Drag Dabbers Bingo, the East London bingo venue has truly brought showmanship and entertainment back centre stage at bingo, with regular nights hosted by top comics including Tony Law, Marcel Lucont, Olaf Falafel, Eleanor Conway, and Javier Jarquin, to name but a few.
Celebrating unique showmanship and searching for new talent, each year Dabbers’ Next Top Bingo Caller competition brings to the fore a diverse range of fresh and exciting entertainers. 2023 was no exception.
The road was long, but thoroughly entertaining, as were the final four contestants, who battled it out for crowd support, judges’ engagement and the crown:
Amy Webber – Award-winning triple threat comedian as heard on BBC Radio 4. Singer, songwriter, and performer all rolled into one. Equipped with her mini electric piano and an opera degree (that’s never been helpful!).
Mathew Ali – A stand-up comedian from Archway, North London, known for his sassy storytelling, over-sharing and killer dance moves (yes, even a split!).
Ric O’ Brac – Otherwise known as Richard Woolford, the funny mind behind BBC Radio 4’s Newsjack and BBC’s Have I Got News For You. His knack for comedy writing and talent for stand-up have won him awards including Chortles Best Sketch and Leicester Comedy Festival Best Sketch.
Siobhan – South East Londoner and musical force to be reckoned with, thanks to her childhood surrounded by art. She brings her character comedy act as a rapper with garage swag and a pop heart to the stage and bingo.
Hosted by BBC New Comedy Award finalist, Sikisa Bostwick, the Dabbers Next Top Bingo Caller 2023 finalist judging panel was made up of entertainment industry professionals including: Kate Daughton, Ex Head of Comedy at the BBC and Co-Founder of Boffola Pictures; Miles Baron, Chief Executive of The Bingo Association, and a comedian who knows all about winning, Hannah Byczkowskim (winner of the reality TV competition ‘ The Traitors’).
Playing to ‘a full-house’ at Dabbers’ Houndsditch venue in London, it was Amy who stole the show and claimed the title of Dabbers Next Top Bingo Caller 2023. The musical comedian mixed comedic-opera singing into her act and bingo calling, creating a performance that was both unique and entertaining.
“I am absolutely elated. I’m flattered that the audience voted me as the winner. All the finalists were unique and amazing performers, and I still can’t believe it was me who won. I’ll be putting the money towards performing at the Edinburgh Fringe. It’s my first time going up and taking my own show so I’m pretty nervous about it – having this financial help is a fantastic and unexpected windfall.” Amy said.
Amy walks away with the title Dabbers Next Top Bingo Caller 2023, £1,000 courtesy of sponsors, Malibu, a luxurious hotel stay and a 12-month contract to perform with Dabbers Social Bingo.
Amy studied opera at University, and it was there that she realised she could combine her love of this classic performance style with more modern pop music and with making people laugh. So, at 27 she merged her two passions to create her musical comedy act.
When Amy Webber isn’t performing on stage she’s using her musical talents to teach children through her education songs, as a singing teacher. Making the most of her teaching skills, one of Amy’s favourite parts the world of bingo is the opportunity to “be in charge of organised chaos” that modern day bingo calling brings – a skill that may come in handy!
