Drag terrorist Rose Garden has been entertaining the masses at cabaret powerhouse Halfway II Heaven for eight insane years and this Saturday she’s back with a load more guests for a super celebratory show. Get ready…
Hi Rose, so eight years of Saturdays at Halfway… How does that make you feel?
I know! Eight years. It’s gone so quickly. I feel like it’s only been a few months. I’m very fortunate to be given the chance and thankful for the love and support from the audience, management and staff. I always look forward to my Saturdays at Halfway II Heaven.
For those unfortunate souls who have never experienced it, how would you describe a ‘typical’ Saturday at Halfway?
There is no such thing as a typical Saturday at Halfway II Heaven. They started with just me but now we have Mrs Moore or Mary Mac, doing the matinée slot. I take over at 5-ish, for Crowd Control, sometimes with a guest. And The Vixens do the late show, all helped by Justin Swift on the decks.
How did it all start?
Well, it all started when the assistant manager at the time, Angel, had to organise an event and put me on for six weeks. And I’ve just not left! I wasn’t even his first choice. Thanks, Bette, for turning it down xx
And how has it evolved over the years?
It’s less game show now and more songs with audience participation. We started with my version of SwapShop, as a bit of fun, which helped raise money for charity. We’ve also played Name That Tune and Yum Yum Yuk, for shots, and lip-synched, arm wrestled and, of course, hula hooped.
Is it possible to pick any highlights?
Honestly, I can’t choose one. There have been so many. The Prides, birthdays, hag dos! It’s a privilege to be part of people’s celebrations. Who doesn’t like to party?
What can we expect this Saturday?
We are going to do all the game show stuff, surprise guests. In fact we are going to do the whole eight years in three hours.
Over the years you’ve raised money for charity, hosted swap shops, lip syncs, had loads of guests… What else would you love to do there?
I’m grateful for having the chance to perform every Saturday at Halfway II Heaven, that’s why I’ll try and give new talent a chance doing a guest spot, and if we make some money along the way, even better. Thanks to the support from Heather, the manager – I get to do so much and love that Saturdays have grown so much. They continue to be complete madness.
What is it that makes Saturdays magic at Halfway?
The audience and skittle bombs! Sometimes I feel like a ringmaster keeping the crowd in order, but I love it. Thank you everyone at Halfway II Heaven including the management, staff and audiences past and present, for eight glorious years.
Halfway II Heaven, 7 Duncannon Street, Charing Cross, WC2N 4JF.
Entry is free.
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