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Review by Pepsi_boy August 6th 2000 

NOTE:- This review is based on the old venue in the Earl of Kildare hotel and not in the new venue at the Ormand Hotel.

Lured on  by the full page adverts in the Gay Community News, I went along to the playgound full of expectations on the August bank Sunday, and was not disappointed. Was there shortly after eleven pm and must have been about the fourth person in the venue, but it soon filled up quite quickly  all eagerly awaiting the stripper that was advertised.... direct from London!! yes it was quite crowded but as advertised the second floor opened just after midnight which provided a great chill out area and one where u could have a decent converstaion. Full marks for providing this but keep in mind that its onlly on big nights that the second floor is opened, other wise Dj Brian O' Shaughnessy doesnt provide many quite moments in his two and a half hour stint  in the box. The music went on til 2.30 am. I wish I could say the same about the disco lighting! 50% of which still remains out of commission. Brought it to the attention of the  promoter who seemed blissfully unaware of the situation.

As i said it was good crowds, with a good spread of ages (ie up to 35 lol) Some straights wandered down from the hotel above and were plesantly surprised at how good a time they had! I  did ask on entry about  the stripper guy, just to make sure there wasnt a repeat of the  Splash/Dj  Sash debacle and a non appearance! He appeared spot on time at one  am and his frollicks with  the baby oil and super soaker went down well with the crowd.

 It was quite an exhausting routine he went  thru, helped with some members of the  audience. Pepsi_Boy always wonders if these are plants? plants as in friends of the stripper and know wats going to  happen. But after last nite I dont think so. Given the fact that one guy couldnt  even shoot a jet of water (from a super soaker) on to the guys ass  never mind his hole, all from four   feet away. it was pathetic, either that or he was hyped up on safe sex too much!

Must say, I did see something new with Neil Kelvin, and that was the chewing gum performance!

(if u are a bit queesy leave here)

This consisted of chewing on some gum and err , rolling it in the palm of his hand and inserting it up his hole!! while leaving a bit sticking out and then pulling on this in and out to the beat of the music !!!!!

Do u want to go on?

Ok the next bit was that when he took the gum out he just popped it in his mouth and carried on with the show- well he didnt want to put it out on the dance floor so wat else could he do with it? Dont know if anyone took up the offer of Neil being available at the bar afterwards?

 But one thing that ppl should notice and runs contradictory to the advertising, is that there was no SMS  msging available. The advert lists: as taking place the "Connections Chat Room" every Sunday but on enquiring was told that it doesnt take place when there are special events on?That is plain and blatent false advertising and is not on!. There were several "twats" like me who brought their mobiles on that understanding. The bar service was good an efficient and prices were average club ones.

 The overall verdict then: yes go for it, good music, friendly atmosphere but the promoters need to  pay attention to a few little details. keep in mind too that its located in a basement which can get smokey, but if the upstairs is open then its a good venue.