Saving the Black Cap

Camdeners

Jeffrey Young is joined by Ben Walters and Alex Green from the Black Cap Community Benefit Society. They discuss the Society's mission to restore and re-open The Black Cap, a historic LGBTQ+ venue in the heart of Camden that has been serving LGBTQ+ community and culture since the days when it was illegal to be gay. The history of this iconic LGBTQ+ pub, club, and performance venue stretches back decades if not centuries, and is known around the world. In this episode we learn about why, despite its continued popularity and success, the Cap was closed abruptly in April 2015, after Camden council rejected its then-owners’ plans to develop the site into luxury flats. You can read more about the Black Cap and the #WeAreTheBlackCap campaign.

Alex Green and Ben Walters have been part of the campaign to keep the Black Cap open since 2015. Ben is a writer, researcher, and producer with a focus on queer and DIY culture and community. Alex Green is an award winning entertainer, writer, cabaret star and event producer; hosting and performing at venues across the UK. He is also Director of the company production company #LoudandQueerly, and founder of not-for-profit performing artists support group CabLab Collective.