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Taking Centre Stage ?? The Sky's The Limit for Bingo
There is certainly something theatrical about Bingo: the showman caller, the tense players, the big winnings. But in summer 2009 the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester took this one step further, with Neil Bartlett's play Everybody Loves A Winner transforming the theatre into a bingo hall. Now, just like The Full Monty before it, this down to earth take on Britain's favourite game is rumoured to be interesting the studios of Hollywood.
And why not? The game's popularity goes from strength to strength with each passing week. Online bingo is the nation's most enjoyed web game, so it is little wonder that there would be an eager audience for a play (or film) about such a topic.
The play itself centres around a bingo hall that is suffering for players (perhaps as a result of the growing online trend), but where there is still much fun to be had. The down-to-earth characters enjoy earthy banter between each other - just as they would in a regular bingo hall or in an online chat forum ?? but similarly they gossip and help each other with their lives and loves.
However, the real genius of the play comes in its interactivity. Naturally the stage is set out like a bingo hall, with benches, tables and a showman caller (played by Ian Puleston-Davies) who truly cherishes his ??Church of Chance?, but the audience is encouraged to play for real. They pay a 50p stake, play along with the characters on stage and if an audience member draws a line or a full house they also take home the winnings! In every showing during the play's month run, there was not a single player in the audience who did not join in ?? another indication of the game's lasting popularity.
In its eventual (and possibly inevitable) transference to the big screen, this interactive element will surely be lost. Despite the current trend for 3D movies, there is yet to be a Hollywood picture that is truly involving for the audience, although bingo players nationwide will be hoping that this is not the case and that something can be done to rectify the situation. Surely there could be no greater evening out for an Englishman than the marriage of bingo and movies? Certainly the ladies would be happy ?? a sure-fire winner for any date ideas!
What can remain is the enjoyment, the drama, the comedy and the integrity of the play, reflecting the atmosphere in bingo rooms up and down the country. Then, the transition from bingo hall to computer monitor, to stage and to silver screen will be complete.
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