Keith Preene’s Golden Goose Bingo

James Hay Theatre, Christchurch

31/01/2025 - 31/01/2025

World Buskers Festival 2025

Production Details


Created and performed by Shay Horay

Shay Horay Productions


Get ready for the return of a true comedy legend – Keith “The Numbers” Preene is back, and he’s bringing his one-of-a-kind show The Golden Goose to the World Buskers Festival for a limited engagement!

The last time Keith graced the stage in 2017, his show sold out every night. Now, after
an “extreme” comedy cryogenic freeze, Keith is thawed, refreshed and ready to bring the house down with his uproarious game of bingo. This isn’t your average bingo night – it’s packed with laughter, naughty surprises and, of course, great prizes, all set within Keith’s unique world of hilarious absurdities.


Keith Preene is a beloved character in the comedy world, known for his sharp wit, outrageous antics, and unforgettable persona. As the star of his own calendar and the creative force behind Shay Horay Productions, Keith has been delivering sidesplitting performances for years. Don’t miss your chance to experience this unmissable show LIVE at the iconic James Hay Theatre! With Keith’s medical clearance and a whole new level of comedy, The Golden Goose is guaranteed to be a night full of laughs. But hurry—this is your exclusive opportunity to catch this show before Keith disappears again!

January 31 2025

James Hay Theatre

Tickets: Tickets: Keith Preene’s Golden Goose Bingo, Christchurch | Fri, 31 Jan 2025, 7:30 pm | Ticketmaster NZ


Shay Horay
Jonny Brugh


Theatre , Solo , Comedy ,


Two hours including 20-minute interval

Embellished storytelling and infectious giggle provide plenty of humour

Review by Julie McCloy 01st Feb 2025

Friday night at the James Hay Theatre and it looks like a full house (Bingo! 😊 I couldn’t resist!)

We’re here to see the legend that is Keith ‘The Numbers’ Preene, have a few laughs and maybe even win a prize – which of course you must go on-stage to collect. What can possibly go wrong?

We’re all handed a bingo card as we enter. Many people have not bought a pen, not expecting, perhaps, that there will actually be bingo (or maybe wisely not wanting to expose themselves to the risks of ‘audience participation’).

Some of us stand for the national anthem (leaving others confused and/or still seated, but Keith is a product of – and still in – the 1970s) and the 20th Century Fox theme. Enter the man himself. Dodgy suit, dodgy wig, dodgy glasses, but exuding charm and panache.

Keith (Shay Horay) is here for a conversation with his friends, the audience. He’s going to tell a few jokes, have a few laughs, and let them see a little bit of the life of the man behind the famous calendar shots. Along the way we’re treated to a blend of old-fashioned bingo interspersed with courier deliveries (aka Temu aka Gavin, played by Jonny Brugh (What we Do in the Shadows (movie) and the brilliant series, Educators), a plug for Keith’s contemporary dance studio (with an unforgettably costumed demo) and anecdotes from the great man’s life. 

Of course, some of the great laughs come from witnessing the discomfort of others as people who have scored a ‘line’ come onstage to collect a prize (a Keith Preene 2025 calendar); I’m glad my luck is not in tonight. Graciously embracing the audience participation that is thrust upon her is audience member Mel, who is called up to be Keith’s glamorous assistant for the second half of the show. Full credit to her, she even necks a Rheineck – that’s dedication to realism.

Physically the show is split between two onstage spaces – the ‘presentation’ side and, divided by an invisible but very ‘real’ wall, Keith’s comfortable Rolleston-based 1970s home. I recognise far too many prop elements from this era for my comfort.

The lighting and sound effects add to the night, with spots following Keith (or not), in order to underpin moments of comedy, and a great use of dual mics as Keith the man switches from his headpiece to his professional Bingo Caller handheld.

As lines are called, calendars disbursed and people mildly mocked, it’s clear that this audience of friends have got what they came for – laughs. If some of the jokes are already well known, I can forgive Keith, as his embellished storytelling and infectious giggle still provide plenty of humour.  

For me (but not just for me, judging by the reaction), the absolute highlight is his (near) exit from the stage. I am literally doubled up with laughter as Horay puts his body on the line in the name of comedy. Absolutely hilarious.

If I had one quibble, it’s that some of the unscripted dialogue between Horay and Brugh goes a little long or loses its way, especially at the end of the show, detracting from the  momentum.  

Keith ‘the Numbers’ Preene is doling himself out to only one show during the World Buskers Festival, but if your numbers weren’t in last night, maybe you can catch him at another bingo hall soon. If you can, he’s worth spending some time with. And you just might pick up a few dance moves too.

Comments

Make a comment

Wellingon City Council
Auckland City Council
Aotearoa Gaming Trust
PatronBase