The RVT waves goodbye to an eventful 2014, which saw its future being questioned and the rumour mill going into overdrive as every speculative Sheila pondered what would be next for the Vauxhall institution. 2015 thankfully looks a lot brighter, with a brand new dedicated management company headed by James Lindsay.
by Jason Reid
There are no immediate or drastic changes being made to the venue and none of the best-loved or successful nights will be going anywhere so you can carry on going barmy at Timberlina’s Bingo on Monday, enjoying the finest in cabaret variety at Bar Wotever on Tuesday and dancing your tits off at Push The Button on Friday.
One of the jewels in the RVT crown, The Charlie Hides Show, on Sundays at 5.30, offers up the best tongue-in-cheek cabaret around as well as a weekly prod at pop culture. Charlie expertly mixes his live show with his hugely popular YouTube videos, with DJ Simon Le Vans. Post show you can dance ‘round your handbag to Sean Sirrs and special guests DJs.
“I’m really pleased that Sundays are continuing to grow and that audiences are allowing and encouraging me to try new things and introduce new characters to my live repertoire,” Charlie told me this week.
Speaking about what to look forward to in 2015 he went on to say: “Although it was sad that Joan Rivers died this year, it inspired me to start performing as her in the show and the response has been incredible. Joan is going to be appearing on the last Sunday of every month from now on and I’m also working on a Bette Midler routine as well as some of the new, younger artists like Meghan Trainor and Taylor Swift.
“The RVT, for me, is the shining beacon of cabaret and queer diversity in London.”
“The RVT has always been a venue that has encouraged experimentation and creative play so I’m going to keep having fun with the show. Sunday audiences LOVE a sing-along so that section of the show is expanding. It ends everything on a high and makes a smooth transition into the guest DJ slot, and in 2015 there’ll be a whole host of new guest DJs filling that slot to look forward to,” Charlie explained.
Wednesday and Thursday nights will undergo a slight revamp but in keeping with the diversity of the venue, will continue to offer quality cabaret from world class entertainers. James Lindsay told me: “The vibrancy for which the RVT is renowned is going to continue. There is an exciting calendar of events starting in 2015, including a new look to Thursdays, together with loyal RVT artists such as David Hoyle and Bob Downe. The RVT will also be launching charity associated programmes with seasonal events taking place in the Spring Gardens.”
The new look Thursday nights will launch in early Spring with a charity event that will feature some tantalising surprises and very special guests. I’m so tempted to say, but you’ll just have to wait… It’s worth that wait. Promise. This weekly event will feature some of the top mainstream and gay scene personalities, and the RVT want to know who you’d like to see on the bill? Are you mad for Myra, ready for Rylan, or cuckoo for Clary? Email, tweet or Facebook suggestions to their creative team. Personally, I’d love to see David Hoyle and Lauren Harries go at it again. That was legendary. YouTube it, it’s brilliant.
The RVT, for me, is the shining beacon of cabaret and queer diversity in London and this year we almost lost that. An iconic venue in every sense of the word standing proudly as the beating heart of Vauxhall. A place where everyone and everything coexists equally, regardless of ‘type’. A rarity on the London scene. That’s something we must support, nurture and preserve continually. Long may she reign!
