Transparent mannequin with television heads and treats for all – it sounds like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory set in the Wizard's wonderful world of Oz but such quirks are much nearer to home.
IF YOU don't like it, hang it. At least that's what the creators of Sheffield's Hang the DJ were thinking when they started the rapidly-rising club night. "We were basically bored of the club scene and thought we could do better. We ran a lot of hous
e parties and wanted to bring the (house party vibe] to the club environment," says Alice Cardy, who co-organised the event with Helen Barnett.
But the girls didn't stop at putting on music – for each club night Alice and Helen create a bizarre parallel world. Colourful voile drape the walls, gold fabric marks the entrances, cut-off mannequin have TV camera screen-heads revealing the image of the onlooker and dancers perform a hybrid of burlesque and contemporary moves on stage. This is clubbing's Wizard of Oz.
"Our dancers are called the Disco Dolls – a team of dancers including Helen and myself. We choreograph all our own dances and practise twice a week," says Alice.
Musically the night's equally eclectic – tunes include those of Soulwax, Justice, Blondie, the Sex Pistols and Toddla T. Hang the DJs' resident DJs include Ricky Chopra, a veteran Gatecrasher DJ and two newcomer resident DJs, Dan Kilby and Inside Out Boy. Guests also grace the desks on each club night.
But Cardy and Barnett – both journalism students – don't want their effort to be in vain. "We like people to make an effort – we put so much effort in ourselves into the night, it's nice when people get dressed up. It's quite a clubby vibe and we get a lot of trendy students and young professionals," says Alice.
Such effort doesn't come cheap – the artwork, dancers, music and decor mean the girls don't make much of a profit.
"We're not in it to make money, we just absolutely love it. We have a right laugh."
Hang the DJ is at the Carling Acdemy tonight.
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