ROUND 1 - 'Musical Instruments'

Each answer contains the name of a musical indstrument

1.

What fictional tabloid New York newspaper appears in Marvel Comics and has been adapted into a TV series and promotional campaign?

2.

Written around 1700 by composer Jeremiah Clarke (not as originally thought by Henry Purcell) this piece of music was officially called The Prince of Denmark's March in honour of the husband of Queen Anne.  What is it's more familiar name?

3.

Which musical instrument did Tchaikovsky use in The Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy from his Nutcracker Suite?

4.

The title role in this 1954 American Western was played by actor Sterling Hayden opposite Joan Crawford and a host of other noted actors.  Name the film.

5.

Named after a Greek god this instrument has been popular in folk culture across the world and not just in Greece.  It is known by two possible names.  Name either.

6.

What term is used to describe a piece of music played on this instrument often before or after a funeral service to provide a solemn and reflective atmosphere?

7.

This show tune was composed by Meredith Wilson and was the signature song of the 1957 musical The Music Man.  It is a popular tune played by marching bands, military band and orchestras. Name it.

8.

This tropical carnivorous plant has the Latin name 'Nepenthes Campanulata' and is known by its English name from its resemblance to this instrument.  What is it's full English name?

Sp1

This ground dwelling Australian bird is noted for its impressive ability to imitate natural and artificial sounds from its environment.  What is it called?

Sp2

In the 1848 song Oh Susanna by Stephen Foster (now greatly altered from its originally racist lyrics) what was he carrying on his knee whilst on his way to Louisiana to visit her?

Go to Round 1 questions with answers

ROUND 2 - Reverse Pairs

1.

Which programme, mainly shown on BBC4, is presented by Robbie Cummins?

2.

In which English city would you find the districts of Alvaston, Allestree and Allenton?

3.

How was Diana Moran better known on TV?

4.

Hurst Cross, home of the Robins, is which non-league football club's ground?

5.

Ewen Fields, home of the Tigers is which non-league football clubs ground?

6.

How was Derek Evans better known on TV?

7.

In which English city would you find the districts of Northfield, Frankley and Shirley?

8.

Which programme, mainly shown on BBC2, is presented by Ben Robinson ?

Sp1

In which English city would you find the districts of Costessey, Sprowston and Mousehole?

Sp2

Which country helped build the Suez Canal along with the Egyptians?

Go to Round 2 questions with answers

ROUND 3 - Reverse Pairs

1.

In which part of the body would you find a sensory organ known as The Organ Of Corti?

2.

Noel Coward,who died on this day in 1973, wrote a song in 1934 entitled Mrs Worthington in which he advised her not to do something.  What was it?

3.

Which American comedian and talk show host recently hosted the 2025 Oscars?

4.

Which former Governor of the Bank of England recently succeeded Justin Trudeau as Prime Minister of Canada?

5.

Which British politician was recently accused of exaggerating the length of time they worked at the Bank of England?

6.

Which British actor recently hosted the 2025 BAFTAs?

7.

Lord Elderley, Lord Borrowmere, Lord Sickert and Lord Camp are characters mentioned in which 1938 song by Noel Coward?

8.

n which part of the body would you find a U-shaped feature known as The Loop of Henle?

Sp1

At 73 years of age, Charles III was the oldest person to succeed to the British throne (i.e. the united throne of Great Britain).  Who, at 64 years of age, was the second oldest person to do so?

Sp2

At 18 years of age, Victoria was the youngest person to succeed to the British throne (i.e. the united throne of Great Britain).  Who, at 22 years of age, was the second youngest person to do so?

Go to Round 3 questions with answers

ROUND 4 - Ordinary Pairs

1.

What one word connects the following:

an alternative name for a carousel;

a word that features in the title of a play by Shakespeare;

how Hanna Glawari is referred to in the title of a 1905 operetta?

2.

What one word connects the following:

1951 song covered by Icelandic musician Bjork giving her her biggest UK chart hit in 1995;

1952 film directed by John Ford set and filmed in Co Mayo

a novel by Graham Greene set in Vietnam?

3.

The heads of which two presidents come between those of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln on Mount Rushmore?  (full names required)

4.

A 1970 album by which successful English Hard rock band featured the heads of all five band members carved into rock on the album cover?

5.

Paragon Interchange, a transport interchange providing rail, bus and coach services is in which English city?

6.

Built between 1846 and 1848 Citadel is a railway station in which English city?

7.

Which English poet wrote Sonnet 19 more commonly called When I Consider How my Light is Spent?

8.

In a soliloquy contemplating his imprisonment which eponymous character in a play by Shakespeare says:

" I wasted time and now doth time waste me “?

Sp1

Which Scottish band reached number one in 1989 with Belfast Child?

Sp2

The name of which Irish county features not once but twice in the title of Status Quo's only number one in the UK singles chart?

Go to Round 4 questions with answers

ROUND 5 - Run-ons

Please ignore definite and indefinite articles in giving the answers

1.

The usual English translation of 'Cosa Nostra',

&

a 1951 science-fiction horror film involving a crashed spaceship encased in Arctic ice and a humanoid creature found nearby.

2.

1848 novel by Anne Bronte about an abused wife seeking refuge here with her young son,

&

a grand Baroque style gallery in the palace of Versailles.

3.

Flagship beer from Fuller's Brewery first brewed in 1858 which is also the name of a 1941 patriotic song by Noel Coward,

&

how the character Sally was described in a 1931 film and song of this name by Gracie Fields.

4.

an aria from the opera Rigoletto which translates as (The) Woman is fickle.

5.

Film that won Best Picture at the recent Oscars,

&

a word describing energy that moves from one place to another in the form of waves or particles.

6.

Surname of a two-times Wimbledon champion who is currently ranked world number three in tennis and a word describing the horizontal angle of a compass bearing most commonly north?

7.

Full name of the last RAF pilot to fight in the Battle of Britain who died recently at the age of 105,

&

the name given to resolutions by the House of Commons to give consent to parts of a bill that will involve taxes or other charges to the public.

8.

Word describing the first and higher number in a blood pressure reading,

a fish-like reptile from the Jurassic and Cretaceous eras.

Sp1

Full name of the protagonist of Kurt Vonnegut's 1969 novel Slaughterhouse Five,

&

the family name of the ruling House of Monaco.

Sp2

A narrow street at the bottom of Whitefriargate in the old town area of the city of Hull thought to have been named after selling this product in the Middle Ages,

&

the real surname of American pop star, Lady Gaga.

Go to Round 5 questions with answers

ROUND 6 - Reverse Pairs

1.

Which Manchester-born comedian, who gained more fame from appearing on the 1970s show The Comedians, was known for his role as committee spokesman at The Wheeltappers & Shunters Club?

2.

What does a manometer measure?

3.

What nationality were The Goombay Dance band, who had the hit Seven Tears in 1982?

4.

What spirit is used in the cocktail Zombie?

5.

What spirit is used in the cocktail Negroni?

6.

What nationality was Aneka, who had a hit with Japanese Boy in 1981?

7.

What does an anemometer measure?

8.

Which Manchester-born comedian, who also gained fame in The Comedians, was known for his simple jokes and catchphrases: “Settle Down Now” and “Aren't we having a good time?”

Sp1

What spirit is used in the cocktail Harvey Wallbanger?

Sp2

What nationality were the pop band Shocking Blue, who had the original hit Venus in 1970?

Go to Round 6 questions with answers

ROUND 7 - 'Of Bards and Berts'

The theme may be reflected in the question or the answer

1.

Which singer, songwriter, author and political activist is known as the 'Bard of Barking'?

2.

Which French town hosted the 1992 Winter Olympic Games?

3.

The Worst of the Berts was a 1980 compilation album featuring the greatest hits of which satirical Manchester rock band?  They were active between 1973 and 1982 and reached the UK Singles Chart in 1978 with their Status Quo spoof Heads Down No Nonsense Mindless Boogie.

4.

Taking its name from a group of moneylenders operating in Northern Italy in the 13th and 14th centuries what London street is notable for its connections with the City of London's merchant, banking and insurance industries?

5.

“In the small market town of Loxford, a shy young man is urged to become the town's 'May King' in the annual fete.  He is tricked into drinking spiked lemonade and sets off on a boisterous adventure which provides him with a new-found sense of independence."

Of which 1947 opera is this a synopsis?

6.

Which jovial Oldham publican often sang Danny Boy before closing time at his pub Help The Poor Struggler?  He was more aloof while doing his daytime job.

7.

Which actress became an overnight sensation and international star after her appearance in the 1956 film And God Created Woman?

8.

Which poet, journalist, playwright and broadcaster is known as the 'Bard of Barnsley'?

Sp1

Known perhaps with some exaggeration as the 'Island of 20,000 Saints' what is the English name for the island located about two miles off the Llyn Peninsula in Gwynedd?

Sp2

With a name that links both sides of the room in tonight's cup quiz match which prolific songwriter had chart success as a singer in his own right with his 1973 single The Free Electric Band?

Go to Round 7 questions with answers

ROUND 8 - 'Nosh-talgia'

1.

What ubiquitous condiment became known as 'Wilson's gravy' in the 1960s and '70s, after Mary Wilson, the wife of the Prime Minister, confided to The Sunday Times: "If Harold has a fault, it is that he will drown everything on his plate with the stuff".?

2.

What brand of coffee and chicory syrup was first produced in Glasgow in 1876?   The original label showed a Sikh servant waiting on a seated Scottish soldier but in more enlightened times since 2006 the Sikh is depicted as a soldier sitting beside his Scottish comrade with a cup and saucer of his own.

3.

 What pudding made from a starch extracted from the tubers of the cassava plant added to milk or cream has often been described as 'Britain's most hated school pudding' though it seems to be making a comeback this century in Michelin-starred restaurants.

4.

A homely Italian white table wine masqueraded under which French name and took the English market by storm in the mid 1970s?  Its French name meant 'swallow' in English (the bird not the throaty manoeuvre) and priced at just over a quid a bottle it was an economic way for students to add an air of much needed sophistication to their parties.

5.

Popularised in the 1960s by Fanny Cradock what is the name of the sauce used to make a prawn cocktail?

6.

What name was given to the powdered dessert mix first produced in a strawberries and cream flavour by the Bird's company?  After a lull in popularity in the 1980s its sales revived after an advertising campaign featuring Wallace and Gromit.  It was named Britain's favourite childhood dish in a 2015 survey.

7.

No aspiring sophisticate could be seen without a bottle of which drink in the 1980s?  Its chic reputation was dealt a severe blow in 1990 when its source at Vergèze was found to contain traces of benzene, a carcinogen, causing the worldwide withdrawal of the product, more than 160 million bottles.

8.

What name was given to the brand of exotic freeze-dried ready meals launched by the less than exotic Batchelors company in the late 1960s?  It mysteriously shared its name with the Roman goddess of hearth and home.  Why waste time cooking when everyone could enjoy the authentic tastes of India and China while sitting in front of the telly.

Sp1

Until 1968, the Egg Marketing Board placed what symbol on eggs as a sign of approval?

Sp2

A pantry was originally a store area for what type of food?

Go to Round 8 questions with answers

ROUND 1 - 'Musical Instruments'

Each answer contains the name of a musical indstrument

1.

What fictional tabloid New York newspaper appears in Marvel Comics and has been adapted into a TV series and promotional campaign?

 Daily Bugle

2.

Written around 1700 by composer Jeremiah Clarke (not as originally thought by Henry Purcell) this piece of music was officially called The Prince of Denmark's March in honour of the husband of Queen Anne.  What is it's more familiar name?

Trumpet Voluntary

3.

Which musical instrument did Tchaikovsky use in The Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy from his Nutcracker Suite?

Celesta

4.

The title role in this 1954 American Western was played by actor Sterling Hayden opposite Joan Crawford and a host of other noted actors.  Name the film.

Johnny Guitar

5.

Named after a Greek god this instrument has been popular in folk culture across the world and not just in Greece.  It is known by two possible names.  Name either.

Pan Pipe or Flute

6.

What term is used to describe a piece of music played on this instrument often before or after a funeral service to provide a solemn and reflective atmosphere?

 Organ Voluntary

7.

This show tune was composed by Meredith Wilson and was the signature song of the 1957 musical The Music Man.  It is a popular tune played by marching bands, military band and orchestras. Name it.

Srventy Six Trombones

8.

This tropical carnivorous plant has the Latin name 'Nepenthes Campanulata' and is known by its English name from its resemblance to this instrument.  What is it's full English name?

Bell-Pitcher

Sp1

This ground dwelling Australian bird is noted for its impressive ability to imitate natural and artificial sounds from its environment.  What is it called?

Lyrebird

Sp2

In the 1848 song Oh Susanna by Stephen Foster (now greatly altered from its originally racist lyrics) what was he carrying on his knee whilst on his way to Louisiana to visit her?

Banjo

ROUND 2 - Reverse Pairs

1.

Which programme, mainly shown on BBC4, is presented by Robbie Cummins?

Canal Boat Diaries

2.

In which English city would you find the districts of Alvaston, Allestree and Allenton?

Derby

3.

How was Diana Moran better known on TV?

The Green Goddess

4.

Hurst Cross, home of the Robins, is which non-league football club's ground?

Ashton United

5.

Ewen Fields, home of the Tigers is which non-league football clubs ground?

Hyde United

6.

How was Derek Evans better known on TV?

Mr Motivator

7.

In which English city would you find the districts of Northfield, Frankley and Shirley?

Birmingham

8.

Which programme, mainly shown on BBC2, is presented by Ben Robinson ?

Villages by the Sea

Sp1

In which English city would you find the districts of Costessey, Sprowston and Mousehole?

Norwich

Sp2

Which country helped build the Suez Canal along with the Egyptians?

France

Go back to Round 2 questions without answers

ROUND 3 - Recerse Pairs

1.

In which part of the body would you find a sensory organ known as The Organ Of Corti?

The ear

(it converts sound vibrations into electrical signals that are sent to the brain)

2.

Noel Coward,who died on this day in 1973, wrote a song in 1934 entitled Mrs Worthington in which he advised her not to do something.  What was it?

"Put her daughter on the stage"

3.

Which American comedian and talk show host recently hosted the 2025 Oscars?

Conan O'Brien

4.

Which former Governor of the Bank of England recently succeeded Justin Trudeau as Prime Minister of Canada?

Mark Carney

5.

Which British politician was recently accused of exaggerating the length of time they worked at the Bank of England?

Rachel Reeves

6.

Which British actor recently hosted the 2025 BAFTAs?

David Tennant

7.

Lord Elderley, Lord Borrowmere, Lord Sickert and Lord Camp are characters mentioned in which 1938 song by Noel Coward?

The Stately Homes of England

8.

n which part of the body would you find a U-shaped feature known as The Loop of Henle?

The kidney

(it helps to reabsorb water and salt enabling the production of urine)

Sp1

At 73 years of age, Charles III was the oldest person to succeed to the British throne (i.e. the united throne of Great Britain).  Who, at 64 years of age, was the second oldest person to do so?

William IV

(in 1830)

Sp2

At 18 years of age, Victoria was the youngest person to succeed to the British throne (i.e. the united throne of Great Britain).  Who, at 22 years of age, was the second youngest person to do so?

George III

(in 1760)

Go back to Round 3 questions without answers

ROUND 4 - Ordinary Pairs

1.

What one word connects the following:

an alternative name for a carousel;

a word that features in the title of a play by Shakespeare;

how Hanna Glawari is referred to in the title of a 1905 operetta?

Merry

(Merry-go- round; The Merry Wives of Windsor; The Merry Widow)

2.

What one word connects the following:

1951 song covered by Icelandic musician Bjork giving her her biggest UK chart hit in 1995;

1952 film directed by John Ford set and filmed in Co Mayo

a novel by Graham Greene set in Vietnam?

Quiet

(It's Oh So Quiet; The Quiet Man; The Quiet American)

3.

The heads of which two presidents come between those of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln on Mount Rushmore?  (full names required)

Thomas Jefferson and

Theodore Roosevelt

4.

A 1970 album by which successful English Hard rock band featured the heads of all five band members carved into rock on the album cover?

Deep Purple

(Deep Purple in Rock)

5.

Paragon Interchange, a transport interchange providing rail, bus and coach services is in which English city?

(Kingdton-upon) Hull

6.

Built between 1846 and 1848 Citadel is a railway station in which English city?

Carlisle

7.

Which English poet wrote Sonnet 19 more commonly called When I Consider How my Light is Spent?

John Milton

8.

In a soliloquy contemplating his imprisonment which eponymous character in a play by Shakespeare says:

" I wasted time and now doth time waste me “?

Richard II

Sp1

Which Scottish band reached number one in 1989 with Belfast Child?

Simple Minds

Sp2

The name of which Irish county features not once but twice in the title of Status Quo's only number one in the UK singles chart?

Down

(Down Down)

Go back to Round 4 questions without answers

ROUND 5 - Run-ons

Please ignore definite and indefinite articles in giving the answers

1.

The usual English translation of 'Cosa Nostra',

&

a 1951 science-fiction horror film involving a crashed spaceship encased in Arctic ice and a humanoid creature found nearby.

Our Thing from Another World

(Our thing, Thing from Another World)

2.

1848 novel by Anne Bronte about an abused wife seeking refuge here with her young son,

&

a grand Baroque style gallery in the palace of Versailles.

(The) Tenant of Wildfell Hall of Mirrors

(Tenant of Wildfell Hall, Hall of Mirrors)

3.

Flagship beer from Fuller's Brewery first brewed in 1858 which is also the name of a 1941 patriotic song by Noel Coward,

&

how the character Sally was described in a 1931 film and song of this name by Gracie Fields.

London Pride of Our Alley

(London Pride, Pride of our Alley)

4.

an aria from the opera Rigoletto which translates as (The) Woman is fickle.

Belladonnaemobile

(Belladonna, Donna e Mobile)

5.

Film that won Best Picture at the recent Oscars,

&

a word describing energy that moves from one place to another in the form of waves or particles.

Anoradiation

(Anora and Radiation).

6.

Surname of a two-times Wimbledon champion who is currently ranked world number three in tennis and a word describing the horizontal angle of a compass bearing most commonly north?

Alcarazimuth

(Alcaraz and Azimuth)

7.

Full name of the last RAF pilot to fight in the Battle of Britain who died recently at the age of 105,

&

the name given to resolutions by the House of Commons to give consent to parts of a bill that will involve taxes or other charges to the public.

John (or Paddy) Hemingways and Means

(John Hemingway, Ways and Means)

8.

Word describing the first and higher number in a blood pressure reading,

a fish-like reptile from the Jurassic and Cretaceous eras.

Systolicthyosaur

(Systolic, Icthyosaur)

Sp1

Full name of the protagonist of Kurt Vonnegut's 1969 novel Slaughterhouse Five,

&

the family name of the ruling House of Monaco.

Billy Pilgrimaldi

(Billy Pilgrim, Grimaldi)

Sp2

A narrow street at the bottom of Whitefriargate in the old town area of the city of Hull thought to have been named after selling this product in the Middle Ages,

&

the real surname of American pop star, Lady Gaga.

Land of Green Gingermanotta

(Land of Green Ginger, Germanotta)

Go back to Round 5 questions without answers

ROUND 6 - Reverse Pairs

1.

Which Manchester-born comedian, who gained more fame from appearing on the 1970s show The Comedians, was known for his role as committee spokesman at The Wheeltappers & Shunters Club?

Colin Crompton

2.

What does a manometer measure?

Pressure

(of a fluid or gas in a confined space, like pipes)

3.

What nationality were The Goombay Dance band, who had the hit Seven Tears in 1982?

German

4.

What spirit is used in the cocktail Zombie?

Rum

5.

What spirit is used in the cocktail Negroni?

Gin

6.

What nationality was Aneka, who had a hit with Japanese Boy in 1981?

Scottish

7.

What does an anemometer measure?

Wind speed

(accept 'wind pressure')

8.

Which Manchester-born comedian, who also gained fame in The Comedians, was known for his simple jokes and catchphrases: “Settle Down Now” and “Aren't we having a good time?”

Ken Goodwin

Sp1

What spirit is used in the cocktail Harvey Wallbanger?

Vodka

Sp2

What nationality were the pop band Shocking Blue, who had the original hit Venus in 1970?

Dutch

Go back to Round 6 questions without answers

ROUND 7 - 'Of Bards and Berts'

The theme may be reflected in the question or the answer

1.

Which singer, songwriter, author and political activist is known as the 'Bard of Barking'?

Billy Bragg

2.

Which French town hosted the 1992 Winter Olympic Games?

Albertville

3.

The Worst of the Berts was a 1980 compilation album featuring the greatest hits of which satirical Manchester rock band?  They were active between 1973 and 1982 and reached the UK Singles Chart in 1978 with their Status Quo spoof Heads Down No Nonsense Mindless Boogie.

Alberto Y Los Trios Paranoias

4.

Taking its name from a group of moneylenders operating in Northern Italy in the 13th and 14th centuries what London street is notable for its connections with the City of London's merchant, banking and insurance industries?

Lombard

(Street)

5.

“In the small market town of Loxford, a shy young man is urged to become the town's 'May King' in the annual fete.  He is tricked into drinking spiked lemonade and sets off on a boisterous adventure which provides him with a new-found sense of independence."

Of which 1947 opera is this a synopsis?

Albert Herring

6.

Which jovial Oldham publican often sang Danny Boy before closing time at his pub Help The Poor Struggler?  He was more aloof while doing his daytime job.

Albert Pierrepoint

7.

Which actress became an overnight sensation and international star after her appearance in the 1956 film And God Created Woman?

Brigitte Bardot

8.

Which poet, journalist, playwright and broadcaster is known as the 'Bard of Barnsley'?

Ian McMillan

Sp1

Known perhaps with some exaggeration as the 'Island of 20,000 Saints' what is the English name for the island located about two miles off the Llyn Peninsula in Gwynedd?

Bardsey

Sp2

With a name that links both sides of the room in tonight's cup quiz match which prolific songwriter had chart success as a singer in his own right with his 1973 single The Free Electric Band?

Albert Hammond

Go back to Round 7 questions without answers

ROUND 8 - 'Nosh-talgia'

1.

What ubiquitous condiment became known as 'Wilson's gravy' in the 1960s and '70s, after Mary Wilson, the wife of the Prime Minister, confided to The Sunday Times: "If Harold has a fault, it is that he will drown everything on his plate with the stuff".?

HP sauce

2.

What brand of coffee and chicory syrup was first produced in Glasgow in 1876?   The original label showed a Sikh servant waiting on a seated Scottish soldier but in more enlightened times since 2006 the Sikh is depicted as a soldier sitting beside his Scottish comrade with a cup and saucer of his own.

Camp coffee

3.

 What pudding made from a starch extracted from the tubers of the cassava plant added to milk or cream has often been described as 'Britain's most hated school pudding' though it seems to be making a comeback this century in Michelin-starred restaurants.

Tapioca

(pudding)

4.

A homely Italian white table wine masqueraded under which French name and took the English market by storm in the mid 1970s?  Its French name meant 'swallow' in English (the bird not the throaty manoeuvre) and priced at just over a quid a bottle it was an economic way for students to add an air of much needed sophistication to their parties.

Hirondelle

5.

Popularised in the 1960s by Fanny Cradock what is the name of the sauce used to make a prawn cocktail?

Marie rose

(sauce)

6.

What name was given to the powdered dessert mix first produced in a strawberries and cream flavour by the Bird's company?  After a lull in popularity in the 1980s its sales revived after an advertising campaign featuring Wallace and Gromit.  It was named Britain's favourite childhood dish in a 2015 survey.

Angel Delight

7.

No aspiring sophisticate could be seen without a bottle of which drink in the 1980s?  Its chic reputation was dealt a severe blow in 1990 when its source at Vergèze was found to contain traces of benzene, a carcinogen, causing the worldwide withdrawal of the product, more than 160 million bottles.

Perrier water

8.

What name was given to the brand of exotic freeze-dried ready meals launched by the less than exotic Batchelors company in the late 1960s?  It mysteriously shared its name with the Roman goddess of hearth and home.  Why waste time cooking when everyone could enjoy the authentic tastes of India and China while sitting in front of the telly.

Vesta

(meals)

Sp1

Until 1968, the Egg Marketing Board placed what symbol on eggs as a sign of approval?

Lion

Sp2

A pantry was originally a store area for what type of food?

Bread

Go back to Round 8 questions without answers