The announcer platform is impressive stage, what is the story behind such a unique stage?


The calling stage was apparently the original stage set from the first ‘Stars in their eyes’ shows presented by Mathew Kelly, legend has it that Jimmy saw one episode of the programme and was so impressed by the stage and entrance he spoke to the BBC and purchased the whole stage set at the end of the series. The stage was dismantled and put into place at Cricklewood within a week. Fact or fiction, I can’t be sure, but it’s a fabulous stage and one that works well for us.


How important a factor do you think entertainment is in broadening the appeal and maintaining revenues? Entertainment is important to attract a variety of new people to the Bingo product, any fun and theatre or small unexpected twists add to the players enjoyment of their time with us. The management challenge that this industry faces is promoting what we know is a great product to people outside our core customer base. Every


Bingo Life


business has to continually offer more and new experiences to their customers. We are in the entertainment business, when my staff hit the floor, they are all on stage and whether it is overt cabaret style entertainment, or simply sending one lady home so delighted with our ‘performance’ that next week she brings all her friends I don’t mind, as long as it works.


It is clear to see the massively successful legacy of Simon Thomas and his father Jimmy on this impressive Bingo operation


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