London’s social bingo scene merges comedy and classic entertainment for a new generation
Ali Brice (a.k.a. Eric Meat) Takes Centre Stage
Charisma, and quick wit, comedian Ali Brice, performing under his stage persona Eric Meat, was declared the winner of Dabbers Social Bingo’s Comedy Caller Contest 2025. The event, held on 16 July in London, was the latest installment in an annual competition that fuses traditional bingo calling with live comedy performance. Brice beat four other finalists to win a £1,000 prize and a year-long contract with Dabbers Social Bingo.
His victory was sealed by an audience vote, showcasing how integral the crowd’s engagement is to the contest’s outcome—fitting, given the interactive and high-energy nature of modern social bingo.
Reimagining Bingo for Younger Audiences
Dabbers Social Bingo, known for revitalising the bingo experience with a focus on performance and immersive entertainment, continues to carve out a niche among younger, experience-hungry patrons. As Managing Director Johnny Unknown explained, the contest isn’t just about numbers—it’s about merging comedy, cabaret, drag, and live entertainment into a cohesive spectacle.
“Younger audiences wanted something more than just going to a pub,” Unknown said. “They wanted to have an experience… and create memories.” This philosophy is shared across the UK’s evolving bingo landscape, where brands like Mecca Bingo have embraced collaborations with drag artists, influencers, and pop-culture icons to stay culturally relevant.
The Challenge Behind the Laughter
Despite the evening’s celebratory tone, Eric Meat (Brice) shed light on the complexities behind being a comedy caller. “It’s not just telling jokes,” he explained. “You’ve got to manage the game, make sure the right numbers are called, and keep everyone entertained—all at once. It’s tough.”
His comments reflect the unique duality of modern bingo calling: part game host, part stage performer. It’s this combination that has attracted comedians, drag artists, and cabaret performers to the format, blending discipline and spontaneity into a growing genre of entertainment.
A Platform for New Talent
Now in its annual tradition, the Comedy Caller Contest has grown into more than a fun night out—it’s a springboard for performers seeking alternative pathways into the live entertainment circuit. With rising interest in interactive, community-centered events, venues like Dabbers are creating meaningful opportunities for emerging artists to connect with audiences in unconventional ways.
Dabbers’ embrace of new talent and non-traditional formats is helping to reinvent bingo as a dynamic stage for creativity, and with Eric Meat set to join the team full-time, the brand is banking on more magic in the months ahead.
Stay tuned as Dabbers continues to redefine what bingo can be—one punchline at a time.
