Whether you call it the Royal Vauxhall Tavern, or by its trendy abbreviation, RVT, there’s no getting away from the fact that it’s one of the most creative, vibrant and eclectic venues on our fair gay scene. From quirky club nights to cutting edge performances, this joint has it all. We sent Lee Dalloway to go behind the scenes and speak to some of the colourful characters that make the venue pop so beautifully…
THE D.E. EXPERIENCE
(S.L.A.G.S/Chill-Out)
SLAGS is always so much fun, largely because my technical producer/director Simon Le Vans and I spend every waking minute rehearsing the many fine details of cues and false endings to songs and anecdotes for my weekly Sunday show. We meet at the RVT when it’s closed and go through hours of strenuous physical rehearsals until everything seems completely natural. And it pays off. Each week, SLAGS members comment on the seemingly organic, unrehearsed nature of the performance they’ve witnessed. Quite often, we’ll struggle over the timing of a look, a glance, a cough or a seemingly throwaway comment, but we fight on until it becomes seamless. I’m not good at sharing praise, of course. Often, people gush about Simon’s contribution. And if there’s one thing Simon adores, it’s a gusher. And me? Well, as is evident from my shows, I’m far more inclined to retreat from the light. I perform for the love of art. I am a jobbing actor. Nothing more. And yes, I’m also a CULT. In fact, only recently, a man on the tube shouted ‘YOU’RE A CULT!’. Of course, we were heading into a tunnel so I’m not totally certain I hear him correctly…
ROBERT TAYLOR
(Day Manager)
I have loved working at the RVT ever since I started there. She’s 150 years old and demands constant attention, just like the acts!
Over the last 7 years it’s developed into a great space for cabaret, talk shows, comedy and all kinds of great and different nights. It’s been fun watching acts develop and grow and really use all that the RVT can offer them technically.
The hardest part of my job, however, is not fixing the complicated sound and lighting equipment, it is looking after the 3,000 drag hamsters who live in the cellar. Many of you may not be aware that the RVT is not on the grid and so we employ a myriad of hamsters, all dressed in sequins and feathers, to run round a giant hamster wheel which powers the RVT. They are the most demanding creatures and heaven help us if two of them turn up to work in the same dress – how the fur flies! But they look ever so cute running round in their sequin heels.
TIMBERLINA & HEY BAYLEN
(The Bingo Show)
I’ve been hosting the Big Bingo Show at the RVT for nearly a hundred years with DJ Hey Baylen. It’s an exceptionally raucus Monday night of rock-n-roll bingo for pleasure seekers of all persuasions. There’s a lot of love at the RVT. They’re always so supportive and so embedded in the community, which is so rare these days. I think that’s what I love about the building. It’s like turning up at the family home – no matter how long you’re away for, you always feel like that naughty teenager when you get there.
AMY LAMÉ
(Duckie)
The Royal Vauxhall Tavern is home. It’s spit and sawdust and sweat, spilt beer and secret snogs! I have spent nearly every Saturday night for the past 17 years there. I had my 30th birthday party at the Tavern, and my civil partnership knees-up there too. When I die, I want my wake at the Tavern, crisps and Crabbies all ‘round, and I’d like my ashes buried under the stage.
MYRA DUBOIS
(Myra Dubois is ALIVE)
I applied for a job behind the bar at the RVT some years ago and the bastards never got back to me! The bar’s loss is the stage’s gain I suppose. I’ve had some marvelous times at the RVT; it’s my favourite stage in London to be on.
INGO
(Wotever World)
We love RVT and its flexibility, ever since we first started to do events there we have known that RVT is very gender queer indeed, and as our audience comes in all forms and shapes, We have a community-based audience with an age range between 18-86 and our Bar Wotever nights are filled with a variety of queer art and culture.
Over the years we have had mega superstars from all over the world sharing the stage with newcomers… our open stage and open decks policy means that every event is truly unique and the variety mind-blowing at times. RVT is our home away from home with a wide variety and open heart, and we love it!
• See the M&Ms listings on pages 54-58 for the full run-down of what’s happening at RVT – there’s something different every single night! RVT, 372 Kennington Lane, Vauxhall, SE11 5HY
