Show: The Thinking Drinkers Pub Quiz Venue: Underbelly Ermintrude, Bristo Square Time: 6.40pm Dates: 5th – 29th August (not 15th) Photographer: Steve Ullathorne Links: Website Instagram Twitter Facebook Podcast
Please tell me about your 2022 Edinburgh Festival Fringe show.
The ideal aperitif to any Fringe night out, this unique and interactive imbibing experience shakes up the iconic British pub quiz. The show is hosted by award-winning alcohol experts, comedians and drinks historians Tom Sandham and Ben McFarland, whose latest book was named Drinks Book of the Year 2021 by The Sunday Times.
As theatre-goers compete head-to-head, with a quiz sheet and pencil in one hand – and a selection of damn fine drinks in the other, Ben and Tom lead them on a hilarious exploration of alcohol’s influence on every aspect of humanity – from geography and language to history, religion, music, film and, most crucially, the intricate mating habits of a German butterfly.
With five free discerning alcoholic drinks, laughter and learning, “The Thinking Drinkers Pub Quiz”, delivers the best value for money in town with tickets starting at £8.50.
What is the attraction of performing at the Edinburgh Fringe?
This is our tenth year at the Fringe and, like a fine wine, it gets better every year, it costs more than it did three years ago and, erm.. this is where the analogy falls down a little, goes well with cold meats and cheese.
The real attraction is only working one hour a day and spending the rest of it mucking about and seeing other shows that are inferior to ours.
What do you think of Edinburgh?
Well, it could do with making it’s fckn mind up when it comes to the weather. It’s a handsome so and so though and it’s got a decent Primark.
Who inspires you?
The lovely ladies and gentlemen who make all the delicious drinks we give to each and every audience member during our show – without them, we literally wouldn’t be the household names we are today. Eh? Oh. Hats off to Krombacher Pils, Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva rum, Brockmans Gin, the London Essence Co tonics, Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Johnnie Walker Black. Lovely stuff!
Are there other shows you want to check out during the Fringe? What are they?
We always pop over to see Tony Law – y’know, just to make sure he’s doing OK.
Finally, ask and answer a question of your own.
Do you get five fantastic drinks in your show and is it very funny and extremely fascinating?
Yes. Yes it is.
