Gang Bangs, conga lines and the four minute Wizard of Oz: What it was like to work at legendary nightclub Rumours

Novelty pop act Black Lace performing at Rumours nightclub in Blackpool in the 1980s
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Conga lines, the 'four minute Wizard of Oz' and the legendary 'Gang Bang' were all in a night's work for the staff of one iconic Blackpool nightclub.

Now sadly gone but never forgotten, for nearly 30-years Blackpool pub/club Rumours was an iconic part of the seaside town's nightlife. The club first opened on Talbot Road in 1983 and reached the height of its popularity in the 1990s.

Advertisements for bar staff jobs at the venue placed in the press in 1983 asked for people who were "attractive, extrovert and aged between 20 and 30". But to be one of the 'Stars on the bars' at Rumours was about more than just pulling pints and taking money - you had to be part of the entertainment.

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One woman who worked at the club from the start was Abigail Wylie. She applied for a job at Rumours fresh from university aged 18 back in 1983.

Abigail, now 59, told Lancs Live that the idea behind Rumours was to open a 'fun pub' for Blackpool's locals in a town which is predominately a holiday resort. Fun pubs were popular throughout the '80s and '90s, and were the antitheses to a quiet night supping a pint in a traditional boozer.

Instead of wood panelling and cosy snugs, fun pubs would often have decorative themes and employ DJ's and have games as part of the entertainment, while adopting a more of a nightclub type atmosphere. When Rumours first opened, and for many years, a membership was required to gain entry.

Abigail with other members of the bar staff known as 'the stars on the bars'
Abigail with other members of the bar staff known as 'the stars on the bars'

Abigail also remembers there being a strict dress code for punters - no trainers or jeans allowed and members had to be 25 or over. This was quite a contrast to the bar staff.

Abigail said the bar staff - known as the 'stars on the bars - were requested to wear shorts and t-shirts, with the female staff sometimes wearing lingerie or swimwear. They would play tambourines behind the bar or get up and stage to dance and for bar shows.

A member of Rumours bar staff doing skit of the TV dog trainer, Barbara Woodhouse
A member of Rumours bar staff doing skit of the TV dog trainer, Barbara Woodhouse

"I did it all. The four minute Wizard of Oz. That was the film condensed into four minutes - it was hilarious," Abigail said.

"A couple of us onstage swapping outfits, shooting people with water pistols. We'd also get people up on their birthdays and do the legendary 'Gang Bang'."

The tongue and cheek 'Gang Bang' was a song recorded by novelty pop act Black Lace - often accompanied by comically suggestive dance moves - that found fame in the comedy drama Rita, Sue and Bob Too.

Customers enjoyed Rumours 'unique' atmosphere and high energy fun
Customers enjoyed Rumours 'unique' atmosphere and high energy fun

Black Lace, who also performed at Rumours found even more fame in the 1980s with their equally energetic number, Agadoo, which reached number two in the UK charts and was only kept off the number one spot in 1984 by George Michael's Careless Whisper.

Staff member falling from a stool at the bar
Staff member falling from a stool at the bar

Abigail remembers performing the bar shows as "great fun". One of her favourite memories was "doing the conga with all the customers, and going out across the road to the pub opposite and bringing them all back."

Rumours bar staff leading the conga line
Rumours bar staff leading the conga line

Above Rumours was another nightclub owned by the same management called Scandals while below was an old established gay bar known as Lucy's. Despite being a place for people who live in Blackpool as opposed to the town's tourists, Rumours became incredibly popular with Abigail remembering long queues of customers down the road whenever it was time to get their membership cards renewed.

Abigail eventually left Rumours in 1986 to become a licensee running her own pub for Boddington's Brewery. But she remembers her time at the fun pub with with great fondness and the lifelong friends she made there.

Abigail and another member of bar staff dressed up for Halloween
Abigail and another member of bar staff dressed up for Halloween

She says it was the best "simply because of its ambience at the time", adding: "It was the busiest pub around - our Halloween nights were phenomenal. Nearly everyone participated in the fancy dress and some of the outfits were just stunning."

Abigail Wylie still has fantastic memories of her time working as a barmaid in Rumours in Blackpool in the 1980s
Abigail Wylie still has fantastic memories of her time working as a barmaid in Rumours in Blackpool in the 1980s

Having experienced its heyday in the '80s and '90s, Rumours eventually closed its doors in 2014. It was replaced by a new nightclub called Trilogy, which will be holding a Rumours' Reunion Over 30's Day Party on Saturday, October 12.