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POLLY FILLA

As they say in the business, when one door closes, another one opens, although in Melbourne’s case, it was around the other way!

The all-new GH had its official opening a few weekends ago and punters flocked to see the multi-million dollar renovations — and that was just on the showgirls’ faces!

Condragulations to the GH team — the venue looks fantastic! The shows have been taken to a whole new level — literally — with the addition of a mezzanine floor, higher roof and massive LED screen. Pop in and catch Boylesque on Friday night and the Classics on Saturday night.

Only a week later, the Market sadly closed its doors after 14 years with a huge final weekend starting on Friday with the last Drag Addicts show featuring Rita, Sensation, Destiny and Miss Candee, followed by The End farewell party on Saturday night (which had a queue so long it stretched around the corner and into Porter St — wink wink!).

I caught the live performance by Alison Limerick performing the Market anthem Where Love Lives, before taking in the finale extravaganza directed by Zowie Knox featuring almost everyone who’s ever performed on the Market stage, boys and ‘girls’ alike, to a rousing and very apt rendition of the Pet Shop Boys’ Somewhere (There’s a Place For Us).

I’ve spent many a memorable night at the Market — usually ending up face down on the dancefloor after too many orange vodka Cruisers. (And this was well before lying face down became an internet sensation!) I’m sure I’m not the only one who will miss the place.

STOP PRESS: The iconic Market Hotel mirrorball is for sale on eBay, I hear — soon to be snatched up as the ultimate souvenir from one of Melbourne’s longest-standing institutions.

And yes, the rumours are true — Bumpa and I have decided to move on and have resigned from Saturdays at the Commercial Hotel in Yarraville, leaving it in the capable hands of Spanky and Venus. Join us at our farewell show this Saturday, three shows from 10pm.

That’s all from me. Until next time, my lips are sealed (but legs are wide open!).