Video transcript
The 1960s was the heyday of club land in Britain. Star names, cocktails and the
promise of excitement was very much the allure. Newcastle had 11 nightclubs in the
late 1960's. Names like The Cavendish, La Dolce Vita, Club 69, The Emerson and
Flamingo Club should bring back memories for older Geordies. My Mum and Dad
when they were courting went on several dates to the Cavendish so it was special
for them as I am sure it was for others. Club 69 was one of the more up-market of
the establishments, offering such delights as a Chinese restaurant, "Top star"
cabaret, a cocktail bar and high-stake gambling in the form of roulette and Chemin
de Fer. It also promised that curious 60's innovation, Bunny Girls!
Most of these fun palaces were owned by two companies, the oddly named Billy
Botto and the Bailey Organization. Baileys were very much number one. Not so far
mentioned was the Piccadilly Club at 15 Bath Lane. It was successful but would
close in 1968 because of a slight case of murder.
Enter one of the most famous comedian's of the day, Mr Bob Monkhouse. Joining
him was a local would-be-entrepreneur Ron Markham. Markham had a sideline as a
stage hypnotist, Romark. Some would doubt his talents but as Monkhouse was to
find out where Markham was concerned it was best not to underestimate him.
Markham had an idea for a new three-floor club, Change Is. Monkhouse, much to
the despair of his wife, would fund the very heavy bills from his TV earnings and
Markham...well, he would front the club. Various well known names went on to play
the club, Max Wall, Alan Price and Monkhouse himself among them. My Dad can
remember seeing Monkhouse perform there and thought he was very good too.
Sadly Change Is did not last. Markham, it seems was a magician as well as a
hypnotist. He made thousands of pounds of Monkhouse's cash disappear, only to
reappear in Markham's bank account. How had he done it? Monkhouse believed he
might have been hypnotized, whilst he was giving up smoking and Markham offered
to use his hypnotic skills to help. Maybe....maybe.
Club land was on its last legs by the end of the 1970s and by the mid 80s would be
dead as a dodo so I never got to experience it. I’m quite sad about that but ce la vie.
Great detail in this. How did you find all this stuff out?Posted on 18/03/2010 at 11:52:56
I was intrigued to hear you speak on Clubland. It was informative, well researched and a fascinating listen. Well done! K.ParrishPosted on 08/04/2010 at 10:07:09
The Cavendish and la Dolce Vita were terrific clubs. I have just been reading some of my old notes from 1966, in the same I week I saw Sandy Shaw at the LDV and the Hollies at the Cavendish. Another favourite that I remember seeing at the LDV were the Bonzo Dof Do Da Band. Oh happy days. Malcolm PreecePosted on 30/12/2010 at 07:42:00
The Cavendish and la Dolce Vita were terrific clubs. I have just been reading some of my old notes from 1966, in the same I week I saw Sandy Shaw at the LDV and the Hollies at the Cavendish. Another favourite that I remember seeing at the LDV were the Bonzo Dof Do Da Band. Oh happy days. Malcolm PreecePosted on 30/12/2010 at 07:43:09
I worked for the Markhams family in1966. looking after his two sons David and Mark, I lived with them in Darras Hall nr ponteland. any one know what became of them? Ronald was running a saleroom, with girlfriend Loise .did he not steal moneys from his own mother mrs Goldman. I now live in BC Canada . For past 40yrs. Elsa Laplante.Posted on 02/07/2011 at 05:08:24
Billy Botto's & the 69 Club "Wow" those were the days! Michael Botto was a good friend of mine - the year 1966/67. I remember seeing Dave Berry for the very first time - absolutely fab! He totally captivated his audience with his charisma! Used to live in the North East - now North Yorkshire - will never forget though those "nights" out at Billy Botto's Bunny Club, Byker! Monika Posted on 06/08/2011 at 20:32:25
I remember the clubs well. The Cavendish - packed out 2 floors down to see Bob Monkhouse or Dickie & Dottie (remember them?). Thank god there was never a fire! The 69 club became my favourite. I would watch the cabaret, stay for the midnight stripper then drive home up the West Road to come back again a few hours later to go to work. The Dolce Vita on a Sunday night was good as you saw the following week's cabaret star having a bit of a rehearsal. Adam Faith, Frankie Howerd and a few others come to mind.Posted on 01/10/2011 at 16:21:00
can anyone remember change is being called the cavendish ?Posted on 24/11/2011 at 15:08:47
can anyone remember change is being called the cavendish ?Posted on 24/11/2011 at 15:12:53
how could you miss out the stage door on stowell street its still going and outlived them all from the 60 sPosted on 23/01/2012 at 23:16:59