Raquel Stevens
A Daylesford resident mentioned to me that since the local cinema disappeared, locals have had to find their own source of entertainment.
So, what do the folks of Hepburn Shire get up to on a school night in the midst of winter? Let me tell you. Plenty of good old fashion fun. I recently had the pleasure of tagging along to Dolly’s Disco Bingo at the Palais, and now I’m a bona fide convert.
Dolly Adamson is the star of the show and she certainly knows how to get a party started.
How did Dolly bingo evolve?
The Spirit of Tasmania asked me to host bingo on their summer entertainment. As I was a mobile dj/mc and had been playing music for years, I thought, normal bingo is far too boring. Why not disco bingo! Turns out Spirit of Tasmania loved it, and I hosted it 7 years onboard as part of their summer program.
What brought you to Daylesford?
One customer had seen me onboard the Spirit of Tasmania. They told Micki (former manager) of the Daylesford Bowling Club that they should get me. Micki rang me, having no idea what it was! “What is this Disco Bingo?” she asked in her German accent. I was there for 7 years.
What brings you joy?
Seeing people smile, laugh, dance, sing. It’s good for the soul.
What surprises you most about the crowd?
Nothing really, I have seen every dance move you can imagine.
What’s your favourite bingo song?
September – Earth Wind and Fire – Classic Disco.
What gets the crowd dancing every time?
Well for the Daylesford Crowd – Gimme Gimme Gimme (a man after midnight) Abba!
On my fridge right now is…
A photo of my daughter when she was 6 months old. She is now 17 years, so I like to remember the hugs when I look at her picture.
What would you tell your 18 year old self?
Keep up the ballroom dancing. You love a good cha cha cha!
If a wombat walked into Dolly bingo in a top hat, what would it say?
You got any songs I can wobble to?
What’s on your playlist right now?
Happy by Edwin Starr. Actually, it’s been there for years!
I have never …
Sat on my wombutt when someone asks me to dance!
Describe yourself in a sentence.
A b grade entertainer who loves to see people smile.
There is nothing b grade about you at all. What do you enjoy most about country life?
Knowing your neighbours. Hi Shayna!
If you were a hashtag?
#Dollydoesdiscobingo
A lesson you would like to share with the younger generation.
Get off your phone and dance!
What’s next for Dolly?
I have a ghost tour business – Kyneton Paranormal. So, something that reflects my age/vanity. The dimmer the lights the better! Hard to see the ghosts dancing though, they are a typically boring lot.
I’m happy at the gorgeous Palais and other local nights I host at Kyneton Bowls Club, Victoria Hotel Woodend, Cumberland Hotel. Always nice to dance with the locals and steal a smile from a stranger and convert new ones to Disco Bingo such as yourself Raquel!
I’ll be back, no question about that. Can we add “Oh, What A Night” by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons to the bingo card? Pretty please.
Dolly Bingo is on at the Palais in Hepburn Springs on the 1st Thursday of each month. Come along next week, July 6th. Bingo kicks off at 7.30pm. It’s free.
Raquel Stevens is a former Network Ten News Journalist. She has been a part time local for more than 25 years, and one day hopes to be a full time local.
