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On 7 July, Dabbers Bingo hosted its Bingo Comedy Caller Contest 2024 where musical and clowning comedian ‘Dru Cripps’ was announced as the winner, and awarded £1,000 ($1,280) alongside a year-long contract with Dabbers Social Bingo.
Cripps had originally entered the competition only to be knocked out in the heats. However, after his friend and fellow comedian, Lilian Wenker, was forced to pull out of the final due to illness, Cripps stepped and ended up claiming the top prize. His innovative style saw him incorporate both music and dance elements to bingo calling to win over the judges.
Commenting on his win, Cripps said: “My favourite thing about hosting the bingo was being informed the night before that I was back in the competition. Clowns were used in the circus when the lion tamer had been eaten and they needed someone to do something to distract the audience – so it felt a bit like that. In this case, Lilian Wenker’s appendix was the lion.”
The competition was hosted by BBC New Comedy Award finalist and Live at the Apollo comedian Sikisa Bostwick. Last year, Dabbers Social Bingo held the 2023 iteration of the competition – which also incorporated the company’s aim of re-imagining the bingo experience for the ages of 20-50 years.
Commenting on the 2024 final, Dabbers Founder Jonny Unknown said: “What a finale show – so much energy from the audience and four brilliant contestants competing! The best act won on the day, but gosh it wouldn’t be Dabbers without some last-minute twists and drama”
