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The Spinoff
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Spinoff
What a strip club run by strippers looks like
At this strip club the dancers kept all their tips, there were no unfair overheads or fines and definitely no exploitative management. The lights are dim, the bar glows, and everywhere there are beautiful dancers in lingerie. They're unnaturally tall in their eight-inch heels, glamorous with their criss-cross ribboned legs, perfect make-up and hair. I, in my ordinary clothing, feel short and human next to them. That's part of the fantasy though – they're professionals, they're performing, and I'm there to spectate. It's the Fired Up Stilettos (FUS) strip club takeover event and this is my Saturday night. FUS is a collective movement of strippers fighting for labour rights and legal protection. It was formed in 2023 when 19 strippers were fired via Facebook post from Calendar Girls for attempting to collectively bargain for fair pay and contractual rights. Strippers and sex workers have long worked under subpar employment conditions – despite strippers generally only working for one club, they are classified as independent contractors and therefore don't have employee rights and protections. Strip clubs usually take huge cuts from their dancers' tips and impose unfair and illegal fines on them. It's also well known that sex workers face societal stigma and discrimination. Some sex workers struggle to find alternative employment if people know that they've done sex work. Agencies and forums have often failed to protect sex workers, even when sex workers have asked for help. As a result, sex workers have formed their own groups in order to help themselves. FUS received media attention in 2024 when it called on parliament to grant sex workers the same labour rights as other independent contractors. In 2025, they continue to support collectivist action within workplace, creating and sharing educational resources so sex workers can know their rights, and campaigning for legislative change. Their takeover events dually serve as fundraisers to keep the movement running and demonstrations of what strip clubs run by strippers could look like. FUS strip clubs could be the industry standard – dancers keep all their tips, there are no unfair overheads or fines, and there's definitely no exploitative management. When I arrive at the secret location (only revealed on Saturday morning) I feel like I've stepped back in time. There are men with suspenders and grey felt caps, women in flapper dresses with feathers in their hair. A performer in a beaded cape sings in a smooth alto while playing cello. The bar serves Negronis, French 75 cocktails and sparkling wine. I order my first drink and move into the main space, where a pole has been set up in one corner, and dancer after dancer performs to songs of their choice. After they dance, they walk around the floor. 'Are you tipping tonight?' a dancer asks me. I tuck $5 of strip club money into the waistband of her thong, determined to be a good strip club patron. There's something hypnotising about pole dancing. It's one of the reasons I watch dancers on Instagram reels, admiring the grace of making something difficult look effortless. I started pole dancing in February, and it's made me appreciate good pole dancers so much more. Pole dancing is hard. I often leave classes with new bruises on my feet or calves. There's a unique kind of pain that comes from trying to hold up your whole body weight by grasping a metal pole with your inner thighs. Sometimes, when learning a new move, I feel as cumbersome as a spinning chicken on a stick. These dancers are polished. They demonstrate clear control over their bodies. It's the way they climb the pole and shift from position to position, the dramatic thwack of their heels against the floor. I watch, entranced, while their bodies contort and extend, stretch and spin. They rotate slowly then fast, limbs arranged in graceful formations. The performances feel like a celebration, with both performers and patrons cheering each time someone does something impressive. I run into several people I know. Kiwiburn friends. Zouk dance friends. A guy I did English literature at university with. There are maybe 30-50 people at the event across the night, with a slightly different demographic to that of a commercial strip club. There are probably more women among the patrons. The crowd is also younger, as lots of dancers, friends and partners have come along to support. The real difference though is that everyone is there because they support sex worker rights, and this inherently means that they respect sex workers. Almost every stripper has a story of sexual harassment or abuse. The FUS takeover event is partially so fun because dancers feel safe to do their jobs. 'Does this feel different to a normal strip club?' I ask one patron, who tells me he drove from Palmerston North to be here. 'Definitely,' he says. 'There's no seedy atmosphere.' In the dressing room, office tables have been joined together and are covered in a chaotic mess of bags, takeaway containers, make-up and clothes. Dancers fix their make up, relax on the couch, take breaks from working. I ask if I can take some photos, and a few of the dancers say yes. I get one great shot of them, backs to me on the couch. I airdrop the photos and by the end of the night, it's already been posted on three different accounts. You have to admire the hustle. After all, it's not just the pole dancing they have to do. Everything they do out on the floor is a performance, from the walking around and tip collecting to the conversations and private dance. It's work, and some of the dancers do this physically and emotionally difficult work for several nights a week. A lot of the FUS dancers now work independently, unwilling to once again be subjected to the working conditions of strip clubs. Some of the dancers have OnlyFans. Some of them make most of their money from escorting. Some of them have 'ordinary' jobs in completely different industries. It doesn't matter. Sex workers and strippers deserve employment protection just like everyone else. As long as there is a market for sex, there will be people who do sex work: those people should be able to work safely. In a lot of ways, the evening feels just like being at a particularly elaborate party. The night passes quickly in the sparkly blur of conversations, glasses of French 75, the spinning pole. At one stage, I slip outside for a smoke break with three of the dancers and the MC. We shelter from the wind in front of a garage. As we move to leave, the garage door cracks open with a violent screech and we all jump. I leave around midnight, when the event ends. I have a heavy head, sore feet from dancing, and several promises to keep in touch. As I drift off to sleep, I keep seeing the dancers on the pole. In my head they're still going round and round.
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Village WI ladies take it all off in Calendar Girls
BARE boobs and strategic sticky buns brought the house down at BAMADS' bravest performance yet: 'Calendar Girls'. Over a three-night run, the company tackled the funny but poignant tale of WI member Annie, who has lost her husband John to leukaemia. At the suggestion of Annie's irreverent best friend Chris, the WI ladies agree to pose for a nude calendar to fund a new settee for the local hospital's waiting room. Ruth (Mary Anne Gleeson) with Elaine (Chloe Hughes) (Image: Supplied) But when news gets out about the 'alternative' calendar, and the world's media descends upon the sleepy Yorkshire Dales, even the most solid of friendships get tested to their limits… Based on a true story, this heartwarming production is a remarkable testament to courage, compassion and creativity – values the ladies of BAMADS showcased in abundance! In the lead role of Chris, BAMADS veteran Leigh Nash has the experience needed to carry such a nuanced performance. Marie (Julie Lord) with Chris (Leigh Nash) (Image: Supplied) With her mantra of "nude not naked", it is totally believable that Nash convinces everyone to disrobe – including the most reluctant of models, Ruth, played by the effervescent Mary Anne Gleeson. Hannah Smith breaks hearts as devastated widow Annie. Smith's grief feels palpable, but she also communicates Annie's steely determination to act in her late husband's best interests. Cora (Amy Gladwin) with Jessie (Pauline Carr) and Ruth (Mary Anne Gleeson) (Image: Supplied) Due to unforeseen circumstances, BAMADS Chairperson Bianca Tranter stepped in to play free-spirited musician Cora on the opening night – nailing the role with just a few weeks' preparation. (For all remaining performances, Amy Gladwin played Cora.) Julie Ratcliffe is a suitably sexy Celia, who needs little encouragement to get her kit off! But full marks go to BAMADS newcomer Pauline Carr who, at 67, jumped into amateur dramatics at the deep end – going topless in her first ever show! Annie (Hannah Smith) with Celia (Julie Ratcliffe) and Jessie (Pauline Carr) (Image: Supplied) In such a female-centric play, it is even more remarkable that Bryan Lynch is so impactful whenever he is on stage – giving us a lovable and relatable John that you cry real tears for. Lynch may only appear briefly, but his memorable performance is anything but amateur – conveying real depths of emotion with the slightest look or gesture. Having now made his BAMADS debut, Lynch is definitely 'one to watch'. Plaudits also go to Julie Lord, who is magnificent as bossy and belligerent WI leader Marie. Her pronunciation of "Ches-higher" is something to behold, while her one-sided badminton match with Ruth is one of many highlights. Janette Pye as both Lady Cravenshire and Brenda Hulse, Herb Moore as Rod, Simon Burgess as Lawrence and Arran Abbey as Liam are a talented supporting cast. But Chloe Hughes as Elaine retains a special spot in this reviewer's heart – being one of the most gifted character actors the company has at its disposal. Mayor of Warrington Cllr Mo Hussain attended the opening night performance of Calendar Girls (Image: Supplied) Assisted by Jayne Harnick, Rebekah Denton is to be congratulated on her directorial debut – enhancing many scenes with clever visual choices (most notably John's passing/funeral and the arrival of the Calendar Girls' fan mail, fluttering from the ceiling). A talented actress in her own right, Denton supports each cast member to shine – especially during the nude scenes, which are so tastefully managed, with each 'reveal' feeling like a truly empowering moment. Izzy Nash's sound and video choices elevate the production further – including the hyper-realistic paparazzi photo flashes and 'breaking news' segments. Delivering a show like this in 30-plus-degree heat is not for the faint-hearted – especially when wrapped in blankets, dressing gowns and even Santa costumes! But the cast powered through with their usual mix of professionalism and good humour – taking the laughs right to the curtain with some surprise nude portraits at the very end by Izzy Nash. Next up for BAMADS is 'The Sound of Music', running from 26 to 29 November.
Powys County Times
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Powys County Times
Wimbledon diary: Bear Grylls takes in the tennis on a day of Turkish delight
Zeynep Sonmez broke new ground on Thursday when becoming the first Turkish player to reach the third round at an open-era grand slam. The 23-year-old defeated Wang Xinyu 7-5 7-5 to continue through the tournament in what is her first experience of Wimbledon. She fell to her knees after the winning the final point, and the trailblazing achievement caught the attention of Turkey's minister of youth and sports, Osman Askin Bak, who said via X: 'Congratulations Zeynep, we are proud of you!'. ***** Actress Celia Imrie, star of Bridget Jones's Diary, Calendar Girls and, aptly, the 2004 film Wimbledon, was in attendance in the Royal Box. She was joined by Feargal Sharkey, environmentalist and former lead singer of The Undertones, and Dragons' Den business woman Deborah Meaden. England's Rugby World Cup-winning coach Sir Clive Woodward was also present, and so too was former Conservative Party leader William Hague, adventurer Bear Grylls and Lindsey Burrow – wife of the late rugby league player Rob. ***** Quote of the day 'I'd say, if I had to sum it up, it felt the tennis balls were back in my pocket very quickly and never stayed in there a long time.' – Dan Evans encapsulates what it is like to play tennis against Novak Djokovic. Picture of the day Tweet of the day Anyone order some WimbleDogs content? 🥹 #Wimbledon — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 3, 2025 Friday's match of the day There is likely to be a real sense of anticipation in SW19 on Friday as attendees await the final match on Centre Court – Emma Raducanu versus Aryna Sabalenka. The latter is the world number one and a favourite to go all the way having reached the final of the last three grand slams before making light work of her opening two matches. British number one Raducanu has also enjoyed a straightforward start to the tournament, looking in fine form when beating 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova in the second round and sparking plenty of excitement about her chances of a deep run. They are both among the most high-profile female players and, with one of them on home turf, a Centre Court ticket for their third-round meeting will be a coveted thing indeed. Friday's weather forecast
Glasgow Times
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Wimbledon diary: Bear Grylls takes in the tennis on a day of Turkish delight
The 23-year-old defeated Wang Xinyu 7-5 7-5 to continue through the tournament in what is her first experience of Wimbledon. She fell to her knees after the winning the final point, and the trailblazing achievement caught the attention of Turkey's minister of youth and sports, Osman Askin Bak, who said via X: 'Congratulations Zeynep, we are proud of you!'. ***** Actress Celia Imrie, star of Bridget Jones's Diary, Calendar Girls and, aptly, the 2004 film Wimbledon, was in attendance in the Royal Box. She was joined by Feargal Sharkey, environmentalist and former lead singer of The Undertones, and Dragons' Den business woman Deborah Meaden. England's Rugby World Cup-winning coach Sir Clive Woodward was also present, and so too was former Conservative Party leader William Hague, adventurer Bear Grylls and Lindsey Burrow – wife of the late rugby league player Rob. ***** Quote of the day 'I'd say, if I had to sum it up, it felt the tennis balls were back in my pocket very quickly and never stayed in there a long time.' – Dan Evans encapsulates what it is like to play tennis against Novak Djokovic. Picture of the day Luciano Darderi celebrates with his team and family after beating Arthur Fery (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Tweet of the day Friday's match of the day Emma Raducanu is ready for Aryna Sabalenka (Mike Egerton/PA) There is likely to be a real sense of anticipation in SW19 on Friday as attendees await the final match on Centre Court – Emma Raducanu versus Aryna Sabalenka. The latter is the world number one and a favourite to go all the way having reached the final of the last three grand slams before making light work of her opening two matches. British number one Raducanu has also enjoyed a straightforward start to the tournament, looking in fine form when beating 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova in the second round and sparking plenty of excitement about her chances of a deep run. They are both among the most high-profile female players and, with one of them on home turf, a Centre Court ticket for their third-round meeting will be a coveted thing indeed. Friday's weather forecast Sunny changing to partly cloudy by nighttime with highs of 26 degrees Celsius – according to the Met Office.
Leader Live
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Wimbledon diary: Bear Grylls takes in the tennis on a day of Turkish delight
The 23-year-old defeated Wang Xinyu 7-5 7-5 to continue through the tournament in what is her first experience of Wimbledon. She fell to her knees after the winning the final point, and the trailblazing achievement caught the attention of Turkey's minister of youth and sports, Osman Askin Bak, who said via X: 'Congratulations Zeynep, we are proud of you!'. ***** Actress Celia Imrie, star of Bridget Jones's Diary, Calendar Girls and, aptly, the 2004 film Wimbledon, was in attendance in the Royal Box. She was joined by Feargal Sharkey, environmentalist and former lead singer of The Undertones, and Dragons' Den business woman Deborah Meaden. England's Rugby World Cup-winning coach Sir Clive Woodward was also present, and so too was former Conservative Party leader William Hague, adventurer Bear Grylls and Lindsey Burrow – wife of the late rugby league player Rob. ***** 'I'd say, if I had to sum it up, it felt the tennis balls were back in my pocket very quickly and never stayed in there a long time.' – Dan Evans encapsulates what it is like to play tennis against Novak Djokovic. Anyone order some WimbleDogs content? 🥹#Wimbledon — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 3, 2025 The latter is the world number one and a favourite to go all the way having reached the final of the last three grand slams before making light work of her opening two matches. British number one Raducanu has also enjoyed a straightforward start to the tournament, looking in fine form when beating 2023 champion Marketa Vondrousova in the second round and sparking plenty of excitement about her chances of a deep run. They are both among the most high-profile female players and, with one of them on home turf, a Centre Court ticket for their third-round meeting will be a coveted thing indeed. Sunny changing to partly cloudy by nighttime with highs of 26 degrees Celsius – according to the Met Office.
