Batley Variety Club

Batley Variety Club, nestled in the heart of Batley, West Yorkshire, is a legendary venue that once echoed with the voices of some of the world's most iconic performers. This illustrious club, often referred to as the Las Vegas of the North, was a beacon of entertainment from its inception in 1967 until its closure in 1978. It later reopened as the Frontier Club before transforming into a gym in 2017. Yet, the memories and the magic of Batley Variety Club continue to linger in the hearts of those who experienced its golden era.

The Birth of an Icon

The story of Batley Variety Club begins with the vision of James and Betty Corrigan. In early 1967, they embarked on an ambitious project to build a variety club on a disused sewage site on Bradford Road in Batley. Despite a minor setback when the building was found to be six inches too close to the road, the club opened its doors on 27 March 1967, with The Bachelors headlining the opening night.

The Corrigans drew inspiration from the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas, designing the club with a unique layout. The ground floor was excavated so that patrons would walk down to their tables, arranged in tiers forming a horseshoe around the stage. This design ensured unobstructed views for the audience and created an intimate atmosphere. The club could seat 1,750 people, with additional standing room, and featured two long bars running down either side. To avoid disturbing the performers, food was served in baskets with plastic cutlery.

A Stage for Legends

Batley Variety Club quickly earned its reputation as a premier entertainment venue, attracting top-tier acts from both the UK and the USA. The club's booking agent, Bernard Hinchcliffe, and James Corrigan's relentless efforts brought in stars like Louis Armstrong, Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Roy Orbison, Eartha Kitt, Morecambe and Wise, Gene Pitney, Neil Sedaka, Ken Dodd, and Helen Shapiro.

One of the most notable bookings was Louis Armstrong, secured for £27,000. This figure, revealed by Corrigan to the press, inadvertently led other agents to believe that the club had deep pockets, complicating future negotiations. Despite this, the club continued to host a stellar lineup of performers, with Shirley Bassey being a particularly frequent and beloved guest.

The format of the evenings typically included a speciality support act, followed by the headline performer, all held together by the regular compère, Jerry Brooke. Headline artists were often booked for week-long runs, with some, like Shirley Bassey, performing for up to three weeks.

Memorable Moments and Cultural Impact

Batley Variety Club was more than just a venue; it was a cultural phenomenon that left an indelible mark on the local community. The club boosted the local economy, benefiting nearby restaurants, flower shops, clothing stores, and taxi firms. Many performers stayed at the Corrigans' home, Oaks Cottage, where they often enjoyed the hospitality of their hosts. Dame Vera Lynn and Eartha Kitt even cooked for the Corrigans during their stays.

One of the most charming anecdotes involves Shirley Bassey, who, expecting a fancy dinner, was driven to a fish and chip shop in the back of James Corrigan's Rolls-Royce. These personal touches and the close-knit atmosphere contributed to the club's unique charm.

Roy Orbison's album, Live From Batley Variety Club, recorded on 9 May 1969, remains a testament to the club's significance in the music world. BBC Radio also recorded performances, including Gracie Fields' first week, which was broadcast in January 1969.

The Curtain Falls

Despite its success, Batley Variety Club closed in 1978 following the separation of the Corrigans. It briefly reopened as Crumpets nightclub and later as the Frontier Club in the early 1980s, which remained operational until 2016. The building's transformation into a gym in 2017 marked the end of an era, but the legacy of Batley Variety Club lives on.

In 2017, the book King of Clubs by Maureen Prest, who worked in PR for the club, recounted the history of Batley Variety Club and the life of James Corrigan. The book serves as a tribute to the club's remarkable journey and its contribution to the entertainment landscape.

Today, while the physical structure may no longer host the glittering performances of yesteryears, the spirit of Batley Variety Club endures. It remains a cherished chapter in the annals of British entertainment history, a place where dreams were made, and legends were born. For those who seek to relive the magic or learn about this iconic venue, the story of Batley Variety Club is a testament to the golden age of variety entertainment in Great Britain.