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The only black in the village

Were you surprised to find yourself the first black club manager in the Village?

Upton Clue

"I was very surprised to find out that I was one of the first black managers on Manchester’s vibrant gay scene. I would have expected Manchester to be one of the leaders in diversity, especially as it has some of the most well renowned multi racial club events."

How does it feel to be the first?

"It doesn’t feel too special as I am used to being the first. To me, it’s just another job however I know people are watching me very carefully. I was one of the first black managers of the gay scene in Birmingham and also one of the first pride co-ordinators of ethic origin. As in Birmingham, I know many young black kids will look up to me as a role model."

You've spent 10 years in Birmingham. How does Manchester compare?

The Hollywood Studio & Lounge

"Birmingham was great and the scene has come on a long way in 10 years, but Manchester seems even better. It amazes me to see people out in the afternoon, sat on Canal Street in vast numbers. That’s the one thing Birmingham’s gay scene lacks - the open air drinking, dining and 24 hour partying.

"What is weird is it always shocked me in Birmingham to see how many people came down from Manchester on a weekly basis. Now that I am up here it’s the complete opposite - lots of Birmingham face are appearing up here."

Hollywood has had a few celebrities popping in recently. Who would you most like to see coming to the club?

"Through my job at Nightingale and working at a lot of pride events over the years, I meet a lot of celebrities who all know me on first name basis. I don’t really know if there is anyone I would most like to see in the Hollywood, but if I had to choose I would say Kylie, as I know many of the staff and customers here would appreciate a quick visit from her."

The club's just had a refit. What's your favourite part of the new look?

"My favourite part of the venue is the Studio. The designers, Clive and Ian from the Retail Theatre Company, have completed an excellent job in interpreting my ideas and thoughts into an amazing reality. The sharp design gives the venue attitude in a minimalist way. Combined with the lighting, it makes a venue that I am proud of."

Rumour has it you can watch soaps at the club. Are you a soap lover yourself?

Upton with Philip Oliver and a drag queen

"How did you guess? My friends and colleagues know that I enjoy a good soap. I sometimes feel like a hairdresser, saying that I watch soaps so that I have a talking point with my customers.

"When we carried out our survey earlier this year to find out about people’s movement on a weekday evening, we found out a lot of people planned their evenings around the soaps. When we looked deeper into this, we found people would like the opportunity to be able to watch their favourite soaps with their friends in a relaxed environment with the added benefit of a bar.Ìý This is why the lounge on Level 2 of the Hollywood is excellent!"

Alongside your bar management, you also set-up and chair United Prides. What's that all about?

"It’s very spooky when I think about. You know how people talk about events being linked… Originally, there was a group called Pride Of Prides set up by Julia Grant, the former owner of The Hollywood Showbar and the organizer of Manchester Mardi Gras.

"When Julia left Manchester, the group dissolved. I realized that smaller pride events still needed to meet and get assistance to set up new events across the UK. So with the help of Jason Pollock (of Pride London) and Haydn Price (of Cardiff Mardi Gras), the group was formed about two years ago.

"We meet, on average, twice a year and share information with each other about our events. It’s a good feeling when you see new pride events appear around the UK, especially those that I know I have helped in some way or another, giving towns and cities the chance to celebrate their diversity."

Hollywood Studio & Lounge is on Bloom Street in the Village.