Entertaining Anagrams Trivia Quiz

Answer: Circus big top

Anagram CRIB COT US PIG
Clue: Tent

In the heyday of the travelling circus, the Big Top was the enormous tent under which most of the action took place, and a huge effort was required both to pitch it and to strike it when it was time to move on. Not only was it necessary to put up the tent itself, but all of the rigging for aerial acts had to be done, seating arranged for paying customers and the various rings prepared for each act.

Answer: Lion tamer

Anagram MINOR LATE
Clue: Animal's cage

The lion tamer uses his voice and often a whip to get the king of the beasts to do his bidding. At one circus I attended in Spain, poor Leo (the lion's name) looked to be well past retirement age and seemed to be quite a pussycat rather than a wild animal.

Answer: Clown cars

Anagram COWL SCRAN
Clues: Funny person; driving around

Scran is a British term for food or leftovers. Clown cars at the circus are usually very small, and stuffed with several more clowns than one would think it possible to fit in the tiny vehicles. The antics of the clowns as they tumble out are designed to amuse the crowd.

Answer: Musical theatre

Anagram I HEAR CUTE MALTS
Clue: Broadway

Although not limited to Broadway, musical theatre is most definitely associated with that part of New York City. Broadway musicals like "Oklahoma!" and "The Sound of Music" (and many others) have entertained theatre-goers for decades, and many have made the transition to the movie screen with great success, thus reaching an even wider audience.

Answer: Chorus line

Anagram LIE UH SCORN
Clue: Dancers

A chorus line of dancers, who may also sing, is a feature of many a musical, providing back up to the main players and performing some very entertaining numbers. There's even a musical (and a movie) called "A Chorus Line" about a group of these performers.

Answer: Wing walkers

Anagram WAR WINK LEGS
Clues: In the sky; flirt with death

Although the original wing walkers themselves might not all have been experienced First World War pilots some of them were, as were many of the biplane pilots who gave them their platform. The high point of this dangerous entertainment was during the 1920s and into the '30s, though some stunt fliers still engage in the practice in the 21st century.

Answer: Theme park

Anagram HE KEPT RAM
Clue: Canada's Wonderland

Theme parks (or amusement parks) can be found all over the world, with those in the Disney universe being among the most famous. Canada's Wonderland, north of Toronto, is a well-known park in that country, whilst the UK has Alton Towers. Six Flags, Legoland and Dollywood are other prominent names in this field of entertainment.

Answer: Radio play

Anagram PAD OIL RAY
Clue: Tune in "The Archers"

Radio plays, or radio drama, rely on dialogue and sound effects to entertain their audience, as there is no visual component to such programmes. Music also plays its part, as I can attest, having the theme of the long running BBC radio drama "The Archers" playing in my head as I write. The story of folk in "a rural setting" has been on the air since 1951.

Answer: Outdoor concert

Anagram DO COURT CORN TOE
Clue: Hollywood Bowl

One of the most famous venues for outdoor live music events is the Hollywood Bowl, which opened in 1922 and has been the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra since that year. Performers who have graced the stage there have included The Beatles, The Who, Lady Gaga and many many more. Of course, it is possible to attend outdoor concerts in most towns and cities (weather permitting) wherever there is a stage and a sound system.

Answer: Marching band

Anagram BANG DIN CHARM
Clues: Toot etc; crowds in the streets

Marching bands, be they high school, college or military, are almost always loud, and that is as it should be. Marching through the streets on parade they are meant to be heard. My favourite has always been a pipe band, but a brass band or silver band can be very entertaining too.