British TV Theme Tunes Trivia Quiz

Answer: Approaching Menace

"Mastermind" was a quiz show that started in 1972 and continued for more than 50 years. Its approach was serious and stripped down, with its signature set focussed on a black chair on which the contestants sat. Each did two rounds of questions, the first on a specialist subject, and the second on general knowledge. The prize for winning the series was a simple trophy or objet d'art. Hosts included Magnus Magnusson, famous for the catchphrase "I've started, so I'll finish", and John Humphrys.

The theme music created a true feeling of dread. It was called "Approaching Menace", and was written by the composer Neil Richardson. Richardson was a prolific creator of "library music" designed for use as incidental music on TV. "Approaching Menace" was one such piece.

Answer: I Could Be So Good for You

"Minder" was a comedy/drama series set around the criminal and near criminal classes in London, that ran between 1979 and 1994. It starred George Cole as a con man called Arthur Daley, prone to inventive language: "the world is your lobster, my son". His minder, or bodyguard and occasional odd-job man, Terry McCann was played by Dennis Waterman. Waterman sang the theme tune "I Could Be So Good For You", which was written by Gerard Kenny and Patricia Waterman (his wife at the time).

Answer: At the Castle Gate

"The Sky at Night" was a regular programme focussed on astronomy. It was presented from its first episode in 1957 until 2013 by Patrick Moore, making it the longest running TV show presented by the same presenter in history. The programme captured the excitement of the exploration of space, and the rapid developments and discovery about the universe. After Moore died, presenting duties were shared between different scientists, such as Chris Lintott and Maggie Aderin-Pocock.

"At the Castle Gate" was the first movement of Jean Sibelius's 1905 suite for the plav "Pelléas et Mélisande". The recording is by the Royal Philharmonic conducted by Sir Thomas Beecham.

Answer: Handbags and Gladrags

Created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, "The Office" was a British sitcom made in a "mockumentary" style, about a delusional middle manager working in a paper company in Slough, and his co-workers. It ran for just two series, between 2001 and 2003, but its influence on other TV sitcoms was massive, and it spawned an American version that ran for 9 seasons.

"Handbags and Gladrags" was a song by Mike d'Abo, previously recorded many times. It was re-recorded especially for the programme by Big George, in multiple versions, with vocals by Fin Muir.

Answer: Who Do You Think You Are Kidding, Mr. Hitler?

"Dad's Army", created by Jimmy Perry and David Croft, was a sitcom about a Home Guard platoon during World War II. It starred Arthur Lowe and John Le Mesurier as a bank manager and his assistant who act as captain and sergeant of a platoon consisting of mainly elderly men. "Who Do You Think You Are Kidding, Mr. Hitler?" was a pastiche of a World War II song, which show creator Jimmy Perry created with composer Derek Taverner.

It was sung by legendary member of the Crazy Gang from the time of the war, Bud Flanagan.

Answer: Half the World Away

"The Royle Family", created by Caroline Aherne, Craig Cash, and Henry Normal, was a sitcom that was focussed on a working class family and their circle of friends. It was unusual, in that it was not filmed in front of a studio audience, and most of the action happened in the home of the family while they watched and commented on the TV. The cast included Aherne and Cash as a couple, Denise and Dave, with ex-Brookside couple, Ricky Tomlinson and Sue Johnston as Denises's parents. The programme ran from 1998 to 2012.

"Half the World Away" was written by Noel Gallagher, and performed by Oasis, from their 1998 album, "The Masterplan".

Answer: Chicken Man

"Grange Hill" was a ground-breaking children's TV ongoing drama created by Phil Redmond, that focussed on children at a comprehensive school. It ran between 1978 and 2008, and made stars out of child actors like Susan Tully and Todd Carty. A hard hitting storyline about drug abuse led to a hit single and a cast visit to the White House.

"Chicken Man" was written by Alan Hackshaw. He said that it took him less than an hour to compose it. It was used as the theme of "Grange Hill" between 1978 and 1987. After being replaced by another tune, it returned for the final series of the programme, in 2008.

Answer: Montagues and Capulets

The UK version of "The Apprentice" followed the success of the US original. It featured businessman Alan Sugar setting tasks for young wannabes to prove their business nous, and earn employment with his organisation, or receive investment in their proposed business ventures. It started in 2005, and ran for more than 15 years.

"Montagues and Capulets" was from the 1935 ballet "Romeo and Juliet " by Sergei Prokofiev.

Answer: Chicken Man

"Give Us a Clue" was a TV show that featured celebrities (originally with some members of the public) playing games of charades. It was introduced by Michael Aspel at first, with team captains Lionel Blair and Una Stubbs. The show ran from 1979 to 1992, with some cast changes, and returned for a one-off season in 1997.

"Chicken Man" was used for the theme music of "Give Us a Clue" between 1979 and 1981, even though it was already being used, with a different arrangement, on "Grange Hill". Subsequent series had a different theme tune.

Answer: This Wheel's on Fire

"Absolutely Fabulous" was a sitcom created by Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders, and starring Saunders as a woman in the PR industry. The cast included Joanna Lumley as her friend, and Julia Sawalha as her disapproving daughter. The show ran from 1981 into the 2020s. and was made into a movie in 2016.

"This Wheel's on Fire" was written by Bob Dylan and Rick Danko. It was recorded for the show by Julie Driscoll and Saunders's husband, Adrian Edmondson. Other artists recorded versions for some episodes of the show.