(Reuters) - Some of Britain's top comedians are joining forces to raise money for pubs shut down by the coronavirus, by hosting an online virtual pub quiz with a plan to set a new world record.
Russell Howard, Nish Kumar, Jon Richardson, Joel Dommett, Marcus (NYSE:MCS) Brigstocke, Rachel Parris, Lucy Beaumont, Jenny Ryan and Suzi Ruffel will be among hosts of the quiz at "The Covid Arms", a virtual pub set up by "landlady" Kiri Pritchard-Mclean.
Trivia quiz contests in pubs are a national pastime in Britain, and online versions by video conference have become a popular activity during the coronavirus lockdown.
"The food and beverage industry has been greatly affected by this pandemic; so let's give back, share a drink and enjoy the company of our favourite pub owners, neighbours and friends in the safest way possible," organisers said in a press release.
Friday evening's event aims to raise money for a charity helping pubs and restaurants survive the lockdown, get Guinness World Records to award a title in a new category of most participants in a virtual pub and keep the audience entertained.
"I've pulled in all the favours and burned every bridge I have, and now we've got this amazing line-up of fantastic comedians and it looks like it's going to be a really fun night and that we might well set a record, which is lovely," said Pritchard-Mclean.
"So come along. Have a pub quiz team. Support your local pub and raise a load of money for charity."