In the bingo world, there are definitely some characters. Be they the Bingo Queens or Bingo Callers, you often meet people who leave a (good) lasting impression.
One such person is Brendan Riley, a Liverpool native and comedian for the last 35 years. Amongst many, many other things, the instantly likable Brendan is the creator and host of Comedy Bingo, which is set to begin a 10-date show in Southport.
Bingo Daily spoke with Brendan about the show, his love of bingo, and the UK bingo scene in general.
The first thing that strikes you about Brendan, after that strong Liverpudlian accent, is his passion. The man lives and breathes performing comedy and has delighted audiences around the world. Now, in Southport, Brendan is very much on home territory and, in his own words, “absolutely loving it”
Comedy Bingo has now been running in Southport for 18 months. Designed to provide a cheap, fun, and social occasion for anyone and everyone, Brendan’s Comedy Bingo has five dates booked before Christmas in the Comedy Bingo Winter Socials, with another five dates booked after Christmas, with the last show ending in March.
Fun and Affordable
Offering a fun and affordable way for people of all ages to have a great time and form new friendships, Brendan is a man who has dedicated a fair old portion of his life to running charity events and raising money for numerous causes. The Comedy Bingo Winter Socials has tickets that cost just £3 each and include all the bingo cards you need, in addition to a free cup of tea, coffee, wine, or glass of lager.
The shows are family-friendly, and Brendan strongly dismissed the need to swear in his shows. I don’t need it,” he said. “I can play my show to anyone: kids, teenagers, mums and dads, and, of course, the elderly”.
“Southport Market is a fabulous venue to be. It’s really central, it’s a beautiful space and all the bars and food outlets are open if anyone wants to grab something to eat or drink while they’re there.
“It has been great working with the Tourism team at Sefton Council to put this together.
“We have kept the ticket prices very low to try and encourage as many people to come and join us for these fun afternoons as possible.
“It’s a very warm and welcoming environment, perfect for people of all ages to enjoy a real laugh together.”
How it Started
I asked Brendan about how he started playing Bingo, and instantly, he said, “My mum, she was addicted.” He then regaled stories of playing bingo with his mum in Southport Promenade and Summer holidays in Blackpool.
The concept of Comedy Bingo was devised by Brendan “around 2014/2015”. It was at the same time as Bongo’s Bingo and was in the same area (Bongo’s Bingo started in Liverpool). Brendan spoke very highly of Jonny Bingo and Bongo’s Bingo, praising what they achieved and for setting a standard in live bingo events that have not been surpassed. “Most of the others, they just try and be Bongo’s Bingo,” he lamented.
Supported by his wife and business partner, Val, Brendan’s Comedy Bingo is fast becoming a staple feature in Southport and the North West. With no shortage of sponsors and council support, the Comedy Bingo Winter Socials are proving a way for the community to connect, have fun, and win some fantastic prizes (the oldest winner was 100 years old!).
People can book their place at Southport Market on the Big Comedy website. You can also just turn up and pay at the door.
comedy bingo
Pre-Christmas Dates for Comedy Bingo Winter Socials:
Wednesday 23rd October 2024
Wednesday 6th November 2024
Wednesday 20th November 2024
Wednesday 4th December 2024
Wednesday 18th December 2024
The Comedy Bingo Winter Socials see doors open at Southport Market, on King Street in Southport town centre, at 1pm, with the shows starting at 1.30pm and ending at 3.30pm.
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