29/09/13: As part of a host of events in Camden last month marking what would have been Amy Winehouse’s 30th birthday, The Black Cap managed to pull together one of the most highly anticipated and varied line ups this cabaret reporter has ever seen. Clearly reflecting the wide influence and appeal Amy had, performers from both traditional and alternative extraction took to the stage, in unison, over the space of the marathon event on Sunday.
Organised by Black Cap guv’nor, Dan Thomas, and Mayor of Camden, Jonathon Simpson, the evening’s aim was to raise as many funds as possible for the Amy Winehouse Foundation – which works to prevent the misuse of drug and alcohol misuse amongst young people.
The night was hosted by two very different acts: Myra Dubois and Sandra. Myra keeping everyone on their toes with her close-to-the-bone barbs, whilst Sandra’s never-ending obsession with man-meat kept Mitch Winehouse very much on his toes – as she enamoured herself to him at every given opportunity (the poor guy!) La Voix, Titti La Camp, Le Gateau Chocolat, Tina C, Lana Pillay, Topsie Redfern, Lady La Rue, Jonny Woo, David Mills, Silver Summers, Baga Chipz and Amy Winehouse tribute act, Laura Butler, entertained a packed club bar almost solidly for four hours. There was everything from Country and Western to Opera via a strutting Mary Portas. Drag heaven!
Guests of honour were members of the Winehouse family, with a special video message from national treasure Barbra Windsor and a (handwritten!) note from June Brown, both expressing their support for the night and charity. As well as the ticket money and collections, money was raised through a highly hilarious auction, which included an dress worn by Kat Slater in Eastenders; a blouse worn by Dot Cotton in Eastenders; an Albert Square street sign -signed by the cast, and an exclusive Amy framed disc set.
A hugely successful and entertaining night, ending perfectly in time for us to fall onto our last tube after stuffing our faces with way too much fast food in some greasy chicken joint. Oink!
As we went to press, manager, Dan, informed us that over £3,000 (AMAZING!) was raised for the Amy Winehouse Foundation at The Back to Black Cap Gala.
The Black Cap, 171 Camden High Street, NW1 7JY
Words by Jason Reid
Photos by Joel Ryder
