An immersive theatrical cabaret experience where audiences are immersed into a version of Joannas nightclub. Inspired by 80’s London club culture and regional pub culture. It’s a Joannas nightclub/Cabaret club hybrid with roaming performance, movable set pieces, live DJ and available bar.

An immersive theatrical cabaret experience where audiences are immersed into a version of Joannas nightclub. Inspired by 80’s London club culture and regional pub culture. It’s a Joannas nightclub/Cabaret club hybrid with roaming performance, movable set pieces, live DJ and available bar.

From August 2023-December 2023, we’ve delved into the history of nightlife in Portsmouth, focusing on the iconic Joannas club. As 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of Joannas’ closure, we commemorate a vibrant era of creative expression, political activism, and community building.

The past two decades have brought significant economic and cultural changes, making these experiences valuable pieces of our heritage. Our project begins with a fragmented view of Portsmouth, highlighting the cultural disconnect and loss of communal spaces like clubs, replaced by inaccessible high-rise buildings.

Despite this, we’re witnessing a surge in cultural diversity, driven by a growing student population, political changes, and increased cultural capital. This creates a safer space for new voices to emerge.

Through our work, we aim to unite fragmented communities by exploring shared experiences of nightlife. We challenge traditional notions of heritage, looking beyond statues and museums to uncover Portsmouth’s underground identity.

Joannas serves as a central symbol in our project. We’ve conducted workshops and interviews with 80s and 90s clubbers, capturing their stories—the good, the bad, and the ugly. These narratives form the backbone of our show, as we strive to honestly and respectfully reimagine and retell this vital part of Portsmouth’s heritage.