I’m always a bit nervous about turning up to clubs or pubs on my own. I had a pair of tickets for Molly’s second outing and a friend was supposed to be joining me, but was called into work. So I went stag. Eek.
I had no need to be anxious at all. I made myself turn up a little late because I am *always* the first person to turn up to an event and it is *always* awkward and embarrassing. So, by the time I got there the venue already had a pleasantly buzzy vibe to it. The lovely Molly people made me welcome, and the bar staff seemed to be soaking up the post-Pride party atmosphere, as did the revellers. I was fortunate enough to recognise some people from a brunch club I’m part of (oh, yah, dahling, a brunch club), so descended on them with my over-caffeinated brand of nervous chitchat.
Modern Art Oxford was an outstanding choice of venue. As well as being much more central compared to the (albeit lovely) Cape of Good Hope that Molly’s first gay night was held at, its columned, warehouse-like upstairs area gave it a funky, industrial, shabby-chic feel. And the cave-like dance floor and stage area in the basement only added to this.
The dancefloor was packed when we ventured downstairs to await the arrival of the Lipsinkers, and the DJ was mixing it up perfectly with an upbeat soundtrack of pop anthems and club classics. Until our cabaret act arrived. In fact, they didn’t simply arrive; they exploded onto the stage in a heady mix of brightly-coloured wigs, sequinned outfits and wonderfully theatrical make-up. It was brilliant. Energetic, crazy, shambolic and most of all, great, bonkers, fun. The crowd loved it, clapping and cheering along, as the five Lipsinkers did their thing. Lipsyncing, costume-changing, and throwing themselves around the cramped stage. I was exhausted just watching them. And my mouth ached from smiling. Their rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody had everyone singing along (the crowd were definitely not lipsyncing…) and the use of torches was inspired.
Looking forward to the next Molly outing, and definitely hoping it’s at the same venue.