We just love a party here at QX! You really should see the state of the editorial team on Monday after a weekend mincing around town. It’s quite a sight! And this week, we’re gearing ourselves up for another biggie at West London’s W5, who’ll be flinging open their back doors (fnaar) for a whole day of al fresco entertainment celebrating fifteen fabulous years. Party girl, Jason Reid found out more from manager Daniel Wood, and a few of the acts…
Congratulations on W5 turning fifteen, Daniel. How has the venue changed since you’ve been there?
In my time here we’ve spruced the venue up, decorating and upgrading the piano lounge and introducing a new lounge bar to the rear of the building, which hosts some great events such as Disco Rani and Trans Action. We’ve also recently started work on the dance floor and will soon be introducing a new cat walk.
Ooooh, I look forward to having a strut down that. What have been your highlights so far?
There have been a number of highlights. One of them has to be having the soul legend Madeline Bell perform here, which was very humbling. Another night that also stands out was the recent Help For Heros event which was organised by Wilma Fingadoo, where all the supportive acts kindly donated their time and raised a massive £1823.
What’s the most rewarding part of being the gaffer?
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing nights starting to rise back to their former glory – putting W5 firmly back on the map.
Tell us about the outdoor birthday party. Weather looks cracking for it…
Yes, I can’t wait! The birthday party is always one of W5’s biggest events and this year it’ll be even better. Hosted by two of the scene’s greats – Sandra and Wilma Fingadoo – and a line up of twenty acts appearing on the outside stage with the sensational and home grown talents of Drag Idol Winner Martha D’Arthur topping the bill! The stage starts at 3pm, so don’t be late.
And there’s a barbecue? I’m sure someone will be forcing a jumbo sausage down Sandra’s gob, just like last year…
[Laughs] Yes, there’s a barbecue to soak up all that booze and compliment the expected good weather. I’m sure Sandra will be on her best behaviour, as ever. We love her!
Looking ahead, anything new for W5?
We’ve just introduced a new night on Thursday called Stage Door. It will see some of the scene’s most established entertainers, such as Sandra, Mary Mac and Rose Garden take to the stage with some very special guests.
Finally, if W5 were a song, what song would it be?
J-Lo – Get on the Floor. I think the lyrics say it all … Party freaks get on the floor.
Wilma Fingadoo
Hey Wilma, you’re hosting the birthday bash alongside Sandra. I’m sure you’ve received some bizarre birthday gifts over the years. What was the strangest?
I once received (literally) a huge dildo from my friends in Manchester. Trying to get it through security was fun – it was the size of a fire hydrant! It now fits nicely as a dildo AND a door stop! Not so much much ‘strange’, though, more multifunctional [Laughs].
Sandra
How will you be celebrating West Five’s fifteenth, Sandra?
Well I’ve just heard I’ll be hosting with Wilma Fingadoo, so it will be MAYHEM! She is one mad bitch [Laughs]. It’ll be a great event. It always is, and with free cabaret all day long your Saturday is sorted. Just sit back, relax in the patio area and let us ‘entertain you’.
Martha D’Arthur
What’s your idea of the perfect birthday, Martha?
Well naturally it’d be a birthday week, not just a day. Let me tell you Jason, I don’t do anything by halves. I’d fly first class, quaffing champagne, to Las Vegas to take in a Bette Middler show. I would of course bring my dear friend, Vanilla Lush. I need someone to carry my bags, don’t I? Bernadette Peters could wait on us hand and foot, too…
West 5’s Fifteenth Birthday Party is on Saturday 27th July, beginning midday and lasting till very late! Free entry. West 5, 56 Pope’s Lane, Ealing, W5 4NT.
