Clubs

Jennifer and Mike Gabel make people dance on tables, act silly, sing songs, wear costumes and hug strangers. They do dance routines, write songs, perform puppet shows, organise cooking competitions, give away prizes and build gigantic props. Since the two Canadians moved to London, met and married five years ago they’ve become a creative force in adventurous nights and they just can’t stop.

From the now-legendary Hot Breath Karaoke (all the ridiculous songs you really want to sing, everyone going mental and practically crying
with happiness – and that’s just a Tuesday night) to the hugely popular ‘husband-wife spandex dance phenomenon’ Duotard, to the high-concept parties they host at their studio in Dalston (the most recent Annual Chilli Cook-Off bash was a joyous 16-hours long), there is a lot of love for the pair who like to go the extra mile to give people ‘an experience’.
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So when the Bethnal Green Working Men’s people approached them about a bi-monthly themed night, the inaugural concept seemed obvious (to them, at least): paying tribute to ‘the UK’s greatest cultural asset – the Argos catalogue’.

‘Argos is so accessible – everyone has a catalogue under their bed,’ enthuses Mike, who is casually wearing a real microphone as a giant pendant. ‘It sells the weirdest things – it’s shopping, but it’s bizarre.’

‘We like the chaos and the madness in the stores,’ puts in Jen, an art-school Doris Day with dollygirl hair. ‘At the end of the day it’s like a warzone.’

This new night will recreate the Argos experience, with all the usual Hot Breath dancing, frivolity and special touches in abundance. ‘We’ve made our own version of the catalogues full of songs you choose from to dance to,’ says Mike excitably. ‘You fill out a slip, and bring it to the Elizabeth Dukebox.’ Other music comes in the form of performances by the ‘smooth and sexy’ R&B act Stokchek and ravey girl duo Cubic Zirconia, while the Art-Gos corner will feature artists Paul Abbott and Mark Pawson who ‘will help you make art out of the catalogue’.

The high point of the night promises to be the gameshow they’re calling ‘Catalogue of Dreamz’ with Argos merchandise as the prizes. ‘I’ve done extensive research on the book,’ deadpans Mike (but he is actually serious). ‘So we’re quizzing the audience on the various… fringe elements of the catalogue.’

Funnily enough, the couple admit to getting a bit ‘obsessed’ with themes. ‘The ideas just keep coming,’ muses Mike ‘For me it’s all about the tiny things that only your weirdo friends might notice – and topping the last one.’

Quite. And there’s no stopping them now. Future Hot Breath themes include a Eurovision and a Dance Party special, while the BGWMC nights will just get more and more mental. ‘One thing I’m planning for the summer is a disco cycle ride. I’ve built my own rolling pirate radio station – I’ve assembled it into a Tellytubbies skate with an antennae and the idea is everyone brings an FM radio attached to their bike.’ Mike rants. Jennifer laughs. ‘What I love about what we do is that everyone just wants to join in. Doing it makes everyone happy, including us – you even forget how retarded you look.’

Collection Point A is this Friday at Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club .