The landscape of Soho and Central London is without doubt noticeably different now to how it was when I moved to ‘the big smoke’ in 2000, and it’s true that with the loss of iconic venues such as Madame JoJo’s & The Astoria (both irreplaceable in my opinion) night outs have also changed.
Recently you can’t fail to have noticed several online articles pontificating about the gay scene’s decline, whether it be down to gentrification, horny gays replacing old-fashioned bar cruising with Grindr hookups and chill-outs, or the argument that irks me somewhat: ‘It’s not like it was in my day’. Well of course it’s not; times change.
Everyone thinks their time was the glory days. I mean, I remember going to Kudos in Charing Cross and having the time of my life at 19, then dancing my tits off at G-A-Y Camp Attack. However, 15 years on I know that I can still walk down those same streets and have a great night out. And last Wednesday I did just that, on one of my regular drag crawls.
9.15pm
Halfway to Heaven
Free Entry
Halfway always has that real welcoming feel, and barman Charlie was on hand with his cheeky smile (I’ve known him years ). The Vixens were covering for a poorly Martha D’Arthur and that meant plenty of Little Mix, Sugababes, Girls Aloud and their filthy version of Atomic Kitten’s Whole Again. Even though the girls dashed to the gig at the last minute they kept everyone well entertained. A crowd of mixed age range, gender and sexuality. All just having some camp fun. And why not?
10.15pm
Molly Moggs
The hilarious and very talented Cookie Monstar was onstage, actually she was stood on a washing up bowl because of a foot injury. What a trooper! The atmosphere was as lively as it always is in Molly’s as Cookie sung medleys, doled out saucy banter and even rapped. A small traditional pub nestled on the corner of Old Compton Street with a very big heart.
10.45pm
Admiral Duncan
Free Entry
Just in time to catch the last part of LoUis CYfer’s show, and down a couple of Jaegerbombs (of course). LoUis rocked everyone out to some classic Bohemian Rhapsody, posturing confidently. The crowd were up for it! At the end of the night he wound them down with a surreal but altogether fabulous rendition of Beauty and the Beast, duetting with guest Shakkonda.
• Three venues. Three shows. All free entry. On a weeknight. So, see you out and about?
