Archived Content
This is archived content, and does not reflect our current classes and events. For current information, please start from the home page.
Socials and Events
Mad About Swing presents The Speakeasy
22nd September 2018
The Speakeasies of the 1920s were the cornerstones of the era's social highlife. In a time of prohibition and economic turmoil, these iniquitous establishments were where you went to forget your troubles and have a jolly swell time. For one night only, the guys and girls from Mad About Swing are putting on another of their legendary Speakeasies in a commendable attempt to recreate the vintage, frivolous and carefree vibe of the original hedonistic jazz and booze-fuelled establishments of yesteryear. Whether you wish to dance the night away or simply sit back and soak up the twenties ambience, you're in very safe hands.
Cleverly hidden away from the prying eyes of the FEDS, this year's shindig will be staged at The Elm Centre in Estover. Comprised of several rooms and sneaky hideaways, the main action will be taking place in our spacious ballroom. Here you'll experience the alluringly delightful sounds of not one but two live bands: Skedaddle and Just Misbehavin' and also a handful of dance performances from our in-house team. In contrast, the sultry surroundings of the adjoining Garrison Saloon will house our Bootleg Bar, Skittle Alley and Gambling Den where you can try your hand at some illicit Black Jack and Roulette... no previous experienced required! Our well-priced and thoughtfully-stocked bar will be serving some very tempting liquid refreshments: guaranteed to quench your thirst as well as dispel your daily troubles. Whatever your tipple, we'll keep you hydrated and suitably jovial from beginning to end.
Since period attire is a compulsory element of the evening, there'll be plenty of photographic opportunities from a small faction of ardent photographers passionate to capture you at your very best. With our own professional photography studio printing photos there and then on site at a very reasonable fee, you'll be able to take your photos home with you on the night!
As if that wasn't enough, the evening also includes two foot tapping, Charleston dance classes (one at the very beginning of the evening for complete novices and another scheduled for 8.10 with a little more challenge!) Whether you're a seasoned professional or have two left feet, you'll be cutting a rug to those hot sweet jazz rhythms in no time. Furthermore, after his successful debut at last year's Cotton Club event, we're delighted to announce the addition of Mr Kristien Harris: an expert at sleight of hand and a dab hand with humorous impossibility. He's literally magic!
Brimming with vintage shenanigans and swinging je-ne-sais-quoi, it's going to be one heck of an evening. An event like no other!
Timings
| 6.50pm | Doors open. The Garrison commences trading. |
| 7.00pm | 1920's Charleston Class... aimed at complete novices who have never danced a step of Charleston (and those that'd like a recap). |
| 7.25pm | Official Speakeasy begins with live music from Skedaddle. |
| 8.00pm | Gambling tables become operational. |
| 8.10pm | Short 1920's Charleston class for the more experienced (aimed at existing dancers and those who attended the 7pm class). Learn a fun sequence to get you in the twenties mood. |
| 8.40pm | Skedaddle's second set. |
| 9.25pm | Cabaret performances, the official Speakeasy group photograph and Peaky Blinding Snowball followed by DJ music. |
| 10.00pm | Just Misbehavin's first set. |
| 10.50pm | The fast food contest, Shim Sham and DJ tunes. |
| 11.00pm | Gambling ceases. |
| 11.10pm | Just Misbehavin's second set. |
| 11.30pm | Last orders at the Garrison. |
| Midnight | Entertainments cease |
Food
We realise that partying hard requires sustenance so, this year, you have the option of a sumptuously decadent Cream Tea (Delicious plain or fruit scone served with a generous measure of chunky strawberry jam and Devon clotted cream) or a mouthwatering Cheese Tea (cheese scone, farmhouse cheddar and rich fruity pickle). All washed down with your choice of tea or coffee.
Both options are a steal at £6 but must be preordered in advance (deadline 20th September).
Please note that because of the nature of this event, the provision of your own food and drink is strictly prohibited.
Ticket prices
- £20 early bird rate (payment by 30th August 2018)
- £23 advanced rate (payment by 20th September 2018)
- £26 full price (thereafter and on the door if still available: last year's event sold out in advance)
At least £1 from each ticket sold will go directly to St Luke's Hospice. Additional funds will be accrued via a charity raffle and a handful of other fundraising shenanigans.
To book your place, send a cheque made payable to 'Mrs Louise Anderson' to 3 Parks Drive, Plymouth PL9 9FG. Please include all of the names of the people you are booking for, a contact number and your email address so that we can confirm receipt of your payment. Alternatively contact us if you'd prefer to make a bank transfer.
If you have any queries, please don't hesitate to get in touch:
duncanandlouise@madaboutswing.com
01752 491739
07882 531712
Venue
(Hush! Hush! Don't tell the Feds!)
The Speakeasy, The Elm Centre, Leypark Walk, Plymouth PL6 8UE. There is ample free parking directly outside.
Our live acts
Skedaddle
Purveyors of splendid tunes and jolly good fun. Skedaddle is made up of professional musicians with many years of performing experience behind them. They draw inspiration from a rich history of amazingly talented musicians who wrote great tunes that have stood the test of time. Much of their material is based on New Orleans jazz from the early 1900s. Drawing their playlists from legends such as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Cab Calloway, Louis Jordan, Fats Waller, Bessie Smith and Louis Prima, Skedaddle is the perfect band to get the party started.
Just Misbehavin'
Fronted by the sassy and soulful Lynn Thornton, Just Misbehavin' plays a lively blend of swing, jazz and party anthems. Drawing from a catalogue of vintage gems, as well as playful arrangements of more contemporary numbers, their playlist is a smorgasbord of danceable delights. An experienced Lindy Hopper, Lynn has honed the band's repertoire to perfection, making Just Misbehavin' perfect for swing dancers and the ultimate catalyst for fuelling any successful exuberant shindig.
Mr Kristien Harris
With over nineteen years of experience behind him, Kris is a force to be reckoned with. An expert at sleight of hand and a dab hand with humorous impossibility, he's a member of the world's premiere magic club, The Magic Circle, based in London and has built a solid reputation, wowing audiences with his own signature blend of Harris Magic. Prepare to be amazed!
Mad About Swing's Dance Troupe
Always a hit, our in-house team look forward to performing their latest high-energy routines. They'll be doing their thing for you at around 9.30pm in the main hall.
Your DJ, Swing Neo
Mad About Swing's DJ will be filling the gaps between the bands' sets. Armed with an ever-growing arsenal of both vintage and contemporary tunes, you're in safe hands. Requests welcome.
What to wear
Period attire COMPULSORY! Here are some ideas:
Women
Flapper dresses, evening dresses, boas, long pearl necklaces, fans. Skirts were cut above or just below the knees, shirts became lower cut and sleeveless, showing off the neck and arms. Chiffon, silk and satin were the most popular fabrics. One of the most common fashion styles was the bob hairstyle. It was also very common for women to wear small hats. During the 20s, women began to wear makeup. The main emphasis was the lips. Women wore bold and deep shades of lipstick. Some of the popular shades included red and bright pink. The rest of the face was kept very natural-looking for the most part.
Men
Classic suits, waistcoats, Zoot Suits, black or white ties on a black shirt was popular, braces, spats (white canvas or vinyl shoe covers), fedoras or gangster hats.
Still Not Convinced?
Check out the photo reel from a previous Speakeasy:
