Chaser Mark ‘The Beast’ Labbett will be asking rather than answering the questions at a charity event, Battle of the Brains, in aid of the Master Cutlers’ Challenge.
The professional quizzer who rose to fame on ITV show The Chase has volunteered to play quizmaster for the August 4 event at the Cutlers’ Hall in Sheffield – proving he’s no ‘Beast’ away from the cameras.
Ten South Yorkshire businesses, including Gripple, Isotope and Airmaster, have already formed teams of quiz wizzes to compete for the night’s title and the £500 prize – and a further ten team slots are available.
The questions will be set by Mark and Martin Green, Rotherham MD of Redtooth, the 23-year-old company which supplies quizzes to 3,000 UK pubs and clubs every week.
Martin, who is currently one of Sheffield United’s vice-presidents, said: “Dame Julie knows Redtooth are quiz experts and manage the Chasers and asked if we would support her Master Cutlers’ Challenge to raise £200,000 for community projects at Wentworth Woodhouse, the house she helped save.
“The answer had to be yes. Dame Julie is one of South Yorkshire’s most successful women and the second to hold the title of Master Cutler of Hallamshire in 398 years.”
Mark Labett became a leading light on the quiz scene after winning a competition staged by Redtooth in 2001. He now lives in Rotherham and has worked with Redtooth for the last 10 years.
Added Martin: “Mark and I have co-written the Battle of the Brains quiz and will be co-hosting on the night. The questions are varied and interesting. We aim to make it fun for everyone and we are proud to be helping Dame Julie bring extra funding to Wentworth Woodhouse.”
The annual Master Cutler’s Challenge has brought in over £1 million for local causes since launching in 2008.
Dame Julie Kenny DBE DL is hoping to raise over £200,000 by September 30th for Wentworth Woodhouse, where she is Chair of Trustees.
The Grade I listed Georgian masterpiece in Rotherham was crumbling into ruin when her five-year campaign with SAVE led to its purchase for £7 million in 2017.
Challenge funds will go towards Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust’s activities supporting low-income families, ethnic and minority groups and people with disabilities, including the creation of a Community Growing Garden where up to 20 local community groups will grow their own food.
Battle of the Brains on August 4th is sponsored by Sheffield electrical, mechanical and building services specialists Coops EMBS Ltd. MD Ian Cooper commented: “We are really pleased to be sponsors of this event and help increase the final pot of money going to such a worthy cause.”
Teams of four pay £200 to enter, which includes a welcome drink and pie and peas supper. Contact: charlottekenny@wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk