Quite a while ago, prior to COVID, I wrote a post about going to see a well loved local DJ at the theatre.
Bernie Keith has a daily show on Radio Northampton which has a loyal following of young and old listeners, alike.
He was going to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and wanted to try out his routine on a paying audience and Mum and I went along and literally laughed our socks off.
The Old Savoy
Bernie’s radio show is just as fantastic. Listeners become part of Bernie’s ‘Family’ as many make regular contact. Eventually even the most infrequent of listeners know people based on their names and locations.
The shows are a lifeline to many and a lot of this is down to Bernie himself; his lighthearted way of talking to people, the care he shows and of course the music he plays.
Out on the Tiles
Several years ago, Bernie used to hold a regular disco night that he called ‘Handbag Heaven’.
This involved playing floor-filling tracks that people just wanted to get up and dance to.
Sadly, COVID put a stop to all that and Handbag Heaven was no more.
But, last Saturday night (21st January) that all changed.
Bernie arranged to hold the first Handbag Heaven event at The Deco Theatre, Northampton.
Not The Best Selfie!
This also happened to coincide with Bernie’s 60th birthday.
Well, what better excuse did anyone need to have a night out?
Described as an old fashioned school disco for those who want great music and somewhere to dance, The Deco opened its doors to 400 people, dressed in their finery.
Bernie – About to Kick it Off!
Once a month for the next six months, Bernie will be holding a Handbag Heaven where anyone can attend and dance the night away, without feeling too old, or too self-conscious, or even that they have two left feet.
All are welcome and there was a whole range of people in attendance, from around 25 to 85 years old, all eager to boogie on down.
Getting On Down!
Starting at 1930, Bernie spun the decks for four hours, playing the great, the good and the sometimes downright cheesy tracks guaranteed to get people up on their feet.
Bernie himself didn’t stop; dancing behind the decks the whole time, in his party gear. Sequined top, leather trousers and sparkly shoes, he was the life and soul of the party.
Boogie-ing Bernie!
Handbag Heaven promised music from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s and he really mixed it up.
One minute it was D.I.S.C.O and the next, Enola Gay. Spirit in the Sky segued into A Little Respect.
D.I.S.C.O
Now, I had gone along with my Mum in Law as she is a daily Bernie listener.
We really didn’t know quite what to expect when we entered the large auditorium, but knowing Bernie, it was bound to be a fabulous night.
A Night At The Theatre
Bernie had mentioned on his social media to break out the sequins, but apart from three full length evening gowns, my wardrobe is lacking in those little shiny plastic discs.
Night Fever
Instead I opted to try out a new outfit that I had purchased from Pin Up Clothing, when I was on holiday in Chicago.
The Eden Tiki Wiggle Dress with matching bolero is very similar to a few other tiki pieces that I own, but in a much lighter weight material.
Eden Tiki Dress
Aqua in colour with a peachy/coral palm print, I paired it up with a pair of ballet flats in the same aqua colour, a peach hibiscus hair flower and the piece de resistance; matching bangles.
Before Christmas (and a couple of times since) I have had my hair cut at CC Hair and Beauty Club, by the amazing Jello.
Happy Girl
If you missed all this, you can check it out here
Anyway, I absolutely love the thick bob I now have, however I hadn’t tried to style it in a vintage hairdo yet.
All Matching!
Putting on my curling wand and curl secret machine (just in case) I grabbed my sectioning clips and went to work.
Twenty minutes later, with singed fingers and no curls to speak of, I realised that it was all a bit of a useless endeavour.
At Least the Front Curled!
This left me in a bit of a dilemma but I plodded on. Focusing on the front section of my hair, I thought a few rolls would perhaps be manageable.
I have to admit to it taking MUCH longer than normal, but I was completely out of practice.
A Bit of Back-combing
Eventually I had it styled in a way I was pleased with, then added my standard pin-up style red lipstick and black eyeliner flicks. I also added some half lashes to give my basic make-up more of an evening look.
Driving over to the theatre, I was a little nervous as to what to expect, how many people would be there ( I suffer from social anxiety, especially in large crowds).
Out, Out!
I felt fantastic in my new outfit, but as the event was a bit of an unknown entity, I didn’t know if it would be suitable for the dress code.
Suffice to say I needn’t have worried; there were all ages in attendance, as I previously mentioned and clothing ranging from 60’s hotpants, 70’s flares and 80’s legwarmers!
Table Decorations
Given the dodgy knee, I knew there was very little chance of me getting out on the dancefloor but I took great delight in watching people and doing some serious chair-dancing.
Bernie was not wrong when he described it as a sixth form school disco.
Dancing The Night Away
The tunes were classics and even the cheesiest song had everyone singing along and getting into the groove on the dancefloor.
All in all, the night was absolutely magical and sitting and watching the attendees, you could see that they were loving it. Huge smiles on faces and arms waving in the air along to the beat.
Spinning The Decks
It was a wonderfully happy occasion and unlike any other I had ever been to (outside of school).
I can only describe it as a ‘middle class’ disco.
Light Show
By this I mean it was wide and spacious area, lots of dancing space, tables and chairs or the balcony stalls for sitting in. There were flashing lights, however the room wasn’t dark and dingy like most discos. It was airy and had a couple of different bars, seating areas outside of the auditorium and lovely, friendly staff.
There were certainly no sticky carpets, like in the disco’s of my youth!
Groovin’
Everyone got on really well, sharing tables, meeting new friends who all had a common interest; Bernie’s programme.
It was an absolutely cracking night out and Bernie hit the spot with all the tracks he played.
Getting Home and removing the Glamorous Facade
All I can say is Roll on February when the next Handbag Heaven is held.
Maybe I will see you there!
Till next time,
SPSG xxx