review | LGBT UNDERGROUND

Remi-Lyn Browne reviews a truly diverse LGBT club night in London

Last weekend in London’s Elephant Castle, a part of the city that has been only a little bit gentrified, I got on the bus with a new dress on and the best eyebrow highlight I could manage given the rush of the afternoon. (People who live in E&C would argue the gentrification point but I am from Brixton, where gentrification is part of the furniture, so I think I am qualified to make this statement).

Walking through the Coronet, the venue for Queerest of the Queer, I found a maze of half-on wigs and heels strewn across men and non-binary people. And unicorns. Unicorns who met you and shared their glitter with you. “I did my makeup already,” I thought to myself, “but okay let’s do it”.

QOTQ was organised in collab
oration with LGBT Underground, the online platform for LGBT music talent, so the room was like the website but in real life. I took this in for a moment before deciding to explore the whole of the event space. People were part-way through getting ready for the happenings that were about to begin. Stallholders were artfully arranging T-shirts and bags for sale with LGBT positive messages plastered all over them. I could smell Caribbean food being heated up for the hungry among us. The Queerest of the Queer had something for everyone it seemed, and this is a new thing for me to experience at most queer events.

At 7pm the LGBT Underground’s room show kicked in with introductions from the beautiful Nimz, the presenter who was the glue that held the show in the LGBT room together. She’s funny as well as gorgeous and was a great complement to the show. Nimz introduced the first act in what I am learning is her usually sassy, but indisputably cool style – and with that the show was underway. READ MORE

Review Written By DeeDot

Poetry LGBT
Sunday 5th July 2015
Tipsy Bar
20 Stoke Newington Rd
Dalston
London, N16 7XN

Hosted by the fabulous Andreena Bogle, Poetry LGBT is an open minded open mic platform for emerging and established poets to perform their material.

VENUE

Tipsy is a five minute walk from Dalston Kingsland Station. You’ll find the entrance under a small sign at the top of the stairs leading to the basement.

Inside, a raised stage near the entrance precedes a well-stocked bar at farthest end of the club.

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Exposed brick walls are broken up with large mirrors that make the space feel larger. A few well-placed coloured lights give the whole venue a sense of warmth. The toilets are wallpapered in sheet music, which makes for an interesting read upon visiting the ladies.

ATMOSPHERE

This event gathers a warm and interactive crowd. There is no shortage of hipsters in Dalston, so expect the usual eclectic feel you find in the area.

PERFORMERS

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No less than 15 perfomers took to the stage on the night, offering up everything from food for thought spoken word to stirring acapella vocals and rap contributions that had the whole audience on their feet.

GIVEAWAYS

All those who arrived before 7.30pm were entered into a free prize raffle draw with a selection of gifts up for grabs. Fingers were crossed for top prize, a fetching looking bottle of Jack Daniel’s Silver Select. Alas, pipped to the post.

Three quiz questions won the most knowledgeable in the crowd a novelty gift.

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THE INFAMOUS CHALLENGE

Not for the faint of heart, the vodka challenge laid down the gauntlet for the competitors amongst the audience. A party cup filled with three double shots of Smirnoff was the only thing standing between participants and a crisp £20.

The subsequent winner downed the lot at blink and you missed it speed to deservedly claim the cash.

DRINKS

Very reasonably priced with an ample range of beer, wine and spirits available. Chosen tipple of the night, Disaronno and cranberry came in at 2 for under £10.

ENTRY

A bargain at £5 per head on the door.

NEXT EVENT

Sunday 2nd August and every 1st Sunday of the month thereafter.

6pm – 10.30pm
Tipsy Bar
20 Stoke Newington Rd
Dalston
London, N16 7XN

For details and further information visit;

Facebook – Poetry LGBT
Instagram – @poetrylgbt

Or contact poetryloungelgbt@hotmail.com

Review Written By DeeDot

*Exclusive video footage Coming Soon*

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