The Windsor Castle has just welcomed a brand new straight-talking, northern landlady, who promises to deliver the best of London’s cabaret circuit to its stage. Jason Reid jumped on the Pic-a-willy line this week and headed over for a chat with Patti O’Dors and also a few of the artists that Patti has lined up for the West London show bar in the coming weeks.
Jason: We’ve not see you around for a year or so. What’ve you been up to?
I took a year’s hiatus from the London scene to concentrate on buying other businesses on the south coast. Then the Windsor Castle came up and I decided to snap that up too. The big plan is to be the new Hilary Devey and win businesswoman of the year 2013.
Well you’re both around the same age [sniggers]. What’s going to make the Windsor stand out from the rest, Patti?
Top class cabaret and exceptional service, from staff with beaming smiles and personalities. We are going to provide the best, be the best and stay the best gay venue in West London for cabaret and entertainment. You’ve got to give your customers a reason to come to a suburban venue.
Sounds very focused. Behind every successful venue is a dedicated team. Wouldn’t you agree?
Absolutely! We’ve got a great manager [Brett Watkiss] with amazing experience in this trade, and also as a performer. He understands the vision we have for The Windsor and what is needed to take it there. The staff are paramount; they must enjoy the work they’re doing whilst taking feedback from customers at this early stage.
So, who have you got lined up for our cabaret delectation?
We have a stellar line up, including a new Wednesday night residency – Bette Rinse and Mary Mac [Rinse out your Haggis]. Saturday night cabaret from Kandi Kane Baxter and Sandra, amongst others, and Lady la Rue, Saucy Sophie and Rose Garden all scheduled in for Sunday afternoon residencies. It’s gonna be mayhem!
You’re also searching for a new cabaret star to catapult onto the scene?
Yes, The Windsor Factor – every Thursday. There’s a £500 cash prize, plus a gig at The Windsor and my other venues for the winner. We’re looking for any act who is trying to penetrate the scene, pardon the pun! It’s not easy getting gigs these days, so you have to stand out.
What are you looking for in the entrants?
Someone who is unique, will entertain, and who we think has longevity. The last two heats have been a scream and the talent so far has been overwhelming.
You’re quite a formidable head judge, aren’t you?
Me, dear? [laughs]. We do have a great panel of judges, all offering a different perspective. I believe you gotta ‘keep it real’ and the advice and critique we all give is always constructive.
What do you think are the most important elements for a cabaret artiste to possess?
Entertainment value, professionalism and integrity.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Never listen to the haters, and enjoy what you’re doing. It’s a harsh reality that when you do this line of work you’ll get criticism, and inevitably not everyone will like what you do, but the positives always outweigh the negatives.
KANDI KANE BAXTER
You’ll be bringing your multifaceted show, with all the divas you parody, to The Windsor Castle. But who’s your ultimate diva?
I have a long list that inspire me. My ultimate diva would have Shirley Bassey’s voice, Alexis Carrington’s fur collection and Mariah Carey’s walk in closet, which occupies an entire floor of her penthouse.
LADY LA RUE
What are you looking forward to most about your new night at The Windsor?
I’m really looking forward to seeing the new refurb – not in the bar, the one done on Patti O’Dors’ face! Christ knows what it must be costing, but boy does she need it.
BETTE RINSE
You’re going into your twenty forth year as a performer, and yet you’ve never been busier. What do you attribute your success to?
I owe it all to the audiences that have supported me over the years. They’ve been friends as well as fans, through the tough times as well as the happy days. They’re all cunts but they’re my cunts. And I love them.
MARY MAC
You host The Windsor Factor and karaoke every week. What’s the most memorable performance you’ve ever seen?
A guy that went by the name of ‘Wolf’ who sang Queen’s ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’. And I use the word ‘sang’ very loosely! Every word was shouted on the same note and rhythm. It was, without doubt, the closest I’ve ever cone to wetting myself onstage.
• The Windsor Castle, 152 Bath Road, Hounslow, TW3 3ET.
