I’d like to take a quick moment to shout out about my success of the night – I won the dildo race! Yes, I’m very proud, thank you. (And the crowds go wild!)
Dirty Bingo happens every first Thursday of the month. When we visited it was hosted by the exquisite Dahlia Rivers and most darling Pork Pie, queens of Birmingham.
I’ve not had many experiences with Drag Queens involved. I love that there’s so much versatility within their role whether it’s doing a show or presenting a night, and these two were the perfect hosts for the job.
Birmingham can now shout about its very own altered state of Bingo at city centre local Actress & Bishop
The simple and wonderful game of Bingo has been stretched and twisted into many different experiences beyond your classic quiet night down the bingo hall. Giant game experiences like Bongo’s Bingo or Bingo Lingo offer a game of bingo on steroids which can be an absolute hoot.
However, if you’re like me and like to bask in a bit of bingo fuelled fun without the commitment of coco pops raining down on your head every time, you need not look too far! Birmingham can now shout about its very own altered state of Bingo at city centre local Actress & Bishop in the Jewellery Quarter.
Our hosts introduced themselves, the rules and we dived into the first round.
From the get go, Dirty Bingo was jokes. It was hilarious. These guys have it down. Dahlia and Pork Pie made us laugh from entrance til exit.
The prices ranged from mystery bags that could potentially be filled with money or maybe something cheeky? The rounds went by and each winner had their moment on stage choosing and opening their win for everyone to enjoy.
Then it was the dildo race. I got called up, having probably laughed my head off so obviously at the front. Two other competitors were chosen, we had choice of tool and… I won’t go into the details of how, you can find out yourself!
A tenner, a twenty pounds, and a stretchy rubber flying chicken… a waffle maker, an x-rated tissue box…all awhile Dahlia and Pork Pie putting their very best jesting feet forward for the experience. I have to say, I didn’t stop smiling or laughing for the entirety of the evening! To the point I actually forgot to take photos. And in between rounds and prize-giving you could enjoy singing brazenly to some best-loved choons
Then it was the dildo race. I got called up, having probably laughed my head off so obviously at the front. Two other competitors were chosen, we had choice of tool and… I won’t go into the details of how, you can find out yourself! But the outcome was successful and I got to choose a prize – a game book for when you’re powdering your nose. For anyone interested in the race itself there is footage available (my boyfriend having the time of his life capturing this unique moment).
Amongst other memorable moments, us contestants being put up to cheeky challenges including a shot of something you don’t want to remember if you ‘bingoed’ incorrectly, and a beautiful closing act of our audience dancing and karaoke-ing along to a classic banger with Dahlia and Pork-Pie leading the way.
Dirty Bingo is hosted by a mixture of Birmingham Queens so every time you’ll have a different character and variety of humour. The plain and simple silliness of the night is worth every minute and a perfect activity for you and your boo, larger groups with friends or definitely any pre-wedding parties!
Additionally the staff at the venue are all very welcoming and friendly which made the evening all the more pleasant.
Thank you Actress & Bishop for a really entertaining Thursday evening, I’ll be back for more!
Words by Ning-ning Li @ningningli for Grapevine.
Tickets can be purchased here.