Event: Club Antichrist Not New Years Eve Party

Location: Colosseum Club, Vauxhall, London    

Date: 30th December 2011   

It’s another dark and rainy night in London as we loose the chains of another year and prepare to start the next at Club Antichrist.  Going over two floors with a myriad of rooms, this is a night unlike any other. Each room caters for a diverse audience across the alt. scene, from S+M to EBM.

From 9pm, the club slowly filled with a diverse cross section, from steampunk and Victoriana to the naked and chained, all there to see, be seen and to have fun.  Wandering around the rooms brings a sense of belonging to those who want to walk on the wild side.

When the clock strikes ten however, it’s time to hit the Theatre of Sin for the acts of the night.  The first act is a short session on shibari (Japanese bondage involving ropes) and swiftly jumps to Satan’s Sex Show, where a trio of burlesque dancers take their turns on the stage, dancing and stripping for the hyped up crowd.  Later on, the Pariah Circus mixed flames with a little bit of pain and food play (custard and marshmallows being two of the things used).  The male part of the act also had food stapled to him, with some of the crowd wincing and all of it enjoyed.

In the Dungeon, the shibari expert showed his techniques to other people, including a very happy reviewer.  The technique is restrictive but not painful, and incites a sense of euphoria. In here however, it’s consensual play as the order of the day, to protect everyone within. 

The Hellfire room was again taken by DJ’s with music ranging from punk and the obscure to more mainstream metal, as the EMB room had been moved downstairs.

Walking around gave a sense of belonging for many of those there, who were able to party in a safe place without the risk of being ostracised by others for their diverse tastes.  And this was reflected in all the rooms, where a mix of happy people drank and chatted to new and old AC attendants.

Heading back to the Theatre of Sin led into Sophia Landi’s firebreathing act, which amazed and amused the crowd before Joe Black burst on with his own form of musical entertainment.  Even the prior acts took the time to watch everyone else enjoying those who came after them, except this time they were clothed and not writhing on the stage.

All in all, a good night was had by all.  Even though we left relatively early compared to others, the night was young at this sold-out event for the revellers ready to paint the city alternative.

Review by: Kerry H

All content copyright of The Mayfair Mall Zine unless otherwise stated.