Beck Wilson encapsulates the show perfectly when she tells the audience, “You never know what to expect with Quizaret!”. Part trivia, part circus, and part something else altogether, you must expect the unexpected when partaking in this new breed of quiz night!
Beck Wilson and Scott Henman are pioneers of performance, having the imagination to create a show concept that I, and most of us, have never heard of before. Quizaret is the lovechild of all things astonishing and whimsical- moving from one act to the next and truly leaving the audience wondering, “What will happen next?”
The night begins innocently enough: the beautiful Beck Wilson, dressed in a dazzling gown, welcomes guests into a room laid out like your run-of-the-mill quiz night. There are all the usual suspects- tables complete with answer sheets and pens, chairs filled by other hopeful teams, and our two rather dapper-looking hosts that meet every contender with a sweet and welcoming smile. These similarities may lure you into thinking this night will be the same as all the other pub and hotel quizzes you have attended, but you would be mistaken. Quizaret is a little kooky- with circus acts, dorky jokes, and even some magic- yet endearing and joyful nevertheless.
The highlight of the night, I must admit, was a surprise performance by Perth talent Fiona Mariah. When Mariah opens her mouth magic spills out, evoking emotions that I was not expecting to feel on an unassuming Friday night. Those that beheld Mariah’s performance were left awestruck and misty-eyed, revelling in the all-consuming beauty and talent that her presence and voice floods the room with.
I suppose this is the true power of Quizaret. Not the quiz, nor the cabaret variety of performances- but of the little bouts of joy and magic that went hand in hand with the unpredictability. If I asked myself “What exactly am I watching?” then perhaps Wilson and Henman have succeeded. They have managed to execute a show where expectations and preconceptions must be left at the door and the audience will have to keep an open mind in order to enjoy the charming madness that is Quizaret.