>
June 1-14, 2004 this is brighton 57
> return to review
selection
LIFE IS A CABARET!
JOOGLEBERRY PLAYHOUSE’S FIRST BIRTHDAY
IT'S hard to believe it has been a mere year since this
delectable, unique entertainment venue opened. Aimed at
25s and over who have grown out of banging clubs or never
grew into them in the first place, the cabaret style cafe
and bar is decorated in an evocative Thirties Vienna style.
The inspired spot is divided into two parts, with a combined
cafe and restaurant upstairs, and a den like entertainments
bar downstairs with a small stage which has hosted all sorts
of characters from stand up comics, cabaret divas and all
variety of musicians. The ground floor opens at noon and
stays open until midnight, shifting emphasis from cafe to
restaurant somewhere along the way.
It is the vision of Sue Popper, her brother Geoff and his
partner Perry Douglin, who are all passionate about the
world of performance and showbiz. While singer/ songwriter
Sue also helped run Hove s Sanctuary cafe for three years,
Geoff is a former stage manager who has worked on West End
musicals such as Chicago, Sunset Boulevard and Buddy and
Perry is a singer in such extravaganzas as The Lion King.
“We wanted to create an atmosphere
of quality where people could eat well and be entertained
at the same time”, explains Sue. “We wanted
something that would give adults the same special feeling
as children get when they go to Santa s grotto. We’ve
had a fantastic year and I think we’ve achieved what
we wanted. There wasn’t anywhere else in Brighton
doing the same intimate show sort of thing and the response
has been huge bigger than I expected really. I realise more
and more that the world s our oyster and that we can do
so many new things”.
The Joogleberry Playhouse launched on June 2, 2003, with
a glamour filled night of comic and cabaret entertainment
and a rollercoaster of special events and absinthe soaked
good times have since ensured the venue s place as one of
the most exciting spots in the city. After much work, they
obtained a Public Entertainment License in September, which
meant they are one of the few places in Brighton which allows
dancing and more than two performers at a time. That really
broadened everything for us, says
Sue. . Soon after, they gained a 1am license for Monday
to Saturday, and midnight for Sunday. “Shutting at
11pm didn’t feel right for the sort venue we are”
Sue continues. By the time of their New Year s Eve Masquerade
Party, which was sold out way in advance, a regular following
seemed assured. “It was great to be in a situation
where we were sold out on the biggest night of the year”,
remembers Sue. “We really got the feeling that people
want to be here around that time. It all came together as
somewhere people want to celebrate special occasions.”
Inspired by the people who were regularly popping down
to the magical haunt all dressed up and open to decadence
and originality, the idea of theme nights was developed.
Now there are Chicago, Moulin Rouge, Cabaret and Arabian
Nights inspired events every few weeks where everyone dons
fancy dress and special entertainments, drinks and nosh
are linked to the theme.
Top quality food is a particular draw, with a global tapas
menu and lots of freshly produced dishes at prices that
are accessible and great value. There are specials every
night such as Wednesdays Paella Day to tie in with the regular
flamenco music and sangria and tortilla offer downstairs
and fabulous Sunday Roasts for just £ 5.95.
A new South African chef is now taking the food to another
level, expanding and improving dishes with a host of vegetarian
options soon to be unveiled. Liquid delights are not forgotten
as the Joogleberry has become known for its diverse selection
of absinthe, juicy selection of cocktails and bottles of
Henry Harlin Champagne which, at £ 20 a piece, means
that everyone can afford to celebrate every night.
Particularly important to the Joogleberry kids are regular
charity nights. In the past year, they have already worked
with One World Beat 2004: Keep A Child Alive, Artists Live:
Humanitarian Aid For Ukraine, Streetsmart:
Helping The Homeless In The UK, Rhythms Of The World: Fundraiser
For women And Children Of Peru and Jazz Breakout: Amnesty
International. “It feels good to raise money for people
who need it from time to time”, Sue insists. “It’s
about giving and getting, being a successful business but
also helping others.”
To celebrate their first birthday, the Joogleberries are putting
on a special Foodathon event in aid of the Save The Children
effort in the Sudanese crisis. It will take place from midday
to midnight on Saturday, June 5. The idea is for people to come
in and eat as much as they can, then move on quickly to make
room for next lot of munchers. There will be entertainment,
Elvis and Kate Bush impersonators, and some surprise celebrity
waiters and waitresses to boot.
MAGIC MOMENTS
SUE Popper s favourite moments from the past year: Comedian
and singer Brian Conley making everyone cry with laughter
at the launch. Songstress Hazel O Connor performing the
night before the Pride festival last year. Amy Winehouse,
who came in as a guest in November to see a jazz quartet
and ended up getting up and singing an impromptu song. The
alternative panto featuring Marilyn Monroe. Deah and Art
from The loveGods joining forces with drag queen Dave Lynn
for two wacky and brilliant nights of comic cabaret in February.
Kissmet, a bangra band who played in April at the start
of a new emphasis on world music. Bobby Durham, a legendary
jazz drummer who played with Ella Fitzgerald, popping in
May. Liane Carroll, described as one of the top three jazz
vocalists in the country, who thrilled many ears in May.
Viola Wills, the disco queen who used regular nights at
the Joogleberry to launch herself as a Jazz singer and now
also plays at Ronnie Scotts.
> return
to review selection |
