Out in the City Issue 16 April 08

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When Area launched in 2006 it was hailed as an innovative
space that would change the way we partied. Despite the
lack of funds to complete the refurbishment in time for
its opening, and the fact that it did always seem to be a ‘work in
progress’, some of the concepts were truly groundbreaking. There was
Toybox, with its quirkily superb mix of performance art and clubbing,
Evolve with its big name circuit DJs and big international brands like
Matinée that wanted a London venue. Sadly, after 18 months, the
numbers started to dwindle. That’s when All Things Orange (owners of
Fire) stepped up to have a go. Under their management, Area
re-opened in March to the blowing of many bells and
whistles, and we have to say, we too were blown
away by the changes. The main room is now
adorned with a mega pixel lightbox-style
ceiling and some 50 lasers that give the eff ect
of green rain.
DJ boxes have been moved, toilets upgraded
and the chill out bar converted into an
80’s Limelight religious-styled auditorium
complete with stained-glass window. The
.
C
O
M
launch night party was awash with muscle
L
A
ND
boys and drag queens all eager to see the
UB
changes, and with stage performances from
O
NCL
break-dancers, acrobats and just plain bizarre L
O
ND
performers, it truly was a spectacle. The DJ
N/
SO
roster contains many of the Vauxhall names we
have come to love, but for us the highlight was
I
S
JEP
the awesome funky house set from Steve Pitron
who consistently sets the fl oor alight with his choice
B
Y
CHR
of tracks and remixes that lead revellers on an aural
APHS
journey the likes of which you’ll never see in a travel T
O
G
R
brochure. What the future holds for Area and Depot PHO
(formerly Crash) is anyone’s guess, but one thing’s for
certain; the Orange team sure know how to design a
S
AND
venue and throw one hell of a party!
O
R
D
W
"'
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