Eurovision Your Decision returns for 2026.
The sequins are being polished, the key changes are being rehearsed, and the wind machines are set to "gale force." As the 70th Eurovision Song Contest prepares to take over Vienna, London’s own iconic Royal Vauxhall Tavern is ready to host its favourite annual tradition: Eurovision Your Decision.
Part high-energy cabaret, part affectionate parody, and entirely chaotic, the show puts the power in the hands of the audience.
At the heart of this "Euro-Pop fever dream" is the multitalented Tim McArthur.
We sat down with Tim to talk about the 2026 edition of the show.
Where did your original inspiration for Eurovision Your Decision come from?
In 2004, I was programming cabaret seasons at the Jermyn Street Theatre. I created a show called Euro-Magic-Vision a celebration of Eurovision, 12 Eurovision songs performed by a cast of four. Silliness, two hosts, the original format had no multimedia, the songs were played on a live piano. In 2021 I was programming Cabaret at Above the Stag and I thought, “Let’s revisit this show and now add the multimedia element, have tracks to create that full Eurovision pop sound and the audience can vote in the interval via a Q R code.” So EYD was born!
In 2004, I was programming cabaret seasons at the Jermyn Street Theatre. I created a show called Euro-Magic-Vision a celebration of Eurovision, 12 Eurovision songs performed by a cast of four. Silliness, two hosts, the original format had no multimedia, the songs were played on a live piano. In 2021 I was programming Cabaret at Above the Stag and I thought, “Let’s revisit this show and now add the multimedia element, have tracks to create that full Eurovision pop sound and the audience can vote in the interval via a Q R code.” So EYD was born!
Parody is a fine art. How do you ensure the show stays a 'love letter' to Eurovision rather than just making fun of it? How do you find the line between mockery and homage?
We all know Eurovision is slightly out there and at times bonkers! From a staging perspective it’s playing on the staging of the songs and finding more comedy in the presentation of the songs. The past two years we have had audience members whom are not fans of Eurovision itself but love EYD. As I think it stands up as comedy on its own. It will always be a personal love letter from me to Eurovision, and as we know it is Christmas for gays!
You’ve been doing this for six years now. How has the flavour of Eurovision camp changed since you started? Is it getting more self-aware, or more sincere?
Interesting question, I actually think we have lost a little bit of the “camp” in recent years, its more focused these days on the use of projections on the staging of the songs. The songs that do stick out or the ones that are quirky in style of costumes and physical set. The gimmicks seem to be dying out.
Interesting question, I actually think we have lost a little bit of the “camp” in recent years, its more focused these days on the use of projections on the staging of the songs. The songs that do stick out or the ones that are quirky in style of costumes and physical set. The gimmicks seem to be dying out.
You’ve directed the Royal Vauxhall Tavern Panto for a decade. If you had to cast a classic Panto Dame in a Eurovision act, which iconic entry would they perform?
It would have to be Biggins performing Dancing Lasha Tumbai. Or was it him?? Lolz.
It would have to be Biggins performing Dancing Lasha Tumbai. Or was it him?? Lolz.
The show features songs from the last 150 years of Eurovision—which suggests you’ve discovered some Victorian-era Europop. What does a 19th-century Eurovision banger sound like?
This year is the 70th birthday of Eurovision, some may argue that it’s been around forever, certainly all through my life time. The 150th acknowledgement is me being cheeky. If Eurovision was 150 years old, and the year was 1876. I imagine it would be a version of My grandfather’s clock performed by a chamber maid, accompanied by a piano.
Eurovision is famous for the mid-song outfit change made famous by Bucks Fizz. If your life had a reveal moment, what would you be shedding, and what’s the sparkly leotard underneath?
In the past I have been referred to as the hairiest man in showbiz! So probably, hair, lots of hair, and some sort of animal print sparky leotard. Although, I have to say I did wear a leotard for EYD five years ago and it wasn’t pleasant for everyone involved, me, the audience, my therapist, the list goes on… and on… and on…
In the past I have been referred to as the hairiest man in showbiz! So probably, hair, lots of hair, and some sort of animal print sparky leotard. Although, I have to say I did wear a leotard for EYD five years ago and it wasn’t pleasant for everyone involved, me, the audience, my therapist, the list goes on… and on… and on…
If you were secretly tasked with writing a troll entry for a real country to ensure they get zero points, what would the song title and the gimmick be?
In the past few years, I think the UK have had a few interesting entries that have failed to get “nil” points from the public vote. Maybe a song about a nun who discovers the joys of sex! She enters on a giant penis! That would be a disaster, let’s do it, I know just the nun.
In the past few years, I think the UK have had a few interesting entries that have failed to get “nil” points from the public vote. Maybe a song about a nun who discovers the joys of sex! She enters on a giant penis! That would be a disaster, let’s do it, I know just the nun.
How would 'Sister Mary' react to the sequined chaos of Eurovision? Would she offer a blessing or an exorcism?
Many years ago, Sister Mary was performing a three-week season of her show Coming At Cha at Jermyn Street Theatre, and to help spread the word she performed a lip-syncing version of Scooch’s “Flying the Flag” to help generate ticket sales. She uploaded it on the YouTube and the video went viral, and gained a lot of likes. Scooch saw the video and invited Sister Mary to be their official video, so if you watch carefully, you will see Sister Mary in said video. She loved it and Eurovision has a special place in her heart.
Many years ago, Sister Mary was performing a three-week season of her show Coming At Cha at Jermyn Street Theatre, and to help spread the word she performed a lip-syncing version of Scooch’s “Flying the Flag” to help generate ticket sales. She uploaded it on the YouTube and the video went viral, and gained a lot of likes. Scooch saw the video and invited Sister Mary to be their official video, so if you watch carefully, you will see Sister Mary in said video. She loved it and Eurovision has a special place in her heart.
Without giving too much away, which of the 14 acts this year is the 'dark horse' that usually surprises the audience during the vote?
In the past five years as a cast we always say, “Oh this one will be a favourite, this one’s a winner,” and then the show opens, and it doesn’t win. That’s the great element of EYD - the audience vote each performance, so we have no idea which song will win. As the run continues as a company, we do get very competitive with each other. It has been known that rivalry, backstage bitching and trying to push each other down the stairs commences.
In the past five years as a cast we always say, “Oh this one will be a favourite, this one’s a winner,” and then the show opens, and it doesn’t win. That’s the great element of EYD - the audience vote each performance, so we have no idea which song will win. As the run continues as a company, we do get very competitive with each other. It has been known that rivalry, backstage bitching and trying to push each other down the stairs commences.
Which Eurovision song has the key change that most makes you want to punch the air in triumph?
Probably Euphoria, it’s a banger!
Probably Euphoria, it’s a banger!
If you had to combine a traditional Panto 'He’s behind you!' moment with a classic Eurovision ballad, how would that look on stage?
Would have to be Johnny Logan’s Hold Me Now. He sings about wanting to be held and you could have the love interest behind him. Every time he sings the chorus “hold me now”, the audience yells “it’s behind you!”
Nemo won by balancing on a spinning satellite disk. What is the most precarious piece of furniture you’ve ever asked a performer to stand on for the sake of 'Art'?
I would never ask a performer to take the risk however… Many years ago, when I played Dame in Jack and the Beanstalk, I had to sit on a thin piece of wood that was supposed to be a Magic Harp. It wasn’t a magic harp, it was a thin piece of wood, 30 foot in the air. Terrifying.
If the budget was unlimited but the taste level was... questionable... what would be the 'Tim McArthur' ultimate Eurovision interval act?
It would have to be Gina G performing what I think is one of the best UK Eurovision entries ever, Oh Ah Just a little bit! No one knows where she is in the world. I would pay someone, somewhere to find her, track her down and sing the night away.
It would have to be Gina G performing what I think is one of the best UK Eurovision entries ever, Oh Ah Just a little bit! No one knows where she is in the world. I would pay someone, somewhere to find her, track her down and sing the night away.
You’ve directed the Royal Vauxhall Tavern Panto for a decade. How has that iconic, historic venue shaped your style as a director and performer? What does Vauxhall energy bring to a West End-nominated show?
I will be eternally grateful to work at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. It is such an important part of our history. It is an honour to have directed on the panto there all these years. The venue is perfect for EYD, we play it as though it is a massive arena, and it is in our minds. As a performer there is nothing like playing the RVT, we feel that EYD has found its spiritual home.
I will be eternally grateful to work at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern. It is such an important part of our history. It is an honour to have directed on the panto there all these years. The venue is perfect for EYD, we play it as though it is a massive arena, and it is in our minds. As a performer there is nothing like playing the RVT, we feel that EYD has found its spiritual home.
In an industry where shows can be 'one and done,' what do you think is the secret sauce that has kept Eurovision Your Decision returning for a 6th year?
The support and loyalty of our ever-growing audience. Last year, was the first time after the show we would meet the audience members in the bar. It was so lovely to discover the fans of the show whom have been following us at various points to hear their feedback on the show. You don’t even have to be a fan of the official Eurovision to enjoy EYD, it now stands up on its own as a Cabaret theatre show.
Every year, I change the song choices, reinvent and write elements of the show to keep it fresh and current.
You write, direct, and perform. When you’re in the middle of a 'Euro-Pop fever dream' on stage, does the Director-brain ever turn off, or are you constantly 'notes-ing' the show in your head while you sing?
I have the “fever dream” months before we actually get into the rehearsal room, the song choices, liaising with Jo who does the filming, Matt Richardson who does the voice overs, to make sure the tech elements all match. Michelle who makes the costumes, to make sure, we can do a costume change sometimes in less then 30 seconds. Getting into rehearsals is the easy part. We have a great group of performers David, Jo and Hannah, we play, we bounce off each other. It’s a joy and then of course, curtain up. We feed off the audience as well.
I have the “fever dream” months before we actually get into the rehearsal room, the song choices, liaising with Jo who does the filming, Matt Richardson who does the voice overs, to make sure the tech elements all match. Michelle who makes the costumes, to make sure, we can do a costume change sometimes in less then 30 seconds. Getting into rehearsals is the easy part. We have a great group of performers David, Jo and Hannah, we play, we bounce off each other. It’s a joy and then of course, curtain up. We feed off the audience as well.
How do you mentally and physically prepare for a performance?
Well now I am in my 50s, I eat healthy and try and save my energy. It’s a full-on show both physically and mentally. The songs are only 3 mins long, but they all have to be performed with high energy. Gina G nearly killed me last year.
Well now I am in my 50s, I eat healthy and try and save my energy. It’s a full-on show both physically and mentally. The songs are only 3 mins long, but they all have to be performed with high energy. Gina G nearly killed me last year.
What keeps you inspired to perform this show?
It’s a real silly show, I love to hear the audience cheer and get involved, I think Eurovision is escapism for some people certainly was for me for a while. We live in dark times at the moment, and whether you like Eurovision or not, it doesn’t matter, comedy wise its hilarious and that’s what we all need at the moment, is to forget and come together. Well not that, but you know what I mean to be together on top, no not that. Oh,,, bum..
It’s a real silly show, I love to hear the audience cheer and get involved, I think Eurovision is escapism for some people certainly was for me for a while. We live in dark times at the moment, and whether you like Eurovision or not, it doesn’t matter, comedy wise its hilarious and that’s what we all need at the moment, is to forget and come together. Well not that, but you know what I mean to be together on top, no not that. Oh,,, bum..
Eurovision Your Decision plays at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern on Wednesday 6th, Thursday 7th, Friday 8th, Saturday 9th, Monday 11th, Wednesday 13th, Friday 15th and Saturday 16th May 2026. Tickets are available from https://www.vauxhalltavern.com/events/event/eurovision-your-decision-2026/
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