Anyhow, I digress - we finally find the venue and the world seems a far nicer place. Cherry is less, well, if I use the term “frenzied” you would get the jist...but needless to say the best bit about The Vallies is the Daniels, a very accommodating couple of guys (not in the biblical sense but wouldn’t say no if asked as they are rather cute ...) both called Daniel, who actually manage the venue. The one thing that I found really eye-catching about the venue was the innovative way that they advertised, by projecting approximately 25ft high poster-like images on to the side of the club – very Jean Michel Jarre.
Needless to say, the first thing that I appreciated was the fact that Cherry was allowed access to their apartment adjacent to the club, in order to get changed – this is a big thing as many a time Cherry and I have been stuck in a foetid pub urinal, trying to sort out Cherry’s tights without trying to kneel or step barefooted on a damp, newly pissed on floor, vying for space with the strippers, whilst trying to breathe in an atmosphere of oxygen, methane, Lynx and hair spray...believe me it has been known...
Although I have seen a few drag acts, the one thing different that I have noticed with Cherry is that from the time she is in the vicinity she is mixing with the patrons of the venue; even after her performance she will mingle, pose for photos and generally have a giggle until the bar closes – something that I think the club-goers like as well.
Also, the one thing that people should learn is that if you dare to try and upstage Cherry, she will wipe her arse with you – as some poor reprobate found out to his detriment when Cherry tried to make him dance topless as punishment for upstaging her. If anyone does find the buttons from his shirt, please pass them on so he can repair it. I am sure “monkey-boy” as he was so affectionately labelled, will know better next time.
Photo of Cherry Darling at The Vallies, courtesy of Jonathan Ballard
