Jolly Ol’ England has made its mark in the heart of New York City, and trust me, you don’t want to miss the party!
Bongo’s Bingo, the electrifying sensation from the UK, predominantly hailing from Liverpool, has brought its unpredictable "bingo rave" stateside.
Now, when you think of a bingo night, your mind might wander to images of senior homes or stuffy church lobbies, but DJ Jonny Bongo and his crew have flipped the script entirely.
UNILAD got the exclusive invite to their Thursday night extravaganza at Racket NYC in Manhattan, and let me tell you, it was a spectacle like no other. The show kicks off by introducing two crossdressing dancers, aptly named Horny Heidi and Slutty Susie, who amp up the crowd with their sultry dances that leave little to the imagination.
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But that’s just the warm-up. Once the party is in full swing, it’s bingo time. And let me tell you, these aren’t your grandma’s bingo prizes. From the quirky to the downright desirable, the stakes are high, and the competition is fierce – especially when there’s a life-size cutout of Harry Styles up for grabs.
As the numbers flash across the screen at breakneck speed, you’ll find yourself questioning whether it’s the drinks or the dancers that are making things blur. But amidst the chaos, one thing remains constant: the sheer joy and frivolity infused into every moment.
Even the act of calling out numbers is turned into a performance art, with each digit accompanied by its own punchline or gag, making you feel like you’re in on the best-kept secret.
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Some of the encouraged group outbursts are hyper regional. Take, for instance, a particular lyric that fell hilariously flat, apparently from Paul McCartney’s band Wings – something I only discovered after a quick Google: “someone’s knocking at my door, someone’s ringing the bell.” Go ahead, Brits, have a laugh at our expense.
But fear not because others, like the inevitable jokes for number 69, transcend borders. And then there are the distinctly British touches that add an extra layer of inviting charm. Who knew that shouting "Oi oi! Cheeky cheeky!" for the number 6 could be so infectious? DJ Bongo spins a cheeky tune, and suddenly everyone’s doing the Macarena.
The next round might feature a bit of Disney karaoke, a country hoedown break, or even a dance-off for the right to claim a disco ball helmet or the renowned Henry Hoover prize, which the event has practically become synonymous with. It’s a nonstop rollercoaster ride of twists, turns, and prizes.
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Now, if this all sounds a bit overwhelming, that’s because it is – but in the best possible way. DJ Jonny Bongo, Horny Heidi, and Slutty Susie are on a mission to bring a taste of irreverent English humor straight to your doorstep, and resistance is futile.
So, embrace the madness, because who knows? The next call of "eyes down, pens down" could see you walking away with your very own wacky wavy inflatable tube man or a cool $500. In Bongo’s Bingo, anything can happen, and that’s the beauty of it.
Keep an eye out for their next show in the States at www.bongosbingousa.com
The UNILAD Team