1. On 27 December 1831, a young naturalist set sail from Plymouth on a five-year voyage around the world. Name the naturalist, the ship, and its captain.

2. A play about a boy who never grows up opened in London on 27 December 1904. Name the play and its author. What tradition does the casting of the title role still often follow?

3. Which New York theatre, home of the Rockettes dance troupe, opened on 27 December 1932?

4. On 27 December 1945, two major international financial institutions officially came into existence after their founding agreement took effect. Name both.

5. On 27 December 1949, the Netherlands formally handed over sovereignty to which former colony?

6. A trade treaty signed on 27 December 1703 between England and Portugal made one Portuguese drink hugely popular in England. Name the treaty and the drink.

7. Which French scientist, born in Dole on 27 December 1822, gave his name to a process that kills germs in milk?

8. A German actress and singer was born in Berlin on 27 December 1901. Name her, and the 1930 film that made her a star.

9. An English engineer born on 27 December 1773, often called "the father of aviation", built a glider that carried a reluctant passenger across a valley in 1853. Who was he, and who was said to be the passenger?

10. A groundbreaking Broadway musical opened on 27 December 1927, featuring the song "Ol' Man River". Name the musical, and either of its writers.