⭐️⭐️⭐️ and a half
Theoretically, Boogie Bingo had all the right ingredients for a great night. 80s, 90s and 00s bangers – check. Pride round with a couple of musical theatre numbers and current hits thrown in – check. Award-winning drag host in pink sparkles and fabulous shoes – check.
So I was a little disappointed that it didn’t quite hit the mark.
From the outset, Perth drag queen veteran Dean Misdale exuded Mean Girl energy minus the wit and camp. In a previous interview, Dean promised of their bingo nights, “you bring yourself, and we will bring the party!” I brought myself. I’m still waiting for the party.
I should have known early on. I handed Dean an easy win by pointing out our matching shoes – prime banter territory – and got brushed off. Shortly after, a large group came in, each wearing colourful wigs – yet another wasted opportunity, instead making a dig about their “cheap” hair.
On a positive note, the concept was absolutely ingenious. Bingo, but make it a glorified karaoke session? Sign me up!
Instead of numbers, our cards were filled with song titles across four themed rounds. I was singing along to every single song. From Queen and Madonna to Roxette, Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, ABBA, Kylie Minogue, Beyonce, Tina Arena, John Farnham, and even current artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan – the music selection was undeniably epic.
And there’s no doubt Dean is extremely talented, with powerhouse vocals that we were teased with throughout the night. I just wish we heard more of them, along with more audience interaction and the laughs we were promised.
Still, the soundtrack and the company made for a very fun night. It just needed that little extra lift from the host to make it a perfect one.