An exclusive review, Joy Harvey Review for Bingo Daily
“ ” A perfect charcuterie board of comedy, cabaret, chaos & Cheese Communion — The Chaotic Joy of Dabbers Comedy Caller 2025”
Dabbers Comedy Caller 2025, sponsored by Malibu and held in association with British Comedy Guide, reached an electrifying, hilarious grand final on Wednesday, 16th July. At the Aldgate venue, the packed-out bingo hall brought on a perfect storm of comedy, cabaret, chaos — and bingo. Yes, bingo. But not as you know it.”
What makes this competition truly unique is that every contestant created their own themed bingo show, complete with custom bingo calls, original characters, and deeply absurd storytelling. It’s theatre-meets-gameshow, soaked in personality and pumped full of high-octane madness.
The night’s finalists came in the shape of – Kirsty Lucas with full Y2K theatre kid energy, serving Bang On The Door aesthetics and pop bangers and pastel vibes with choreography and charisma to spare. Shruti Sharma, a powerhouse at over eight months pregnant, slayed the stage with Bollywood beats, biting stand-up, and radiant stage presence. Fabio Lezonli dazzled with a whirlwind of drag, comedy dance, and illusion.
Meat Vs Cheese
But it all came down to two unforgettable contenders: Meat V’s Cheese.
First up: the incomparable Ali Brice, performing as his wildly lovable gameshow character Eric Meat. Think salesman-meets-surrealist-showman in yesterday’s suit, armed with meat-themed bingo calls and a leg of lamb for a prize. Yes, really. His commitment to character, control of the room and the bagging the biggest laughs had half the hall chanting “Meat! Meat! Meat!” by the end. It was perfect. It was a win for absurdist comedy and an easy pick for the £1,000 cash prize and a year of gigs at Dabbers.
Then there was Esther Cross, who was probably my fave, she earned the Judges’ Choice Award with a performance so brilliantly bizarre it defies description. Dressed as Wallace (yes, from Wallace & Gromit), she turned the stage into a cheese altar, handing out cheese (who doesn’t love free cheese?!) and crackers as communion while belting a full-throttle operetta about ‘Beans on Cheese devotion’. It was bonkers. It was brave. It was pure cabaret gold.
Dabbers Comedy Bingo Caller of the Year
Dabbers Comedy Bingo Caller of the Year Judges
The judging panel — Miles Baron (Bingo Association), Kitty Chrisp (Metro), Noel Cornford (Inside Out Talent), and cabaret legend Roland Saunders — were captivated, clearly loving every outlandish second.
Dabbers Comedy Bingo Caller of the Year Contestant
Tying the chaos together with charisma and control was Sikisa — fierce, funny, and absolutely on fire. She kept the night moving with rapid-fire wit and relentless energy. The final act? A musical bingo round in which dancing non-stop as the audience rose to join her while the votes were counted. She was unstoppable.
This wasn’t just a comedy show. It was a genre-bending, cheese-flinging, meat-slinging celebration of live performance at its most fearless and fun.
Five stars. A standing ovation. A leg of lamb. And a silent prayer of thanks for cheese communion.
Pictures @shotbyo_x
Dabbers Comedy Bingo Caller of the Year Contestants
Exclusive interview with the Winner of Comedy Caller 2025, Ali Brice AKA Eric Meat
Dabbers Comedy Bingo Caller of the Year Winner
1 – How do you feel about winning?
Really surprised really happy. It was a tough competition with brilliant acts. I didn’t expect to win at all. It feels great.
2 – What did you do to prepare?
I panicked a lot. And just did my best to think of funny numbers.
Also, I learned so much at each heat from the other acts. About timing, rhythm, crowd control, pacing…etc
Some acts had such complicated sets. It was amazing to watch.
In the end I decided to keep things simple – like Eric.
3 – Where do you see your act taking you from now?
I’m going to the Edinburgh fringe this August with the show:
‘Eric Meat Gets the Chop’.
5.30pm,
Carbon 1
2nd – 24th (not 13th) August
PBH Free Fringe
£FREE
4 – What do you think made you stand out?
Keeping things simple and really getting the crowd involved, not just performing at them.
Also, the theme of meat permeated every second of my act.
5 – What did you take inspiration from with your act?
1970s comedians, 1980s game show hosts and keeping things 100% cheesy. Eric Meat is old school through and through.
6 – What are you going to do with your winnings?
A new jacket for Eric Meat.
I went on holiday immediately after the competition (it was booked months before, I’m actually in Corfu answering these questions) so the money will come in very handy.“
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