At the end of its brilliant recent ‘Elements’ series of events, London clubbing institution Popcorn will be turning sweet sixteen with a huge, production-dazzled show. Having been in residence every Monday at arguably the most famous gay club of the world, Heaven, for all of those years, we caught up with the night’s promoter Chris Selby-Rickards to find out the reasons behind its stellar success…
What gave you the idea to set up Popcorn sixteen years ago?
Actually I didn’t. It was a colleague of mine at Heaven (slightly before I started). It was set up as a pop night to rival G-A-Y, which is doubly ironic, as it’s now a pumping house night, owned by G-A-Y!
Was it hard to get the night involved with Heaven?
Not really. Heaven had always operated a diverse range of club nights but up to that point had never really ventured down the mainstream pop music route. It was an inhouse venture so had the venue’s complete backing – and was a success from the start!
Were you nervous at first thinking who would turn up? How did the very first night go?
I took over running Popcorn a year after its launch. At that time it was pulling in a respectable 800 or so people a week. It only took a short time though before 800 became 2500, and there it’s stayed!
Why do you think Popcorn has been so successful over the years?
It constantly adapts, has an amazing music policy, awesome production and entertainment, a good door policy, is fantastic value for money and gives you a lot more than just music and lights! It’s the full package with an incredible team behind it who are 110% dedicated and believe in the night. A weekend club night on a weekday – packed to the rafters – and soooo much fun!
Popcorn has a well-reported ‘open door’ policy, what do you think is the ratio of gay to straight who come?
It really differs from week to week. Some weeks it’s more straight, others more gay. It’s always been continental in that respect though, never really about sexuality – it’s like a big house party! Everyone just gets on with it, and each other. You only have to look at the vast cross section of people who come down to see just how relaxed it is.
Describe a typical Popcorn atmosphere to the uninitiated.
Very high energy. Ibiza-esque I guess – lots of cheering, jumping up and down and air punching! (And that’s just the main floor!) Each room is different – depending on the music style – it’s just as you would want and expect it!
Give us your best standout memory of Popcorn over the years.
I always say this but it’s true. One of our customers asked if he could propose to his girlfriend on stage in front of the whole main floor. They had met at Popcorn a while back. So we stopped the music, he got down on bended knee… She said yes – the crowd went nuts and we all cried! It was really special. They’re still married and have 3 kids now!
Was there ever a nightmare disaster where you had to muscle through, with a ‘show must go on’ ethos?
Actually believe it or not, in all this time, no. I am anally organised and have OCD so plan, plan and plan some more, just so that these situations don’t arise and every scenario is taken into consideration! The night of the riots was a bit hairy but as it happened everyone left Soho, got off the streets and came down to us – we were packed! Fab night!
And finally, what can we expect for the big Popcorn sweet sixteenth?!
It’s the finale of our elements series – which has been really fun to do – so we have a series of suitably constructed stage presentations and are previewing a load of new club production we have had specially made too. Also one of my favourite guest DJs is over from Brazil – Rodolfo Bravat – and I am really excited to have him play one of his wicked tribal sets for us. Finally – cake, vodka, and lots of hot boys in tight pants. Oh and our new weekly in house masseuse giving free neck and shoulder massages in the DP! Happy birthday!
• Popcorn’s Sixteenth Birthday ‘Sound’ will be on Monday 30th September at Heaven, under the Arches, Villiers Street, Charing Cross, WC2N 6NG. 11pm-5.30am. £4 before 1am, £8 after; concessions free before 1am. www.popcorn-heaven.com
