A local woman’s daytime cabaret at the Elephant and Castle Pub has proved so successful in helping older people get out and about that it is now expanding to two days a month.
Diane Horan Hill is a 64-year-old, lifelong Elephant and Castle resident with a passion for singing, dancing, and bringing people together.
With tickets just £10 per person, it covers venue hire and entertainment, featuring Diane herself alongside numerous West End singers.
Struck by the decline of community in Elephant and Castle, particularly for those over 50, Diane started the monthly meet up styled as a cabaret evening but starting at 2pm.
She is now launching a second day each month on the first and third Monday, due to the “incredible popularity” of the club.
She said: “The Over 50s Monday Afternoon Club has grown beyond all my expectations, giving so many active, vibrant people something to look forward to each month.
“I simply couldn’t let it go, seeing the smiles and hearing the kind words from so many who attend shows just how much these afternoons mean to them.”
The oldest attendee is 93-year-old Reg, and the cabaret club is open to anyone over 50. More men are joining in and Diane says “everyone leaves smiling, happy, and already looking forward to the next event.”
The early start time and central location on the main roundabout were chosen to suit those who prefer not to stay out late and want to avoid back streets.
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Diane believes that older people are often forgotten about and may lack confidence, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic and with the rise of working from home during the week.
She said: “People of my age group don’t want to sit around playing bingo and drinking cups of tea, some of us still want to dress up and have fun.”
The performers aim to get the audience singing and dancing along and the intimate venue lends itself well to meeting new people, which you don’t get in a community hall. The pub is located directly opposite the tube station and the 6pm finish means people can be home in time for dinner.
Diane has been organising singing-based events around Elephant and Castle on and off for around 28 years, alongside bringing up a family. Whilst raising her two children, she couldn’t afford to go out and cover childcare costs, so decided to bring the outside to the now demolished Heygate Council Estate hall.
Inspired by the film The Full Monty (1997), which follows a group of an unlikely dance troupe of male dancers thrown together after unemployment, Diane thought: “If they can do that up North, why not here in South London?”
Date: First and third Monday of each month
Location: Cabaret Basement Bar, Elephant & Castle Pub, 119 Newington Causeway, SE1 6BN
Time: 2pm – 6pm
Price: £10 per ticket
Book: Call or text Diane on 07977 294957
She will also be launching a third day every month in Tooting Broadway, starting from 30 March.
Date: Last Monday of each month
Location: The Antelope Pub Cabaret Bar, 76 Mitcham Road, London, SW17 9NG
Time: 2pm – 6pm
Price: £10 per ticket
Book: Call or text Diane on 07977 294957
