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games compendium
p
panic
buying We were all guilty when it was feared that the tanker drivers would
go on strike. Barry stocked up with 200 gallons of petrol in jerrycans in his
shed, but in the event it turned out quite unnecessary when Barry remembered
he’s never owned a car. In this round one team will be shopkeepers and
the other team are customers out for a spot of panic buying. The
shopkeeper’s task is to figure out the event for which they are panic
buying.
paranoia Each team in turn suffers from a
given affliction. This first team then has to guess their affliction based on
hints from the second team. The audience are shown the affliction on the laser
display board, whilst the listeners are told by the Mystery Voice.
parking or
bedroom The panellists are asked to come up with phrases that might be
suitable for use both in the bedroom and while parking in a car.
pass the swanee
whistle A member of a team plays one song on a Swanee whistle. When the
Chairman blows his horn the whistle is passed to the other team member who
continues playing the song. When the horn is blown again, the whistle is passed
back to the first team member who continues playing, and so on.
pick up
song
Each panellist sings along to a record which is suddenly faded out. The
panellist has to continue singing until the record is faded back up later.
Occasionally the round is played with each team singing a duet. Points are
awarded according to how close they are to the original record. And what do
points mean? The following is a list of some of the featured prizes:
- new! This week’s prize is the world's most annoying beach
furniture - it’s this Ant & Dec chair.
- This
week’s prize is just the latest in French cast iron cookware for the
discerning castaway - it’s this Robin Le Creuset.
- This
week’s prize is just the thing for fans of the pop charts and herpes
based skin rashes - it’s this Guinness Book of Hit
Shingles.
- This
week’s prize is the perfect hi-fidelity system for your classic flying
car - it’s this Chitty Chitty Bang Bang & Olufsen.
- This
week’s prize is the perfect curry dish for Gen Z - it’s
this Chicken Tikka Tokka Masala.
- This
week’s prize is the world’s most argumentative Indian
starter - it’s this Argy Bhaji.
- This
week’s prize is the perfect postprandial treat for the sweet toothed
furrier - it’s this After Eight Mink.
- This
week’s prize is just the thing for the house proud Bond villain - it
is this Febreze Lair Freshner.
- This
week’s prize is the perfect postprandial treat for the sweet-toothed
furrier - it’s this After Eight Mink.
- This
week’s prize comes courtesy of the Saudi Arabian cricket
federation - it’s a pair of front row seats at the
Lashes.
- This
week’s prize is an original artwork by Bristol’s latest graffiti
artist whose personal struggle with weight gain is reflected in his work -
Spanksy.
- This
week’s prize is the Brexiteer’s most hated salad ingredient -
is this Remain lettuce.
- This
week’s prize is this perfect support garment for the gentleman who
dresses to the right - it’s this Liz Truss.
- This
week’s prize is just the thing liven up a listless sea mammal -
it’s this Nespresso dolphin pod.
- This
week’s prize is the perfect kitchen gadget for the busy sloth -
it’s this extra slow cooker.
- This
week’s prize is just the thing for the Chinese-food loving Star Wars
fan - it’s this Ken Hom Ewok.
- This
week’s prize comes with its own royal warrant - it’s this
generous tin of Prince Andrew Whitewash.
- The
perfect adult entertainment site for vegetarians - it’s a
year’s subscription to CornHub.
- The
perfect afternoon treat for the politically correct - it’s
LBGT-for-two at the Ritz.
- This
week’s prize is 2 tickets for one of the most un-exhilarating fun fair
rides ever conceived - a ghost train bus replacement service.
- This
week’s prize is a DVD box set of Macaulay Culkin’s films in which
Macaulay Culkin is left behind in a posh candle shop - Joe Malone
and Joe Malone 2.
- This
week’s prize is a DVD box set featuring the world’s most annoying
detective - Magnum PPI.
- This
week’s prize is the least appetizing main course ever served in a gastro
pub - it’s these Armitage Lamb Shanks.
- This
week’s prize is the latest development in the world of pudding
de-humidifiers - it’s this crumble dryer.
- This
week’s prize is a litre of the world’s most sour cordial -
it’s this bottle of Anne Robinson’s Barley Water.
- This
week’s prize is an on demand video streaming service for the itchy school
child - it’s a months subscription to Nitflix.
- This
week’s prize is the perfect confectionery for the veteran
footballer - it’s this John Terry’s Chocolate
Orange.
- This
week’s prize is the ultimate shopping experience for the unmarried
woman - it’s a trip to Marks & Spinsters.
- This
week’s prize is the perfect take-away for the newsreader on the go -
it’s this Trevor McDonald’s Happy Meal.
- This
week’s prize is a cycling trip hosted by a leading actress -
it’s this Frances de la Tour de France.
- This
week’s prize is the perfect alcoholic takeaway for the busy Scottish spy
novelist - it’s this John le Carré-out.
- This
week’s prize is the latest development in home gadgetry - it’s
this handy Lakeland Catalogue Shredder.
- This
week’s prize is the world’s least appetizing main course -
it’s this Toilet Duck a l'Orange.
- This
week’s prize is the latest development in intravenous snacking -
it’s this Chicken and Mushroom Pot Needle.
- This
week’s prize is the worlds most elusive pudding - it’s the
Lesser Spotted Dick.
- This
week’s prize is the perfect Royal dog for the fully qualified
plumber - it’s this Corgi Registered Corgi.
- This
week’s prize is sure to delight every keen cook who likes to strain
different vegetables everyday in the lead up to Christmas - it’s this
lovely Advent colander.
- This
week’s prize will ideally suit every keen Yorkshire terrier owner who
wants to look at the latest in kennels for their pets - it’s an all
expenses paid trip to the Airedale Home Exhibition.
- This
week’s prize will delight any keen birdwatcher who likes to keep the
place tidy - it’s a complete wardrobe set of Coot
hangers.
- This
week’s prize makes the ideal birthday present for those friends and
relatives you don’t like - it’s these John Lewis git
vouchers.
- This
week’s prize will ideally suit anyone who’s worried about having a
shower or cleaning their teeth will send them mad - it’s this lovely
set of bathroom sanity ware.
- This
week’s prize is sure to delight anyone who is a fan of funeral transport
competitions - it’s an all expenses paid trip to the Hearse of the
Year Show.
- This
week’s prize will suit anyone of advanced years who wants to get out and
about looking like an aristocrat - it’s this electric nobility
scooter.
- This
week’s prize will give peace of mind to any householder who is worried
that someone might break in and use their mouthwash - it’s this
domestic gurgler alarm.
- This
week’s prize is sure to delight everyone who enjoys cooking their eggs
and bacon without ever feeling restricted by clammy underwear - it’s
this handsome set of non stick frying pants.
- This
week’s prize would delight any mobster who gets a little peckish
cruisin’ da hood - it’s this gangsters cornish
pasty.
- This
week’s prize is sure to delight any simplex virus blister sufferer who
enjoys a light summer lunch - it’s this crunchy cold sore
salad.
- To
delight any pest controller who enjoys a bowl of serial for breakfast -
it’s a years supply of Kellogs Lice Crispies.
- To
delight anyone who enjoys a visit to ancient churches, examining commemerative
plaques, and warmly greeting the Church Wardens they encounter along the
way - it’s this fine English Heritage arse rubbing kit.
- Sure to
delight every magic and sorcery fan who likes their witches shiny and
spotless - it’s this Mr Muscle Coven Cleaner.
- This
week’s prize is guaranteed to accessorize and delight any fashion
conscious pet lover seeking that classic retro look - it’s this
fabulous pair of tortoise shell tortoises.
- Sure to
delight every chimney sweep who likes to take his work with him in designer
style - it’s this matching set of Louis Vuitton
sootcases.
- Some
essential formal wear for your mother’s cross dressing brother -
it’s this beautiful Uncle length ball gown.
- Just the
thing to delight the budget conscious pastry chef who wants to be absolutely
sure his cakes don’t stick to the tin - this helpful grease proof
pauper.
- Something that would ideally suit the sweet toothed S & M
enthusiast who is always in a hurry - it’s this Bird’s instant
whip.
- Something that will provide every Dr Who enthusiast an ideal
accompaniment to pasta meals - it’s this tasty Dalek
bread.
- Just the
thing to help Alpine chalet owners beat the effect of global warming -
it’s this light weight Aluminium Icicle pump.
- Sure to
delight every amphibian lover who worries about their pets getting lost -
this lovely AA toad atlas.
- Sure to
delight every dinner party host who likes to serve lawn clippings in
style - it’s this lovely cut grass decanter.
- Sure to
delight every handicraft enthusiast who enjoys making their own Chinese
food - a lovely set of knitting noodles.
- A prize
sure to delight every philatelist with a interest in issues commemorating
amputations - a beautiful leather bound stump collection.
- Just the
thing to stop pets from cluttering up your house - it’s this
attractive mahogany cat stand.
- Sure to
delight every DIY enthusiast who likes to keep their underwear
coordinated - it’s a selection of Dulux Emulsion Pants.
- A prize
certain to eradicate the creeping effect of marine mollusc damage to aging
skin - it’s this Nivea Anti-winkle cream.
- To
delight every wire haired terrier owner who likes to keep their pet smartly
presented - it’s a lovely Corby Schnauser Press.
- Just the
thing to delight the small rodent enthusiast who likes to keep his pets minty
fresh - it’s this bottle of Listerene Mouse Wash.
- To
ideally suit every proud homeowner who wants to keep their carpets pine fresh
and viper free - it’s a years supply of Snake and Vac.
- To
delight every keen horticulturalist who wants to make their garden look bigger
- it’s this lovely magnifying grass.
- To
ideally suit any homeowner who wants to get that authentic inner city Cardiff
effect in their kitchen - a lovely Welsh dosser.
- A
satisfying lunch snack that conveniently hangs itself from the ceiling -
it’s this tasty Pipistrel bap.
- For
every keen Chef who likes their deserts to throw themselves off the cooker -
it’s a lovely Lemming Meringue pie.
- A
refreshing fruit drink that will make the perfect addition to any packed lunch
on school visits to Iraq - it’s this bottle of Sunni
Delight.
- Something to be treasured by every member of al-Qaeda who is also a
fan of the game show 3-2-1 - it’s this life size Dusty Bin
Laden.
- Guaranteed to delight every keen ornithologist who wants to keep his
birds feet snug and dry - it’s this lovely pair of Cuckoo
clogs.
- Something that will ideally suit every keen pastry cook whose storage
space is too low - it’s a bag of shelf raising flour.
- Just the
thing to delight the domestic fowl enthusiast who likes his chickens to be
woken with a touch of luxury - this lovely electric teas-maid with
built-in alarm cluck.
- Just the
thing to keep the kids amused at family funerals - it’s this lovely
rocking hearse.
- Just the
thing to delight a stylish man about town who enjoys designer label luxury at
bath time - a fabulous pair of Gucci loofahs.
- An ideal
gift for a favourite uncle who’s concerned about his wife’s
security - an electronically coded Aunty theft device.
- A
perfect labour saving kitchen device for every Arctic rodent enthusiast -
an automatic Lemming squeezer.
- Sure to
delight every Gazelle enthusiast who hates his pets going astray -
it’s this stamped addressed Antelope.
- Something that would ideally suit young Sex Pistols fans who want a
good night’s rest - a lovely pair of punk beds.
- Sure to
delight any wildlife enthusiast and Elvis impersonator - a stylish pair of
Blue Suede Shrews.
- The envy
of every keen lepidopterist who worries about his pet’s personal
hygiene - a bottle of Listerine moth wash.
- Just the
thing on which to ride around Paris when doing the Victor Hugo tour - an
economical 1.6 litre hunchback.
- An ideal
snack for the al fresco pet lover - a Picnic Hamster.
- From the
Duchess of York’s essential hair care range - a years supply of Wash
and Go Skiing.
- The
ideal snack for the Chiropodist on the move - tasty Microwave Bunion
Rings.
- A tasty
snack from the new Sarson’s Chiropody range - a jar of Pickled
Bunions.
- For the
keen race goer who has a sweet tooth, a bag of Granulated Shergar.
- For the
lover of Chinese food who needs to know exactly when it is cooked - an
Oven-ready Speaking Duck.
- For the
Tibetan hill farmer who likes to keep the place neat and tidy - a lovely
set of Goat Hangers.
- Just the
thing for the homeowner who does not like to be kept awake by the
furniture - a decaffeinated coffee table.
- To wipe
out even the most uncomfortable of embarrassing personal ailments - this
Preparation H-bomb.
- Guaranteed to delight every sweet toothed Muja Hadin
fundamentalist - a Kalashnikov Trifle.
- From the
Findus dermatology range - a Boil-in-a-bag.
- A prize
which will warm the heart of any collector of National Coal Board
memorabilia - a coal-effect coal mine.
- A prize
so comfortable to sit on, it’ll make you feel like royalty - the
Parker-Bowles recliner.
- An ideal
addition to the larder of anyone wanting to brew up a cuppa using contaminated
water - a packet of Typhoid tea bags.
- Sure to
delight a sweet toothed baby Buddhist - a tin of reincarnation condensed
milk.
- A prize
to suit anyone who likes to make their eyelashes look their best on February
14th - St. Valentine’s Day Mascara.
- A prize
to help the elder single man to liven up his al fresco evenings on the
patio - an attractive pair of French widows.
- A prize
to help to help control wayward kitchen appliances - an electric kettle
prod.
- Just the
thing to clear those annoying balls of fluff that so often accumulate in the
belly button - this navel decongestant spray.
- Something to thrill the parrot lover who wants to raise cash for
charity - a chance to do a sponsored parakeet jump.
- To
provide a touch of luxury for anyone who enjoys the essence of poultry at bath
time - a Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soap.
- To
ideally suit the Elvis impersonator who likes to go for the traditional
look - a pair of reproduction Mahogany sideburns.
pick’n’mixfords This game is all about removal
firms and house moves. One team assumes the role of removals men delivering
furniture and other belongings which they shall describe. The other team will
be nosy neighbours who will try to identify who the new home owner might be.
The identity of the new home owner is revealed to the listeners by the
Mystery Voice.
pin the tail on
colin This round is adapted from Pin the Tail on Donkey. This is
very much like the party game in which children use drawing pins to stick a
tail on a dumb animal, except this that version doesn’t involve children.
Obviously needle sharp drawing pins can be painful if stuck through the skin,
so the teams have been provided with protective gloves. Samantha hands round
tails, pins, and blindfolds to use while Colin plays some music.
piñata The is the classic Spanish game.
For this round there is a festive Piñata in the shape of a donkey, one
for each team suspended over the stage. One team member is blindfolded and
whacks the Piñata with a stick until it bursts, revealing the surprise
gifts contained within, and their fellow team member may shout encouragement
and directions.
play your chords
right This is based the popular TV show called Play Your Cards
Right, hosted by the ever green Bruce Forsyth. It was Brucie of course who
became famous with his many catch-phrases, such as Nice to see you, to see you
nice and What do you mean a wig? A wig what mean you do?
In Play
Your Chords Right, Colin Sell will
play the first note of a certain piece classical piece of music and the teams
task will be to judge whether the next note will be higher or lower. The team
guessing correctly will get to answer a question about Winchester College. This
subject was chosen as the school was attended by Tim Brooke-Taylor. Another
Winchester schoolboy who famously sported a Union Jack waistcoat was Sir Oswald
Mosely. However Mosely was suspended for growing a small bristly moustache
clearly copying his hero - that notorious fascist, the school
Matron.
pluggers This round is all about
celebrities shameless attempts to plug their latest books or series. You
normally wouldn’t catch the teams trying to plug some exciting new
project they were involved with, even if that ever happened. Well actually that
is unfair, Barry Cryer did once plug a film that he was in, and it might have
done pretty well if only talkies had not arrived. In this round the teams take
it in turns to plug a film, radio show, book or TV show, the title of which is
known only to their interviewers, and the pluggers job is to try and guess what
it is they are promoting while remaining positive and enthusiastic
throughout.
pocket
versions Browsing amongst the self help guides in the local bookshop recently
I noticed a volume called Window Dressing for Dummies. This prompted
the thought that there ought to be more guides to self improvement. I know that
Graeme recently tried to publish his book called Teach Yourself Fire
Eating but Health & Safety came down on him like a ton of bricks, and
had to prosecute themselves. However Tim’s Guide to the Correct Use
of Vaseline won this years prize for non-friction, and I am pleased to be
able to report that Rob’s latest book on telekinesis has been flying off
the shelves. However we thought it would be a good idea to bring the classics
to the masses in a more accessible form. With this in mind the teams are going
to present pocket versions of books, plays, films, TV programmes, etc. in the
shortest possible form.
police, microphone,
action Based on Police, Camera, Action, but with sound
clips.
political
correctness Political correctness has become something of a pejorative over
recent years. We are particularly sensitive when talking to young children no
longer using old fashioned blunt expressions. For example one couple recently
had to explain to their children that Grandad had been unwell and was now
differently alive, which is why they were taking him to the
crematorium to be alternatively carbonised. One team will read a
childrens story which must be corrected if the other team notices any blatantly
non-PC expressions.
pre-war handy
hints This round harks back to the England of the genteel pre-war era. A
time when country gentlemen drove in Lagondas to watch Cricket on the village
green, maiden aunts sat in Lord Loom garden chairs embroidering Home Sweet
Home on to linen doilies, while black-shirted fascists beat seven kinds of
snot out anyone foreign looking. The teams grapple with pre-war handy hints
which would have proved useful to the house-wife in the years up to 1939 -
hints such as whether Poland is good place for an early Autumn break, or how to
get powdered egg stains off a V1 Doodlebug.
prequels Many films have sequels, but
what about prequels? There must be dozens of potential prequels that we have
never seen. The teams are asked for their suggestions of movie prequels that
have disappeared from cinema history.
product
marketing To encourage us to make purchases many retail chains are
surreptitiously using smells - to make us feel hungry supermarkets
routinely have the aroma of bread permeating the stores, while Dixons fill
their stores with hopeless farts. (And just in case any of their staff do
happen to be listening - oo, yes please, of course I’d like to spend
£400 on an extended warranty. Can you not see the label on my head which
reads “Complete moron”?)
The most
popular marketing tool is the special offer, and the teams are asked to suggest
certain special promotions or free offers they have recently
noticed.
programme
titles Coming up with a clever title is often key to a show's success. Take
Radio 4’s Thinking Allowed for example. Until the Chairman
saw it written down he didn't realise that Allowed was spelt as in allowed
rather than aloud. So Thinking Allowed actually means thinking
allowed. Proof, as if it were needed, of the brilliance of a punning radio
title. The teams take the part of continuity announcers trailing radio or TV
programmes which have been chosen purely on the basis of a catchy
title.
proverbial
theatre The teams indulge in a spot of acting in this round. A special eye
out has to be kept on Tim and Graeme as both are well known thespians. In fact
Graeme is currently considering several interesting roles, the BBC having
generously provided him with a packed lunch. In Proverbial Theatre
each team takes turns to act out a well known proverb for the other side to
guess.
proverbs The first half of a proverb is
read out for the panellist to complete. Apart from the more famous ones, they
occasionally play regional proverbs, such as American, Cornish, Scottish,
etc.
proverbs in
translation The English language is overflowing with spare proverbs which could
be of use in Europe, or even farther afield, but these will have to be
translated precisely to avoid confusing our foreign neighbours. It would be
like waving a red rag in a China shop if too many cooks skated close to the
wind and made them bark up the wrong end of an old dog. The panellists are
asked for suggestions of proverbs to suit foreign countries.
pub or
bedroom A study of public house names provides us with a history of Britain.
The Red Lion takes us back to the reign of James I when the Red Lion
of Scotland was displayed on all public buildings. The Royal Oak
recalls the story of Charles II escaping capture by hiding in an oak tree. And
the Duke of York serves as a warning for under 18s to stay away. In
this round, the teams are asked to come up with examples of things likely to be
overheard in both the pub and the bedroom.
public
apologies The deputy prime minister Nick Clegg apologised over tuition fees but
the Lib Dems are still looking for a replacement leader who would be more
popular with the public, Abu Hamza for example. Rupert Murdoch apologised over
the phone hacking scandal. He spoke personally to Tim Brooke-Taylor to
apologise that his journalists had hacked every message from Tim’s agent
for the last 15 years. What an intrusion of privacy to hear Tim’s agent
had dialled the wrong number both times. In this round each team will make a
public apology but they don’t know what it is they are apologising about,
and the opposing team will be journalists at the press conference so the team
apologising has to work out what they have done from the questions they are
asked.
public information
broadcasts Back in the 50s these were often diguised as dramas and in fact the
BBC was asked by the Ministry for Agriculture to launch the Archers in order to
help Britain’s struggling farmers. Information has included tips on
maximising crop yields, effective ways to avoid foot rot in sheep, and exactly
how many Malibu and Cokes it takes to get your brother’s bride up the
duff on her hen night. The chairman has a number of public information films
from the 50s, 60s, and 60s, which have been interrupted and the teams are asked
to complete them.
put
downs This round is about chat up lines and how to turn them down. Tim has
a brilliant one liner that puts off advances from groupies. Whenever he is
approached by the question “Aren’t you Tim Brooke-Taylor from the
Goodies?” he swiftly quips “Yes I am.” The Chairman has a
selection of popular chat up lines for the teams to suggest guaranteed put
downs.
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