The Venue redux

[Guest RichLB]

I have long been a supporter of the Venue, but in light of the positive reviews I have given to the place amonst my friends, I feel obligated to share my reactions to tonight's visit. What a change from previous experiences where I we were treated to a lively show with dancing guys choreographed artfully, well costumed Katoeys, professional lighting and an enthusiastic MC.

 

This evenings show began with a handsome Thai guy singing a romantic ballad - no coyote dancers, no lighting, and no back up singers. This was followed by a hefty farang cross dresser huffing around the stage and mis-timing her lip synching. I remained patient expecting improvement. The next act was another aging cross dresser from Spain (although if the announcer hadn't explained that, there was nothing in her "performance" to indicate that). Again, only a solo performer. Next act, a waiter from the Venue - admittedly quite handsome and a good singer - but again he just sang solo there and a slow romantic ballad. The final act was a slight of hand magic show. I suppose this would have been entertaining, but the tricks (card tossing, and a bird jumping from a bandana) were difficult to see.

 

Then the conclusion of the show angered me enough to write this review. The captive audience was treated to a 10 minute heart wrenching video imploring us to help street kids of Pattaya. Admittedly a very worthy cause; but I, for one, did not go to the Venue to be depressed by the plight of the disadvantaged and emotionally extorted. I give enough charitable contributions (including to the Pattaya Street Kids) to object to such an inappropriate and embarrassing trick by the management. Sometimes the ends does not justify the means.

[Gaybutton]

The captive audience was treated to a 10 minute heart wrenching video imploring us to help street kids of Pattaya.

I fully agree with you. If I had been there it would have been the last time I would ever be there. I'm sorry, but I think you're right. Worthy cause or not, if I had gone, my reason for going would have been to spend my money having an enjoyable time. An evening of second and third rate acts is bad enough, but subjecting the audience to a plea for their favorite charitable cause was totally inappropriate. If there had simply been a quick announcement that the Venue supports this particular charity and donations would be appreciated, then I probably would have given some money. But if I had been surprised in the manner you describe, then you can bet I would have made Scrooge look like a spendthrift. In my opinion, that was a terribly rude thing to do to the audience and was very poor judgment on the part of the management.

 

In that situation I would have immediately called a waiter over to pay my bill and would have been gone, never to return. If I couldn't get a waiter's attention, I would have gone to the cashier myself. I don't go to bars to end up being part of a captive audience and I'll decide for myself which charities I wish to donate to, thank you very much.

 

Did you happen to notice whether other audience members shared your opinion?

 

"The world is filled with worthy causes."

- Bette Davis, 'The Whales of August'

[Guest Oogleman]

5 people i know were there last night and said they had a great time, they reported that there was a long queue to donate in the box with a substantial amount being raised.

 

The charity appeal was not part of the show and anyone can pay their bin at anytime and leave. The venue have done this appeal about 4 times but didn`t have set nights so couldn`t announce it in advance. It was a last minute decision to do it last night as the charity appeal closes shortly. ( the appeal GB kindly got gunked for)

 

How do i know this? Because they offered to help the ting tong charity appeal and will be attending the event next week to present the cash to the charity representatives.

 

I believe they don`t always have sunday shows and this was something new they were trying out so cant comment on the quality of the show.

 

That was their last effort on behalf of the appeal and i thinks it says a lot about the type of people they are. They read about the charity on the forum and offered to help Nobody had to ask them. Im very glad they did and thanks to them a lot of kids will have a very happy and safe 2010.

[Guest Astrrro]

New York City had a program to send back the homeless to their original states by paying for a bus ticket.

 

Perhaps SPI should do the same for the Sunee street kids.

 

Twice now the evil little motherfucker has spit or thrown something at me.

Hire an off duty cop like they do at inner city McDonalds.

 

Not a big deal right now, but they will push the boundaries as far as possible. Should have stopped Hitler at Munich.

[Gaybutton]

They read about the charity on the forum and offered to help Nobody had to ask them. Im very glad they did and thanks to them a lot of kids will have a very happy and safe 2010.

I certainly have no objection to them offering to help and it was kind of them to make the offer, but there is a right way and a wrong way to do it. When you run your charity events, Oogleman, you make plenty of announcements well in advance and people who come know they are going to be solicited for donations. Obviously RichLB did not know and resented being surprised by it and subjected to it. I would have felt the same way.

 

I should also be obvious that I support this charity too. Otherwise I never would have subjected myself to "the gunking." Again, I knew in advance what I was in for and so did everyone else who attended and participated. But if I walked into a bar show at which I had no idea I was going to be solicited and if there was no prior announcement or nothing to indicate there would be a solicitation, whether it was part of the show or not, I would have donated nothing.

 

To my mind, if it was done as RichLB described, that's a high pressure tactic and an abuse of the customers. There's no way I would put up with going to a bar at which there is an attempt to high pressure me into anything. I wouldn't stand for it and I would never return.

 

Unless RichLB and I are the only ones who feel this way, then perhaps The Venue would be wise to reconsider their methods unless they like the idea of losing customers.

[Guest RichLB]

I was asked above if other customers objected to the video presentation. I really don't know but the the response seemed to me to be one of somber silence with scattered applause at the end of the showing. Oogleman's friends told him there was a gueue of people coming up to the stage to donate. There were some, but I sure didn't see any mob as I was trying to get a waiter to come to the table to collect our bill. I was also asked why I didn't just pay my bill and leave. I wanted to, but the place was packed and darkened to make the video viewing possible. In truth, we were trapped and left with no option but to sit and listen to an emotional appeal, heavy with pathos, for what seemed forever (it was only 10 minutes). The result was what was intended to be a fun evening was turned into a muted and sad one.

 

I'd suggest that the next time the Venue wishes to promote a cause, the audience be informed before entering. I'd also suggest that they let customers know that their regular show (if they still have one) will not be presented and that the "show" is a makeshift effort without what the Venue has become known for. Admittedly, I'm not a fan of drag shows, but always felt the Venue offered more than just that. I certainly didn't go there to watch personal friends of the owner prance around in ill fitting dresses and mouth show tunes; much less leave feeling cheated and used.

 

The truth is I like (liked?) the Venue. It added a classy element to Jomtien Complex and made our area (I live there) a fun destnation for those seeking an alternative to Boyztown and Sunee. If what they inflicted on their audience last night is any indication of what is to come, I fear that will change. I will not be going back and will certainly never bring any out of town guests there again.

[Gaybutton]

I'm not a fan of drag shows

Neither am I. Getting off the thread subject for a moment, if there is a bar show anywhere in this city that doesn't include drag and doesn't include lip sync, I'd like to know where. That might be a show I would enjoy. As far as I can tell, every bar show in Pattaya is essentially the same. Don't any of the bars believe in employing a singer who actually sings? Can't any of the bars come up with a show that leaves out the drag queens, the lip syncing, and the lady-boys with breast implants?

 

That's why I never go to bar shows or always leave if a show is about to start. People tell me I must go to see this show or that show. It's fun! It's wonderful! Yeah? Bullshit! That's precisely what I hate. So, I don't go. Am I the only one who feels this way?

[Bob]

Yes, I'd have been unhappy too. And I'd have vented too (although I might have done it in other ways). But I can't see how that one hour time period (or whatever it was) would have changed me from being a "long-time fan" to the "I'll never go there again" mode. That's your right, of course, but seems to be a bit of an unfair/draconian over-reaction to me.

 

[in case you're wondering, I don't know anybody associated with the Venue (it wasn't even open that last time I visited the Pattaya area)].

[Guest fountainhall]

A charity VDO presentation after a show would also have had me walking right out. Whilst I'm sure it was done with the best of intentions and a lack of understanding of its possible negative effect on the audience, a flyer on each table with a description of the charity and a request for contributions could have had the same financial result. Heck, it might well have resulted in my popping cash into the box.

[Guest luvthai]

Every place in pattaya seems to be the same in that one night it will be just so-so and other nights they will be a lot of fun. When the video started anyone not liking it can get up and leave. The kids are the real priority here and being able to give them just one day of happiness should appeal to all. It has been well publizied that the Venue was helping to collect donations so it is not a huge leap to think they would in some way present a program. The charity appeals have been overdone this year but times are so bad for most that one should be more sensitive to helping others less fortunate.

Maybe a good resolutuion for the new year would be to be more aware of who is around you and be a little more tolerant of those trying to make a difference.

[Gaybutton]

It has been well publizied that the Venue was helping to collect donations so it is not a huge leap to think they would in some way present a program.

I disagree. I haven't seen anything from The Venue stating they are collecting donations, but even if I had, my assumption would have been that they have a collection box somewhere on the premises. I think it is a huge leap to think they would present a program. In the entire history of Pattaya, I have never heard of any bar doing any such thing. What on earth would have caused anyone to suddenly expect a presentation, especially with no forewarning about it?

 

I think all of us are sensitive to those less fortunate, but I don't think anyone is out of line to expect sensitivity from the venues soliciting to those making the donations. If I had gone to The Venue that night, I would have been there to have an enjoyable time. I wouldn't have been there to unexpectedly be subjected to their solicitation video.

 

In all honesty, I think this has backfired on them. They may have been well intentioned, but I think the end result will be fewer people donating to this particular charity. If I had been there I would have been mad as hell.

[Guest RichLB]

Bob, while it is doubtful I will return to the Venue anytime soon, i don't think I made that claim - at least I didn't mean to and tried to indicate that if this is to be the practice of that bar, then I will not be back.

 

Luvthai, I am curious where you saw these announcements that the Venue would not be presenting their regular show and that the evening was dedicated to a charity drive. I read the message boards and have never seen that. There was also no indication outside the bar that there would be no regular show and that there would be a charitable appeal. Where did you see these notices?

 

If the Venue wishes to convert itself to a showcase for the owner and his friends, that is their right. If it wishes to become a center for those of us who want to "do good", I'm all for it. What I object to is the exploitation of the gay community to promote the owner's private causes. Most of us give considerable sums to those less fortunate, but we do it privately and do not use our generosity in a grandiose display of charity. I just hope the owners of the club are not so blinded by their egos and the worth of their cause to not recognize a legitimate complaint (in my view) and their insensitivity to their customers.

[Bob]

Bob, while it is doubtful I will return to the Venue anytime soon, i don't think I made that claim - at least I didn't mean to and tried to indicate that if this is to be the practice of that bar, then I will not be back.

 

No problem but that's how I read your comments. I can't blame you for being a bit pissed - and, yes, I think it was the responsibility of the Venue to make sure customers entering the door that night knew what they were walking into. I like charitable deals and have participated before - but it's only fair I get to decide that after being properly informed. A poster on the door would have been adequate.

[Guest Oogleman]

For the benefit of those who didn`t attend any of the Venue/PSKSP collections.

 

The collection box is left on the stage after the presentation and people go and put money in it if they so wish. Nobody comes round asking for money at the tables and no box is passed around.

[Bob]

The collection box is left on the stage after the presentation and people go and put money in it if they so wish. Nobody comes round asking for money at the tables and no box is passed around.

 

A bit irrelevant to the complaint, Oogie. I know you're close to the Venue people - and justifiably so - but the basic complaint here is that a customer walks into see the standard show there and, instead, sees less than he was expecting (based on past experience) and then feels compelled to sit through a video solicitation. Nothing wrong with any of that in itself (in fact, rather admirable in general) but not very appropriate to do that without letting the people walking in the door know what is about to happen. Again, a simple sign on the door would have solved all concerns. It would have taken me all of 2 minutes to write one such as:

 

Dear Customers:

Tonight we are not having our regular show but, instead, we're having a shortened version and a video presentation to help solicit funds for __________________. While we welcome your donations for this worthwhile cause, please be aware that your participation is totally voluntary.

 

There, Oogie....took me only 40 seconds.

[Guest Oogleman]

No disagreement here bob. Just clarification.

 

Sunday night is not a show night normally - its the dancers day off.

 

There was a sign outside telling customers what was happening artiste wise on the night,

 

On TT we have posted about collections in advance - the first one and the new years eve one. We just didn`t know about this one or of course would have announced it.

 

They just wanted to help a bit more as the appeal closes in a few days. They got over 20,000 in the box so not everyone was upset.

[Guest gwm4sian]

 

I'd suggest that the next time the Venue wishes to promote a cause, the audience be informed before entering. I'd also suggest that they let customers know that their regular show (if they still have one) will not be presented and that the "show" is a makeshift effort without what the Venue has become known for. Admittedly, I'm not a fan of drag shows, but always felt the Venue offered more than just that. I certainly didn't go there to watch personal friends of the owner prance around in ill fitting dresses and mouth show tunes; much less leave feeling cheated and used.

 

 

The Venue have never made any secret that Sunday (and last night was Sunday) is a different programme. I can do no better than quote from their own website.....

Mon/Saturday our full production show with 3 gorgeous ladyboys and 12 handsome young male dancers is at 10pm.Arrive early for a good seat.3 shows nightly.

On sundays we have a complete change of show with Khun Taen the vocalist and a guest star each week,also our wonderful circus balancing/magic act.

[Guest RichLB]

As for the rest, RichLB should be praised for being so open and up front about his emotions. That they share more with Scrooge than do many others is not his fault, and he should not be blamed.

I have to confess that made me laugh. However, you do miss the point. I have never objected to collecting funds to aid the disadvantaged and admit to being miffed at your snideness (even though it was sort of funny). If you had bothered to read what has been written, you would have recogngized it was the deception that angered me. I just don't see how misleading customers is justified by collecting funds for a good cause. If there was any sign outside the bar I did not see it nor did my friends who accompanied me. I was led to believe we were in for another fun evening at the Venue and, in truth, I was cheated. I did not choose to spend money on drinks and time to sit through a self promoting charity drive. I assume you and Oogleman are friends of the owners of the Venue, but you do not serve them well by distorting my complaint rather than hearing it and making sure such a lapse of taste does not occur again.

[Guest Oogleman]

I assume you and Oogleman are friends of the owners of the Venue, but you do not serve them well by distorting my complaint rather than hearing it and making sure such a lapse of taste does not occur again.

 

I read your complaint and addressed it above. Yes they are our friends but there is no way i can tell them how to run their business. No distortion i can see anywhere.

 

Would you have liked the cabaret show if the appeal wasn`t made after the show had finished?

[Guest Oogleman]

 

Perhaps SPI should do the same for the Sunee street kids.

 

 

Just so theres no confusion. SPI group are not involved with this appeal. Some of their members are supporting us ( friends of memories bar) as did gaybutton and other gaythailand.com folk.

 

Its a Tingtong/MMB/venue/PSKSP effort with lots of support from the other gay thailand forums.

[Guest RichLB]

Would you have liked the cabaret show if the appeal wasn`t made after the show had finished?

 

In all honesty, no I wouldn't have. I am not a fan of cabaret, but always thought the Venue presented a unique offering with fantastic costumes, well choreographed routines, and handsome guys to compliment the "girls". The show that was presented was two aging and hefty farang cross dressers, two male Thai singers, and a slight of hand magic act. There were no costumes, no lighting effects, no supporting dancers, and frankly, no magic to the show. I suppose habitues of the Venue might have known that Sunday is normally a dark night, but none of us were aware of that. Being fed a rank amateur show (in comparison to the Venue's usual productions) followed by that "Jerry Lewis tyle" video appeal was just too much and, in my opinion totally unfair to the customers.

 

As I have said, I like the Venue and wish them as much success as they can generate. But if that show is any indication of what they plan to do again, I fear that once high season ends and only us locals are here, it will become another unfortunate closure. I don't like being blind sided like that and think only the most loyal of friends will excuse them.

[Guest Oogleman]

Fair point RichLB.

 

I do know the venue people read all the forums and like feedback so im sure they will take note of this.

[Gaybutton]

It looks to me like we have the makings of the latest brouhaha going here on this thread. I'd like to address a couple points. First, Oogleman - I don't think RichLB or anyone else who takes his position is finding any fault or placing any blame on you, the charity effort, or the worthiness of the charity itself. I get the impression that you think people are somehow blaming you or misinterpreting your position. You certainly did nothing wrong in any way and I think everyone is aware of that.

 

I agree with RichLB about this issue. I don't think the fact that 20,000 baht was collected has anything to do with the issue. The issue is the means by which the 20,000 baht was solicited. The only reason that I'm coming up with for not letting the audience know about the video in advance would be because they figured people would leave and not view the video. In order to promote this charity I don't see the need for a video in the first place. What was it supposed to accomplish? I think those who donated would have done so if a brief announcement was made. Maybe even more than 20,000 baht would have been collected. We don't know. It wasn't tried.

 

I also think RichLB has a very good point about the nature of the video. Apparently it was quite depressing. Has anyone noticed that the history of charitable events in Pattaya has always been fun, enjoyable activities as the means of solicitation? The PGF dinners, the Quiz Nights at Bondi, Oogleman's parties at Memories, Gunking GB, etc. Is anyone disputing that this particular video did not quite fit the profile?

 

While I think The Venue's heart was in the right place, I also think they exercised poor judgment in their method. I think it was a mistake and I hope they won't repeat that mistake.

[Guest Oogleman]

Oogleman - I don't think RichLB or anyone else who takes his position is finding any fault or placing any blame on you, the charity effort, or the worthiness of the charity itself. I get the impression that you think people are somehow blaming you or misinterpreting your position. You certainly did nothing wrong in any way and I think everyone is aware of that.

 

Oh don`t worry - i didn`t take it that way. Was just trying to explain what happened and why. Im pretty sure the fabulous venue show will be back on again as normal tonight. I cant wait to see the waiters do their bit again - thats my highlight.

 

One thing i do like about the venue is that their is no door to the street. You can enter without everyone looking to see why the doors open as happens in other bars. The smoking table & sofa areas over near the exit so it may be your just going there and nobody pays attention if you walk towards the rear to leave either.

 

I dont like being stared at on entering other showbars and being shown to a seat even though im not shy at all lol.

[Guest TheVenue]

I have long been a supporter of the Venue, but in light of the positive reviews I have given to the place amonst my friends, I feel obligated to share my reactions to tonight's visit. What a change from previous experiences where I we were treated to a lively show with dancing guys choreographed artfully, well costumed Katoeys, professional lighting and an enthusiastic MC.

 

This evenings show began with a handsome Thai guy singing a romantic ballad - no coyote dancers, no lighting, and no back up singers. This was followed by a hefty farang cross dresser huffing around the stage and mis-timing her lip synching. I remained patient expecting improvement. The next act was another aging cross dresser from Spain (although if the announcer hadn't explained that, there was nothing in her "performance" to indicate that). Again, only a solo performer. Next act, a waiter from the Venue - admittedly quite handsome and a good singer - but again he just sang solo there and a slow romantic ballad. The final act was a slight of hand magic show. I suppose this would have been entertaining, but the tricks (card tossing, and a bird jumping from a bandana) were difficult to see.

 

Then the conclusion of the show angered me enough to write this review. The captive audience was treated to a 10 minute heart wrenching video imploring us to help street kids of Pattaya. Admittedly a very worthy cause; but I, for one, did not go to the Venue to be depressed by the plight of the disadvantaged and emotionally extorted. I give enough charitable contributions (including to the Pattaya Street Kids) to object to such an inappropriate and embarrassing trick by the management. Sometimes the ends does not justify the means.

 

Did you miss the Message Over Jomtien !!!

 

 

Seriously.. Just as there is no Entry Fee for "The Venue"..There is also no Exit Charge you are free to leave anytime you feel that any show or part is not to your liking. Sorry you were not aware that the Regular Performers have Sunday Night Off, its been like that 9 Months since the Opening. Not withstanding that, we are making arrangement for this information to also be included on The Cabaret Page of our Web-Site.