Interview: Boogaloo Stu on his Big Quiffy Bingo Tour
We caught up with the bequiffed legend himself, Boogaloo Stu, to talk about life’s raison d’être: B-I-N-G-O. Get on down to Museum of Comedy to laugh your socks off in a cavalcade of balls, calls and extravagance for alls.
Big Quiffy Bingo | Museum of Comedy | 19 July | £11
Tell us about your BIG QUIFFY BINGO tour. What should audiences expect in London and beyond?
I felt the time was right to bring Big Quiffy Bingo to a wider audience. It’s a show that has been casually gestating for many years, from the wild bingo brunch events I hosted for many years at the Four Thieves in Clapham, to the online shows during the pandemic lockdowns, which then led to several sell-out seasons at the Brighton Spiegeltent during Brighton Fringe.
In the interim, I’ve taken several other shows out on the road, but not this one – until now! It’s most certainly an event that showcases the naughtier side of Boogaloo Stu. It’s utter filth and completely idiotic, but delivered with customary panache and eloquent aplomb. In amongst the jokes, silliness and flashmob dances, we do also actually play bingo at some points, and there are of course prizes to be won.
From Scarborough to Colchester, your tour is all over the country. Where are you looking forward to exploring?
I’m hoping I’ll have a chance to experience a little bit of high art in each place. I love going back to Hastings and Bristol; both places have undergone quite radical transformations over the years, and both have vibrant art scenes with wonderful audiences.
I had a holiday in Scarborough when I was 4 years old but have not been back since! My show there is part of Scarborough Arts Festival, so the whole town should be thoroughly bathed in glorious glow of creative endeavour.
On the Isle of Wight, I will be heading to Ventnor Fringe, which is a small but perfectly-formed festival. I performed there as my alter-ego Derek Daniels a couple of years ago. Ventnor is a bit like Brighton in miniature, there are a lot of creative souls there.
Bingo is an important part of UK culture. Why do you think this is?
Personally, I really enjoy anything that encourages participation and a sense of community fun. And that’s what bingo does, in a nutshell. And it’s just so easy to play. Although people still manage to get it wrong, of course – but do they do that on purpose for the ATTENTION? Quite possibly.
Who or what are your inspirations for your style and flamboyance?
My style icons are generally from the early 70s and 80s. Disco stars, glam rockers, the gender-benders – all the usual suspects have inspired me down the years. I love finding vintage lurex fabrics or old maxi dresses that I can pick apart and make into something new. And I’ve built up a huge collection of vintage platform shoes. My looks have evolved over time, though.
Year on year, it seems that I’ve gradually covered myself up. As I get slightly shorter and wider, my fashion looks have been adapted from the tiny glittery knickers and waistcoats I used to wear, into frilly creations that cover almost every inch of flesh. It’s now just my face that is left exposed – and most of that is covered by my beard, and my vintage varifocals so I can actually see my bingo balls. The joys of middle-age, my dear!
What are your favourite London haunts?
Central London is all a bit Disney now, isn’t it. Polished, expensive and a bit soulless. It feels like it’s had a lot of the character stripped away. But there are still a few amazing spots. From a performer’s perspective, I love the stage at the RVT. And the Barbican is amazing. But I hardly ever go out! Performing takes me to so many different venues; to be honest an evening at home is usually my favourite thing. How very dull.
I am Joint Editor at To Do List. I like free, cheap & offbeat London, especially: cabaret, art, theatre, pop-ups, eating out, quirky films, museums, day trips, social enterprise & much more.
