London’s queen of comedy bingo, Sheila Simmonds, who hails from Woolloomooloo, Australia, starts a new, limited run at popular cabaret venue Two Brewers this August. I caught up with Sheila to chat about Busy Lady Bingo (and more!) which is a bingo night like no other…
G’day, Sheila! What is Busy Lady Bingo and where does your love for bingo originate from?
Busy Lady Bingo is just like your regular bingo… but on steroids. What makes it special is that every night is different. Some time ago, I fell balls deep into bingo and like most things you fall into that way, I’ve developed a love affair with it!
The night has been running successfully at the Duke of Wellington for a number of years now, so what can people expect at the Brewers?
Yes – we’ve been at the Welly for almost 7 years now, and we’re into our 3rd year at Retro Bar so a new venue is always an exciting challenge. For the first few weeks at Two Brewers I’ll be serving you classic Busy Lady Bingo with £100 cash every week along with a round of ding-a-ling bingo, but if we keep going we’ve got a lot more surprises in store! #kylieminogue
Apart from cash, what can people walk away with from Busy Lady Bingo?
A hangover! I’m a seasoned cabaret-goer and hard to please at times, but I have to say that Busy Lady Bingo is one of the most fun cabaret nights in the capital. It’s what cabaret should be all about: pure escapism and joy.
Do you enjoy it as much as the audience and how do you maintain such high levels of exhilaration?
Thank you, darling! I always strive to make people have a good time and for a couple of hours forget all the shite that’s going on in the world. In fact, the only shite you need (home brewed) which is available as a prize. Besides that, I just love meeting all the different kinds of people that come along to Busy Lady Bingo. It’s one of those nights where you could come along on your own and by the end of the night you’ve made a new group of friends. And as for me; well, a large glass of Sauvignon is what keeps me exhilarated!
Your trademark pantsuits are always incredibly eye-catching. Who do you look to for fashion inspiration?
I have been called a fashion icon so I’m delighted you noticed. Donatella (Versace) does most of my suits but I also look to Gemma Collins for fashion inspiration
Your life motto?
If you can’t see – turn the light on!
You can catch Jason here same time next month with another fabulous spotlight on a London LGBTQ+ cabaret star or give him a follow @jasonreiduk
