End of an era: Basil Newby sells Funny Girls

The biggest scene news of the year: Funny Girls has a new owner. Founder Basil Newby has retired and sold the Dickson Road drag cabaret to Kane Oliver, who comes from a theatre background and runs bars and venues across the UK. The venue had been marketed at £3.5 million by Christie & Co.

Newby calls it the end of an era after a fantastic run. His story on the scene goes back to 1979, when he transformed the Flamingo club. Funny Girls itself opened in 1994 on Queen Street before moving into the former Odeon on Dickson Road, a Grade II listed art deco cinema that first opened in May 1939.

What changes, and what doesn't

The new team say they want to keep everything that made Funny Girls famous, but with a more modern take. The plans include:

• a bigger stage and a new runway to bring performers closer to the audience
• a more hi-tech show for people new to drag
• improvements to the restaurant and the rest of the building

Jack Bland is the new general manager, and the team are clear they see Funny Girls as one of the very best drag venues anywhere. Fan favourite Miss Scarlett is also back on stage for the first time in six years.