The virtual pub quiz. Not like the real thing

This week we notched up another first: we took part in a virtual pub quiz.

Brian and I used to love a quiz in the Real World. In fact we used to regularly attend the Thursday night quiz at our local pub until they carried out a terrible refurb and moved the event to a much-less-acceptable Tuesday. 

So, imagine my excitement when I discovered there was a virtual lockdown quiz on You Tube – and on a Thursday night, too.

I’m not sure what I was expecting. A jovial, wise-cracking landlord interspersing his questions with banter, perhaps? Plus a cosy, pub-like backdrop with low lighting and background music?

Instead there was this ordinary-looking bloke, drinking gin in his living room and working his way through a bunch of standard quiz rounds with a deadpan delivery. A wild night in It wasn’t.

But it did serve to highlight another new facet of our lives: the fact that everyone’s worlds are becoming smaller.

I hate to mention Joe Wicks again, but his daily workouts are also broadcast from his living room. He even makes a feature out of the domestic background, rearranging photos and bric-a-brac on the shelves so that kids can play “Spot the Difference” each day. Got to love Joe.

Last night’s Have I Got News for You was another first because the paneliists and quizmistress all stayed home. So we were allowed a rare glimpse into the homes of Paul Merton, Ian Hislop et al as they broadcast from their kitchens and studies.

And Radio Four’s Open Country on Thursday - which usually focuses on, well, open country – actually took place in the presenter’s garden. Admittedly this garden sounded pretty interesting as it backed on to the Thames and featured swans’ nests and suchlike, but exploring one’s own back garden in a show about the countryside is a step too far in my book. 

However, all these initiatives show resourcefulness, enterprise and a determination to connect with other people - come what may. No doubt these virtual TV shows, exercise classes and hobby groups will become increasingly present and ever-more sophisticated as we head deeper into Lockdown. And you never know: someone might even come up with a decent pub quiz. 

Remember when you could do a pub quiz in an actual pub?