Dabber’s Social Bingo, London’s best-loved alternative Bingo Hall is on the hunt for its 2022 ‘Next Top Bingo Caller’. After a perilous journey, sixteen fearless contestants have been hand-selected to take part in the bingo-based-battle.
With Dabbers, gone are the days of dusty old hosts mumbling "two fat ladies - 88" into the microphone, now callers get a chance to truly work the room and are encouraged to bring their talents, to the stage.
Hosted by BBC New Comedy Award finalist, Sikisa Bostwick, with a judging panel made up of agents, festival bookers and journalists, April and May will see, the knockout competitions begin, with our heroes batting it out in front of a live audience made up of bingo lovers and total newbies - all will be welcome.
Each contestant auditioned by video, calling out their best bingo lingo to the camera. And each was selected for a unique talent; be that comedy, impressive dance moves, music, or just the skills to hold the attention of a room full of people as they reinvent bingo calling and make it their own.
The lucky winner will be announced on July 3rd and the ultimate victor will win £1000 courtesy of sponsors: Malibu, plus a 12-month contract with Dabbers Social Bingo and luxurious hotel stay, as he/she/they will get the opportunity to reinvent, transform and revamp the sought-after and glorious position of Bingo Caller.
Meet the contestants
Joe Bingham
Comedian Joe Bingham has the honour of opening the ball. He is no stranger to the stage, and notably performed at the Nottingham Comedy Festival in 2021. He prides himself in finding humour and absurdity in the most mundane – his midlands stand up is bound to make audiences chuckle.
Alotta Nerve
Next up is the hilarious and fabulous character comedian, host, go-go dancer, and burlesque drag queen - Alotta Nerve, contestant and now finalist in Dabbers’ quest for a new Bingo Caller. In 2021, she was won Wicked Wonderland’s Cabaret Showcase & Competition, and as her very different alter ego, she’s also appeared in The Crown season 2.
Mike Capozzola
The next contestant is Mike Capozzola – an actor, presenter, and comedian originally from New York. He was raised in the world of Bingo and knows all about balls. Now based in London, he is determined to take what is rightfully is, and ready to become the Next Top Bingo Caller.
Ferrari Roche
Ferrari Roche is a flamboyant, fun, and fantastic drag queen. She sings, dances and was born to be an entertainer. Her persistent, sassy, and witty humour will have audiences falling off their chairs.
Kitty Cassis
Kitty Cassis is a tale-teller beautician and a clairvoyant in her spare time, she is the high-spirited and lively creation of character comedian, Aimee Cooper. In 2020, Kitty Cassis and partner Jemima created Your Next Episode (Apple Podcasts), a podcast they both co-host. In 2021, she reached the finals of Brighton Grin new act competition.
Dan Tiernan
Dan Tiernan is a gay, Mancunian, aspiring comedian living with dyspraxia. His high energy, witty and enthusiasm will certainly throw off more than one contestant.
Edgar and Janynine
Played by character comedians Jonathan and Lorna, both based in London, duo Edger and Janynine are next in line. Unlike the other acts, they had never stepped a foot in London before – they can’t wait to share their parochial perspectives with you.
Christina Draguilera
Christina Draguilera is an exuberant, confident, and highly amusing drag queen. She loves to sing, dance, and entertain eager audiences, as she hosts karaoke, bingo, and quiz nights! When she is not shining on stage, she acts as a guide in the Drag Queen Diva Tour and the Silent Disco Walking Tour.
Bad Bowie
Born in Essex, Bad Bowie is the self-proclaimed terrestrial representative of David Bowie. Channelling his spirit, he vows to deliver the best and most entertaining Bingo experience you have ever lived through, accompanied by songs and roars of laughter.
Jonny Walker
Jonny Walker guarantees to sweep you off your feet with his fun-loving, cheeky, and relatable act. Contrary to other contestants, he cannot sing… but his passion and love for bingo and entertainment will, as he puts it, grab you by the balls.
Sindy Le Moist
Sindy Le Moist has been galivanting London’s streets forever, where she was born and bred. Her audacity, humour and charisma will make audiences gasp, then cackle.
Sue The Cleaner
Sue The Cleaner, or the next Cilla Black, believes she has all it takes to become the next winner. Don’t expect her to shed a drop of sweat, she does not dance, she does not sing but she did bribe the judges.
Marty Gleeson is a playful, quirky, and Irish comedian with a magnetic personality. Earlier this year, she was a finalist in the West End New Act of the Year, and a semi-finalist in comedy competition So You Think You’re Funny?. Marty also hosts The Crowd of Cloud (Spotify), a podcast produced by comedians.
Other contestants include The Pinky, Sorel and Chris Hopkins
About Dabbers Bingo:
With Dabbers Social Bingo, gone are the days of dusty old callers mumbling "two fat ladies - 88" into the microphone, now callers get a chance to truly work the room as they are encouraged to bring their talents to the stage, be that comedy, cabaret, music, or any form of performance that the Dabbers crowd will love. Dabbers and comedy have a long-held relationship – with comic callers at the centre of the Dabbers bingo experience. Their regular nights have a plethora of comedy names – guest hosts have included Aurie Styla, Marcel Lucont, Olaf Falafel, Tony Law, Tom Houghton, Eleanor Conway, and many more. The company prides itself as having comedy and performance at the heart of everything it does, the team visit The Edinburgh Festival every year to scout for new talent that really the hit the jackpot.
Knock outs - Competition dates
Address: 18-22 Houndsditch, London EC3 7DB
03/04/2022 London
17/04/2022 London
15/05/2022 London
29/05/2022 London
Semi-finals – competition dates
05/06/2022 London
12/06/2022 London
Finals – competition date
03/07/2022 London
More info here: https://dabbers.bingo/
