BRAINS PART 5: THE THEATRE

Just for context, and for all those new to the story, a couple of years ago I applied to be on Brain of Britain, the UK’s best radio general knowledge contest. Then this year, I passed the audition, got through, and had a place deferred for 2025. Ever since I’ve known, I’ve been trying to prepare.

And that’s why last night, my pal Luke and I ended up watching the recording of this year’s semi finals of Brain of Britain, right there in the BBC Radio Theatre.

We the audience filed in. Jazz music played over the hubbub while on the stage were the four contestants sitting at a table, in a row opposite the host, Russell Davies, and the producer whose name I think is Stephen.

Each contestant had their name printed in bold letters in front of them, and they sat behind four giant microphones as though they were about to give a press conference.

I was weirdly nervous. I’m still not sure why - I have a whole year (well just under) to go. As we settled into the famous red seats, along with the 200 others in the grey-haired audience, I scanned the panel of four. What, I suddenly wondered, have I let myself in for? They all looked so stern! You know that kind of face that’s so weathered with knowledge, it just looks like it’s cross with you.

When I have that moment, I thought, I’m totally just going to beam like a loonie, just grinning at everyone and seeing what happens.

Lights down. Recording started. They were off.

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I settled down too, once we were in full-swing. Some things I knew, some things I didn’t. You’d expect nothing less, I imagine. I pictured myself on the stage, looking across at Russell Davies with his pieces of paper. I felt my heart thump in the silences, and I did my best to breathe.

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I got 17/46 in the first competition  and then 26/54 in the second. It’s not terrible for a semi final, and I’ve got some time to improve.

But crucially I’ve also got a great picture of what to expect. It was so worth doing the research.

As in everything with life, I really think things are there to be enjoyed, and I was so glad we went. Listen, I’m not going to win - from the standard I’ve seen (and from the numbers!) I know this quite well - so I think my reason for doing this is almost pure enjoyment, tinged with a little self-confidence-booster. It’s a bit like a bungee jump I suppose - only for people who’d rather read an atlas or learn the periodic table than actually jump off a bridge.

And yes, I’m one of those people. Of course! I love the thrill of learning and discovering. I just hope I can smile about it, before, during, and afterwards.