The Bawdy Bard

15 Points Per Correct Answer - No time limit  

1. William Shakespeare is visiting his mother - Mary Arden, in Stratford, and she asks him if he'd like a "sop 'o' the moonshine?" What do you think she wants him to have? A glass of whisky from her secret store A lucky charm A slap behind the ear A dish of eggs cooked in oil

2. Later, on his way home, he's surprised to meet Christopher Marlowe whom he hasn't seen in years. He secretly feels the playwright has become very "hard-favoured". What does he mean? He's as ugly as sin He's pompous and difficult to like He's bitter with age He's drunk and down on his luck

3. After their conversation, he realises he's a complete "Hecate" for thinking such a thing. What is he calling himself? An Old Saxon The Grim Reaper The Queen of the Witches A Harpee

4. No sooner has the Bard arrived home to Anne Hathaway, his "periwig pated" partner, when she tells him some bad news. Why is he so shocked? She's waving her arms wildly in the air She's wearing a wig She's heavily pregnant She's an idiot

5. On account of this latest upset to young Will's sensibilities, he tells her he's heading back to London and leaves Anne in tears as she struggles with the "batlet". What's that you say? A long forked iron rod for raking the fire A wooden club used for beating clothes during washing A sharp sword kept in a tight leather sheath A heavy rolling pin

6. When Will arrives at the Globe Theatre, there's a group of "groundlings" all around him - so he hurries inside. What's he running from? The part of the audience who pay a penny to see plays The pigeons and rats on the dirty streets The beggars who hang around the theatre The children that debt collectors pay to wait for their erring client

7. As Shakespeare sits at his desk writing with his quill, he hears a "throstle" which distracts him for a few moments. What's he listening to? A vendor A musician A singer A thrush

8. It's nearly time for William's play to start, and the public are clamouring to get a glimpse of Queen Elizabeth who has turned up for a private showing. "Will you flap-dragon, your majesty?", Will asks nervously. What is he expecting her to do? Be angry with the host Swallow or gulp down Remove her outer garments eg cloak Faint in the close, heavy atmosphere

9. When yet another monarch is killed on stage, the Queen glances sharply over at Will who, catching her eye, becomes " a man of salt." What has he become? A man of stone A man of tears A man of faith A man of fear

10. When the long day comes to an end, William seeks out his friend Burbage at the local inn, and finds him "high-stomach'd" after a night's drinking. "All's well that ends well", thinks William but what is Burbage thinking? "I'm ready to be sick!" "I'm ready for a fight!" "I'm ready to pass wind!" "I'm ready to sleep!"