A hit play inspired by a quiz show court case had the audience on the edge of their seats and clutching their keypads on opening night in Norwich.

Quiz: The Coughing Major Millionaire Scandal is on a UK tour following a sell-out debut at Chichester Festival Theatre in 2017 and a subsequent West End run. 

In 2020, the nation was gripped by a three-part ITV adaptation starring Michael Sheen as Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? host Chris Tarrant. 

Eastern Daily Press: The Cast of the UK tour of Quiz, set between the TV studio and Southwark Crown CourtThe Cast of the UK tour of Quiz, set between the TV studio and Southwark Crown Court (Image: Johan Persson)

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The play, written by James Graham, is now back on stage and led by impressionist Rory Bremner as an uncanny Tarrant, who gets his bumbling nature spot-on. 

The main locations used in the show are Southwark Crown Court and the TV studio.

Eastern Daily Press: Lewis Reeves (Charles Ingram) and Rory Bremner (Chris Tarrant) in QuizLewis Reeves (Charles Ingram) and Rory Bremner (Chris Tarrant) in Quiz (Image: Johan Persson)

It is based on the true story of British Army major Charles Ingram (Unforgotten star Lewis Reeves) who was accused of coughing his way to the £1 million jackpot in 2001.

In real life, Mr Ingram, his wife Diana (Emmerdale's Charley Webb) and accomplice Tecwen Whittock (Marc Antolin) were found guilty of cheating. 

In the play, the audience has the chance to have their say too - voting with keypads on whether the trio is guilty or not guilty.

Eastern Daily Press: Lewis Reeves (Charles Ingram) and Charley Webb (Diana Ingram) in QuizLewis Reeves (Charles Ingram) and Charley Webb (Diana Ingram) in Quiz (Image: Johan Persson)

There are two opportunities to vote -the first after the case for the prosecution has been heard and the second following the defence case and reveal of the real-life verdict. 

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There was only one other time that the keypads were required and it would have been great if this interactive element was utilised more.

The multi-rolling cast was fantastic, particularly Mark Benton (Northern Lights, Waterloo Road) as he seamlessly and hilariously switched from Judge Rivlin to a punter singing karaoke at his local boozer.

Eastern Daily Press: Mark Benton (as David Liddington) in Quiz Mark Benton (as David Liddington) in Quiz (Image: Johan Persson)

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Reeves was also a convincing Ingram and, importantly, showed the character's insecurities too. 

The play's winning formula is a real 50/50, with its impressive visual effects just as vital as its stellar performances. 

Quiz runs until November 4 - call 01603 630000 or visit norwichtheatre.org