Citysearch visits RocKwiz

We swing by The Esplanade Hotel, home to SBS' famed trivia show.

Editorial Review

It was a packed night at the Esplanade Hotel when Citysearch swung by to visit RocKwiz. Such is the popularity of the SBS trivia show that the historic Gershwin Room was heaving with punters, ready to muck in and marvel at this humble, yet long-running show.

The few tables in the front were quickly seconded, leaving standing-room only for the two episodes that were to be filmed. Talk about popular.

Brian Nankervis, a co-creator of the show, returned momentarily to his former role as one of television's best warm up men. He engaged the crowd, drew out some potential audience contestants and even had to apologise for a momentary blackout that was required. On a warm night in St. Kilda, the pub was about to lose its power. Ah, television.

RockWiz has been running since 2005, and pre-dates ABC's Spicks & Specks. Hosted by the inimitable Julia Zemiro who is so accomplished at her hosting skills she is regularly asked to host all number of corporate and industry events, most recently including the IF Awards.

As mistress of ceremonies, Zemiro bounded on stage to welcome her panel and celebrity contestants. Her "Who Can It Be Now" introductions of guests are so revered that SBS now finds itself in a quandary. How can it publicise its star guests when viewers love to guess their "Who Can It Be Now" quiz?

In front of the live, raucous crowd there were questions, games and gags, plus Zemiro's spontaneous humour, Nankervis' interjections and rock star guests rubbing shoulders with punters. Behind them, the RocKwiz Orchestra, huddled into a corner, provided a thumping beat.

As usual the show rounds out with an unconventional duet between its two guests. You never quite know how two disparate musos will meet together in harmony, but therein lies the pleasure.

Once one show was over, and interval descended, the crew quickly turned their attention to doing it all over again. A costume change, new guests and new audience members, briefed by Zemiro in the loading dock of the Espy Hotel. This is television folks. And this is RocKwiz.

RocKwiz airs 9:20pm Saturdays on SBS.

David Knox for Citysearch, November 2008

View Citysearch's TV guide.