As Eurovision fever sweeps across Europe once again, one show in London has become a gloriously camp celebration of everything audiences adore about the world’s most flamboyant song contest. Eurovision Your Decision at the iconic Royal Vauxhall Tavern blends parody, cabaret and pure Euro-pop chaos into an interactive theatrical experience where audiences vote to crown their winner each night. Created, written and directed by Tim McArthur, the production has built a devoted following thanks to its affectionate send-up of Eurovision’s biggest hits, outrageous costumes and tongue-in-cheek humour. Ahead of this year’s performances, I sat down with McArthur to dicuss all things Eurovision.
Thanks Tim for taking the time to speak to us. Where did your love of Eurovision first begin?
Well it has to be seeing Bucks Fizz perform Making your Mind Up in 1981, and winning for the UK. I was 6 and obsessed with those white trousers I had no idea why!
Why do you think Eurovision has stood the test of time and what is it about it that creates such a strong fan community?
I think Eurovision has evolved over the years, at first it was about the song, then came the gimmicks, these days I would say its about the tech (projections and staging). It also is highly camp, fun, silly and loads of gays love it, escapism maybe?
What inspired you to create Eurovision You Decision?
Way, way back I used to programme Cabaret for the Jermyn Street Theatre and I came up with the idea then. However those days were simple and shows didn’t have multi-media. We performed it as a cabaret show, with four singers and a live piano player. The format was there but not as expanded as it is now. 
Now the show’s in its sixth year, how has it evolved since the early days?
I am amazed we are in our 6th year! The first year we only did about 4 shows, and since then it has grown and grown. I think as each year has progressed it’s given me confidence as a creator of what the possibilities are and how silly we can be! Also last year was a real acknowledgement for us how many people now come and see us every year, they tell their friends, their friends come and bring their friends and so on. We couldn’t really do it without our loyal supportive audience. Thank you!
For someone who hasn’t seen the show before, how would you describe the experience?
Fun, silly, stupid…leave your troubles outside! You don’t even have to like or know Eurovision, the show now stands up for itself as a hilarious comedy show!
Having seen the show live, what really struck me was how you recreate the Eurovision arena experience feel in such an intimate venue, how intentional is that?
Thanks for picking up on that. We really try and create that vibe. From the performances of the 4 singers. We really have to give it high energy and treat the whole evening like we are at the 02 Arena!
With so many iconic performances over the years, how do you decide which songs make it into the show?
I first start putting together a set list in January of the songs, what I feel may work, what “banging tunes” there are, also what comedy value has the song when it was originally performed and then thinking about the McArthur comedy twist on top of that. Once we get to round about beginning of March, I then start casting and look at who could do what song etc. The running order is so important as there are only 4 performers in the show and we sort of do about 8- 10 songs in the show each, the costume changes are crazy. I consult the costume designer Michelle to see how quick the costume changes could be as well. Then the tech element of the show then happens, the postcards before each song and then of course the voting. It’s a giant jigsaw puzzle to make sure all the elements land and are achieved, it may look simple, but it isn’t. Rehearsals are intense but also hilarious.
What’s new or different about this year’s show?
Because this is our 6th year, there are a few songs we did in our first year, which are making a return. But there are also a lot we have never performed before, which is really exciting. Two of our well-loved songs are also in the mix, because we know the crowd love em. Who will win of course is down to the audience every night. Every show, we never know and as the run continues as a cast we become more competitive, its hilarious.
Looking at this year’s Eurovision entries, do you have any early favourites?
I don’t want to shock anyone but I never listen to any of the years entries to the official CD comes out. I then listen without knowing which song is from which country and if I like it, I repeat it, then after the 3rd time, will look to see what country it is from. So, at this point I can’t say.
Finally, how do you balance parody with celebration, keeping it funny while still capturing the heart of Eurovision?
Eurovision Your Decision is a love letter from me to the heart of Eurovision. I love it for its uniqueness, its silliness, its sometimes lack of awareness. It’s a contest where all of Europe comes together for a mad long night of camp! In recent years I am of course very much aware of the political position of the Eurovision Song Contest. Eurovision Your Decision is a celebration of the good old days of Eurovision and in these dark times I feel we all need some light relief, a laugh, a toast to sir Uncle Terry on Song Number 9 and a sore head the day after!
Eurovision Your Decision plays at The Royal Vauxhall Tavern 6th-16th May 2026. Book your tickets here.
You can follow Eurovision Your Decision on social media and check out my other interviews.