This Saturday is the launch of a brand new and seriously fabulous new LGBT+ night in Chelsea at the gorgeous Chelsea Pensioner venue. Flirtura will feature Tracy La Bouche (nee Barlow), Miss Krystal Ball and much, much more. Dave Cross spoke to Nikki from the venue about this exciting new venture.
Hi Nikki, can you sum up what Flirtura is?
Flirtura is a play on the word Flutura which means butterfly. The idea is that our venue will serve as a fun, welcoming and safe cocoon in which our guests can spread their wings and be who they were born to be. The monthly Flirtura LGBTQ+ events at the Chelsea Pensioner will feature top entertainers gathered from the cabaret and drag circuit across London and beyond plus great food, drink, fun and glamour.
How did the idea come about?
The Chelsea Pensioner is a public house, historically embedded in the community. We work hard to cater to the needs of our local community and pride ourselves in being a place that welcomes everyone who welcomes everyone. We have been made aware by local customers that 60% of LGBTQ+ venues in London have been closed in the past decade; while this group was previously very well served around Chelsea and Earl’s Court there are now fewer dedicated venues where they can meet and socialise locally. We are more than delighted to fill this space by providing top entertainment, glamour and laughs once a month.
Can you talk us through the performers on the night?
We have a fantastic line-up of performers of all kinds including the amazing Tracy La Bouche, winner of Drag Idol in 2017, Miss Krystal Ball singer and part time good time girl, two very different but great drag acts. Plus we have Supergreek, a cool covers duo who are masters of soul, funk and pop, Kat Kasisopa, a great stand up who Boyz readers will know from Big Brother, Melody Ballentine from vocal collective MKC, WILD a County singer-songwriter, The Happy Endings: A cheeky dance troupe made up of the beautiful people and our brilliant host and singer Alex Green, who will be our regular host. And, we are hoping to have more on the night, you can expect surprises including maybe some magic and make-up, but you have to come along to see it.
What else can you tell us about the venue?
The Chelsea Pensioner is a public house, historically embedded in the community. We are famous for our football following, but wanted to branch out to the very neglected LGBTQ+ community in the area. Our venue includes a darts room, pool table, karaoke room and garden which is open until 10pm. We have a chunky pub cat called Mackay who is very popular locally. We pride ourselves in being a place that welcomes everyone who welcomes everyone!
And you’re offering free entry and a free drink for the first 50… how do our readers get that?
Readers can register for free entry and one free drink by visiting thechelseapensioner.co.uk/events-1/flirtura-launch-party. Please remember to include the names of all guests via email [email protected].
What else do we need to know?
Our closest tube station is Fulham Broadway (West Brompton and Earl’s Court are walking distance). That’s all you need to know for now – the rest is a surprise!
Tickets and information at thechelseapensioner.co.uk/events-1/flirtura-launch-party or register for free tickets at [email protected].
The Chelsea Pensioner, 358 Fulham Road, Chelsea, SW10.
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