Where the boys are

So Ken Livingstone has confirmed that The Astoria Theatre on Charing Cross Road, home to G-A-Y, is to close and be demolished to accommodate the new Crossrail station development at Tottenham Court Road.

I always had a great time when went to G-A-Y! The premier home for that exquisite breed - the teenage queen - Mr Joseph’s inspired combination of kitsch music, cute boys, podiums for posing, and top chart acts (Kylie, Madonna, Christina, various Spice Girls and boy bands have all played there) was always guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

We saw Geri Halliwell there in 2000 (pic above); the last ever performance of all three members of Bananarama; Right Said Fred; Steps; Scooch; Ash; Indigo, and many many more fab acts!

So where will it go now?

What other venue could supply such an atmosphere? Nothing beats teetering precariously on a banquette on the balcony, dancing to You Spin Me Round, sixty feet above the dance floor (until the bouncer sits you down). Where is the replacement enormous stage, large enough to accommodate singer, band, troupe of dancing boys in sparkly shorts, speakers and the inevitably tearful Jeremy bearing a bouquet? And what other venue has ceilings that high, to drop enough giant balloons to lift a small car into space?

Heaven won’t suffice (although that is the most likely venue according to the rumours). Come on Jeremy Joseph - let the punters know!

News article about the closure

http://www.g-a-y.co.uk/