth book in the Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy series, and the final book released in the author Douglas Adam’s lifetime, is called what?

Mostly Harmless

(Toxic)

2.

Ultimately deriving from the Latin word for ‘right hand side’ what adjective describes one who is skilful and competent with the hands or who has good manual co-ordination?

Dextrous

(Clumsy)

3.

Following the story of an orphan in 18th century France, and written in German with subtitle Die Geschichte eines Mörders, which novel chronicles the murders by and eventual murder of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille?

Perfume

4.

Named after the supposed lack of political action, despite actually passing 906 public bills, what is the nickname given to the 80th United States congress, meeting in Washington from 3rd Jan 1947 to 3rd January 1949?

'Do nothing'

5.

Deriving from an Old French word for the wick of a candle, and originally referring to a continuously burning length of cord, now made from small wooden sticks or tightly rolled stiff paper and coming in a box or a book, what are these fire lighting tools?

Matches

6.

In structural engineering, when analyzing the load-bearing capacity of a material, what term is commonly employed to denote its diminished ability to withstand external forces, thereby necessitating additional reinforcement or support to ensure structural integrity?

Weaker

(Stronger)

7.

Directed by Tarsem Singh, produced by Ram Bergman and James D Stern and written by Alex and David Pastor, which film tells the story of a business tycoon and billionaire diagnosed with a terminal illness who manages to save his own life by transferring his consciousness into a new, younger body. The film stars Ryan Reynolds, Natalie Martinez, and Ben Kingsley among others.

Self/less
(Selfish)

8.

A 1992 novella by Warren Adler, a 2004 album by Absolute Steel, a 2002 novel by Rick Salutin and a 2008 song by Britney Spears, what is a term that could be applied to the writer of the autobiography Histoire De Ma Vie, with the first names Giacomo Girolamo on account of his complicated and elaborate love affairs?

Womanizer

Go back to Round 4 questions without answers

ROUND 5 - 'Manchester University Alumni MPs'

Each answer contains either the forename or the surname of an MP who studied at Manchester University - however none of the answers are the actual Manchester University alumni MPs

1.

Which Scottish bass guitar player was one of the founder members of the power trio Cream?  He later played with many different bands – including one named after himself.  He died in 2014.

(Jack) Bruce

2.

Born in Maesteg, Glamorgan, who was the UK’s longest serving female weather forecaster when she stepped down from ITV weather in 2014, following 24 years in the role?

(Sian) Lloyd

3.

What is this, the 22nd letter of the Greek alphabet shown here?

Chi

4.

The triumphant veteran of the American War of Independence, Banastre Tarleton, ended his military career as a General and served as the 2nd Liverpool MP for more than 20 years.  He is perhaps best remembered today for this painting – but who was the artist.

(Joshua) Reynolds

5.

The Sniper film series of 10 films to date, features Tom Berenger in 6 of them and Chad Michael Collins as his son in 7 of them.  What is the surname that they share?

Beckett

(Master Gunnery Sergeant Tom Beckett and his son Brandon)

6.

Who is Member of Parliament for Suffolk Coastal?  Her most recent Cabinet role was as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, resigning in November 2023.  One of her memorable suggestions was that people should eat turnips instead of tomatoes during a shortage of salad vegetables in the UK.

(Therese) Coffey

7.

A 7-minute period of play in a polo match is known as what?

A Chukka

8.

Born in 1902 and dying in 1985, who was ranked as the 7th best jockey of the 20th century?  He was nicknamed 'The Head Waiter' due to his riding style of coming from behind in races?  After a 27-year riding career, he became a great trainer in a 36 year career.  In rhyming slang his name was widely used to mean a cigarette.

(Harry) Wragg

(the rhyme was with the word fag)

Sp.

Name the Brazilian footballer who has played in 8 different countries during has career, clocking up 457 appearances and scoring 144 goals.  His career highlight was between 2008 and 2011 when he played in the premier League for Manchester City and Everton.

Jo

The alumni MPs are (with party colours shown):

Fiona Bruce; Tony Lloyd; Chi Onwurah; Jonathan Reynolds; Margaret Beckett; Ann Coffey; Chuka Umunna; William Wragg;

Jo Stevens

Go back to Round 5 questions without answers

ROUND 6 - Announced Theme - 'Taskmaster'

Each answer is the name of someone who has appeared on the C4 show Taskmaster

1.

Finding fame as one half of indie duo 'Slow Club' and launching a solo career with albums such as Compliments Please and Prioritise Pleasure, how is the artist Rebecca Lucy Taylor better known?

Self Esteem

2.

With the show LadsLadsLads reflecting on the breakdown of a relationship and its aftermath, which comedian married Australian comic Steen Raskopoulos in 2020?

Sara Pascoe

3.

Possibly best known for his voiceover work on Love Island, which Scottish comedian started his television career on CBBC working alongside Dodge the Dog, The Toad of Wisdom and Hacker T Dog?

Iain Stirling

4.

With stand-up shows based around an Ian Dury and The Blockheads song, finding people sharing his name, and internet search queries that yield a single result, which comedian is well-known for his
extensive use of PowerPoint presentations in his shows?

Dave Gorman

5.

Starting his television career in bi-lingual children’s television presenting, before becoming a regular panellist and host of comedy panel shows in the UK, which comedian and former student of mathematics and theoretical physics became a patron of the Stockport Plaza Theatre in 2022?

Dara Ó Briain

6.

A surreal comic and artist, sometime team captain on Never Mind the Buzzcocks and participant in various Big Fat Quizzes, this performer is now perhaps best known as one of the presenters of The Great British Bake Off.  Who is he?

Noel Fielding

7.

A Scottish comedian, writer and podcaster who studied Arabic and Islamic History at the University of Edinburgh, who released a memoir in 2023 called Strong Female Character?

Fern Brady

8.

With the breakdown of the relationship being the theme of Sara Pascoe’s aforementioned LadsLadsLads, whose 2017 Edinburgh show based on the same topic won the Edinburgh Comedy Award for his show The Darkness of Robins?

John Robins

Sp1

Visiting Tallinn with Richard Ayoade in an episode of Travel Man, former host of Big Brother’s Bit on the Side, who is one of the three co-creators and presenters of the hit podcast series My Dad Wrote a Porno?

Alice Levine

Sp2

Son of a Jamaican-born British citizen, and brother of novelist Zadie Smith and rapper Luc Skyz, which English actor, comedian, rapper and screenwriter said that he took his stage name from a character in Back to the Future?

'Doc' Brown
(also accept real name Ben Bailey Smith)

Go back to Round 6 questions without answers

ROUND 7 - Pairs

1.

Henry VIII’s elder sister, Margaret, married which King of Scotland in 1503?  (name and regnal number required)

James IV

2.

Henry VIII’s younger sister, Mary, married which King of France in 1514? (name and regnal number required)

Louis XII

3.

His brother, Jason, plays centre for the Philadelphia Eagles; Travis played in the 2024 Super Bowl as a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs.  What is their shared surname?

Kelce

(pronounced 'Kel-see')

4.

His brother, Joey, plays linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers; Nick played in the 2024 Super Bowl as a defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers.  What is their shared surname?

Bosa

5.

Although only half as bright as Sirius, what is the name of the second brightest star in the night sky, also designated Alpha Carinae (pronouncevd ka-RY-nee)?  It is too far south to be visible from Britain.

Canopus

6.

Although readily visible from Britain, Sirius lies south of the celestial equator.  Designated Alpha Boötis (pronounced Boh-OH-tis), what bright red star is the fourth brightest in the night sky and the brightest in the northern celestial hemisphere.

Arcturus

7.

In this year’s Oscar nominations who became the oldest person to receive a Best Director nomination, for Killers of the Flower Moon?  It is his tenth nomination in this category, a record for a living person, although he has only won one of the previous nine.

Martin Scorsese

8.

Who is the oldest Oscar nominee in any category, and has the most nominations of any living person?  This year he received his 54th nomination, Best Original Score for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.  He has previously won five times.

John Williams

Sp1

Who acceded to the throne of Denmark in January 2024? (name and regnal number required)

Frederik X

Sp2

The name of the heir apparent to the throne of Denmark should come as no surprise, as every king of Denmark since 1513 has been called either Frederik or which other name?

Christian

Go back to Round 7 questions without answers

ROUND 8 - Hidden theme

First names and surnames required for this round where appropriate

1.

Starring Bob Odenkirk, what is the name of the prequel to a well known US series shown on the Cable TV network AMC illustrated here?  It ran for 6 seasons between 2015 and 2022.

Better Call Saul

2.

What are the names of these 2 gantry cranes that have become symbols of the city of Belfast?

Samson & Goliath

3.

Name the American National Park situated north of Palm Springs in California.  It straddles both the Mojave Desert and the Colorado Desert.

Joshua Tree

4.

Who was the prolific lyricist, best known for his collaboration with Burt Bacharach with songs such as Walk On By and Anyone Who Had a Heart?

Hal David

5.

What is the name of the political adviser to Theresa May, who served as Joint Downing Street Chief of Staff alongside Fiona Hill?

Nick Timothy

6.

Which New York Yankees outfielder was 'Rookie of the Year' in 2017 and hit 62 Home runs in the 2022 season to break the 61-year-old record for this particular feat?

Aaron Judge

7.

Who is the English singer-songwriter who rose to prominence in 2014 with the song Budapest?  He won the British Male Solo Artist at the Brit Awards in 2019, and 2023 saw him awarded a Brits Billion Award – for having over 1 billion digital streams in the United Kingdom.

George Ezra

8.

What is the name of the system used by the USA to secure access to the country?

ESTA

(Electronic System for Travel Authorization)

Sp.

Which sinfonia begins Act 3 of the oratorio Solomon by Handel?

The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba

Theme: Each answer contains a name from the bible

Go back to Round 8 questions without answers