source: pexels.com When it comes to Bingo, the UK is generally streets ahead of the world. Although considered an Italian invention, the Brits took to bingo like no other nation. Bingo became an essential part of local communities, with bingo halls packed out across the country. Even as offline bingo began to wane, online bingo usage soared in the UK. Then came the likes of Bongo's Bingo, Bonkers Bingo, Musical Bingo et al to provide fresh life and impetus into the offline bingo scene.
However, there is one form of bingo that is taking off in the US and Australia which has yet to grab a hold on our shores – No, not Chicken Poop Bingo (Thankfully) but instead – Drag Bingo.
For those that haven't experienced or heard of Drag Bingo yet, it is pretty much exactly what it sounds like. Drag Bingo is a glammed-up version of the classic numbers game. However, as you can expect it is a lot more risque, more adult calls, some amazing lip-syncing performances and of course tons and tons of glamour and glitter.
Drag Bingo Australia
Whilst becoming more and more of a feature in the US, where bingo is still a game played in old folks home and church halls, Drag bingo is already popular in Australia. From the country that gave the world Priscilla Queen of the Desert, it is no surprise that drag bingo is taking off.
In 1999, Bingay was launched in Australia. On their website, they proclaim ‘Bingay is gay/drag bingo which means there's weird rules, hilarious penalties, outrageous antics, deliciously lewd calls, and fabulous prizes!' In their 20 years, Bingay has grown to be a much-loved Gay Sydney institution that raises funds for ACON, NSW’s leading LGBTI health organisation. All funds raised go to programs and services that support the health and wellbeing of LGBTI people and people living with HIV in NSW.
Felicity Frockaccino, a ‘Sydney-based Drag Queen, Lady Clown in a Gown and Master of Fabulosity’, launched ‘Drag Bingo’ at the Salisbury Hotel in Stanmore, Australia in 2017. Frockaccino told the Australian news outlet 10daily:
“Back then it was very blue collar and I kind of just put a proposal in and they said they were going to do some renovations soon and were interested in the bingo night,”
“So, we started Bingo at the Salisbury and it kind of just went crazy and grew!”
“Drag Bingo’s totally becoming a huge thing, especially in Australia. It’s been a thing for probably about 15-20 years, but is really coming into itself now.
“I think it’s partly because of the prominence of Ru Paul’s Drag Race and all the other drag-esqué things happening it’s magical, it’s amazing.”
Drag Bingo in the UK
Although some way behind our antipodean cousins, Drag bingo in the UK is catching up in popularity. Charlie Hides has appeared on the 9th season of the show RuPaul's Drag Race UK. He is known for his YouTube channel where he impersonates dozens of celebrities including, Madonna, Cher, Lady Gaga and Joan Rivers. His Drag Queen Bingo has sold out Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and Kent with his unique blend of jokes, sing a longs and camp prizes to be won.
Drag Bingo has a long way to go to replace the likes of Jonny Bongo and his Bongo's Bingo. However, the target audience, the venues and the general ambience of the bingo events lend themselves beautifully to the concept of Drag Bingo.
GlamSlam Opens Up on Drag Bingo
BingoDaily spoke to Teresa Tilly, MD of GlamSlam, one of the UK's leading entertainment agency's and by far one of the biggest in the UK Drag Bingo Scene.
We asked how much demand is there for drag bingo in the UK? Theresa replied:
“Really popular there has certainly been a surge in both Drag Queen enquiries and Bingo coming into the mainstream so to put them both together is the perfect partnership for a great night out!”
When we asked what the typical audience for Drag Bingo was, Teresa, told us that the audience is:
“About 50% gay and the remainder straight mostly females looking for a fun night out”
Lastly, we quizzed Teresa on whether Drag Bingo could overtake Bongo's Bingo.
“Certainly not for now Bongo Bingo is a great concept, they are the leaders who re invented Bingo for the new generation and they have done this perfectly, but the Drag world is learning fast and they are a perfect combination for Bingo, so I will say Bongo Bingo watch your back!! You never know….”
You can catch up on the latest Glam Slam event or book one of their acts here.
Get Yourself to Drag Bingo
If you are a bingo fan and haven't yet experienced the fun of Drag Bingo, it's about time you changed that. The team here at BingoDaily expect to see a lot more about Drag Bingo in the UK bingo news over the coming months.
Ben has been an massive bingo enthusiast and fan since playing at the seaside as a kid. Dedicated to bringing you the latest and best bingo news from the UK
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I LOOOOOOVE Drag bingo! so funny
We need this Drag Bingo in the US. sounds soooooo much fun
drag bingo should be adults only.
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Now this i have to see lol
Is Drag Bingo suitable only for over 18’s?
Some are over 18s only Tom, but some Drag bingo acts are family-friendly.
I saw some drag bingo in Australia once. It was absolutely hilarious. I would recommend going to see Drag Bingo when the lockdown ends
My wife and i ended up being really satisfied when we saw drag bingo in London last year. A little bit risque, but we both loved it. Would recommend drag bingo to everyone
Drag Bingo seems a lot of fun. is there something near Derby or is it all London based?
drag bingo sounds fun. must try it
Drag Bingo is the best. really good fun, would recommend Charlie Hides
i do wonder if Drag bingo is suitable for kids.
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more people should know about Drag bingo and what it is and how fun it is
I can’t believe Drag Bingo draws such controversy. Get a grip people
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hahah i love drag bingo
what is drag bingo? is it a British or Australian thing?
i first saw Drag Bingo in Australia when travelling. Loved it. Yet to see it here in the UK, well not in Rotherham anyway!
Loooooooove drag bingo
i cant get enough Drag Bingo. simply love it
Anyone recommend a good drag bingo act? in the Cornwall area
An impressive share, I simply love drag bingo
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what is drag bingo?
who cares about drag bingo?? too may people it seems.. is drag bingo really that good?? lol
Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive read anything on drag bingo before. So nice to read some unique ideas on this subject. i would recommend drag bingo to everyone of every age
how good drag bingo all depends on who is doing it. I’ve seen good and bad drag bingo. Wont name names.
gooooo drag queen bingo
you wait. drag queen bingo will be the next big thing in bingo
drag queen bingo is the best
I dont see what all the fuss about drag bingo
There are some attention-grabbing deadlines in this article but I dont know if I see all of them center to heart. There may be some validity however I will take hold opinion till I look into drag bingo and drag queen bingo further. Good article , thanks and we want more! Added to FeedBurner as effectively
drag bingo is anything but a drag… get it? lol
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ive been hearing about this drag bingo for a while, i guess i wont ever see it ryhl will i?
what is drag queen bingo? its just men in make up calling bingo numbers!
if you havent seen drag bingo i would recommend it
me – i love men in dresses
also me – i love bingo
ME – I LOVE DRAG BINGO
i really dont get what this drag bingo thing is
This is the best explanation of drag bingo there is
is it drag bingo, drag queen bingo or gay bingo?
Who says the three aren’t mutually exclusive? 😉
a good description of what is drag bingo, thanks.
what i love about Drag bingo is the humour. i always come back crying with laughter after seeing drag bingo
drag bingo really is bingo with glitz and glamour