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Abstract

It was the hip Clerkenwell hangout that hosted the likes of David Bowie, Ken Russell, “Mad” Frankie Fraser – and a parrot called Jesus.

The Egyptian-themed club, deep among the old warehouses by the rail tracks, was home to artists, literary festivals and more than a few wild parties.

Hidden behind a blue door, the deceptively large venue, complete with jacuzzis, a sauna and a theatre, took its Tardis Studios name from Doctor Who’s time-travelling machine.

The club, an arts-based charity which launched in 1994, kickstarted the regeneration of Clerken­well into the trendy area it is today, but was a victim of its own success as the building was knocked down to make way for the expansion of Farringdon station in 2005.

Now, a dark comedy by Islington-based writer Ruaraidh Murray tells the story of one night inside the Tardis and the men behind it, George Feltham Parish and Nick Reynolds. Murray used to work behind the bar and as a bouncer.

The Club – billed as Phoenix Nights meets The Sopranos – is a two-man show which previews at the Park Theatre, in Finsbury Park, today (Friday) and tomorrow. In it, the Tardis is having the party of the year to pay a huge rent demand but George also owes money to a feared gangster.

As co-director of the Tardis Nick Reynolds remembers, its association with some of London’s most infamous ex-‘chaps’ gave it a certain edge that wasn’t bad for business.

Notorious Great Train Robber Bruce Reynolds, Nick’s father, was down four nights a week and brought along his many acquaintances, including Howard “Mr Nice” Marks.

As the Tardis’s name grew, it attracted Keith Allen, Anna Friel, Will Self and even Dustin Hoffman and John Malkovich. Johnny Depp was banned after he failed to turn up at the club even though they had imported absinthe especially for him. David Bowie hired a window to display upcoming artists and The Guardian newspaper held regular parties.

“At the time it was like living in a party hotel,” Nick, 54, said. “It was a struggle staying sober till midday. After 12 years I was quite relieved when it was over but I do miss it. It was a place where the celebrities could let their hair down without worrying about the press.”

The Tardis also provided a home to charity Miscarriages of Justice, founded by human rights campaigner John McManus and Birmingham Six victim Paddy Hill.

The play centres on the relationship between Nick and George, dubbed by friends as Hinge and Bracket after the comedy drag act.

They first met when Nick was living on a houseboat with Richard Branson’s niece in Little Venice. “We were regulars at the same pub. The first time he saw me he thought I was an idiot, I was running across the bar naked,” he recalled.

A close bond formed later, however, when Nick, a former Navy diver who went on to make death masks of London’s ex-gangsters, wanted some studio space at the Tardis.

“We were the in-house entertainment,” said Nick, who lives in Archway and plays harmonica for Alabama 3. “We were constantly at each other’s throats in a comical way. I’d say George was a bit of a Del Boy.

“I’m going to see the show, but I’m not sure what to expect. I think it’s about 80 per cent true with 20 per cent for comedic effect. It’ll be nice to relive it again.”