Mayor appoints cabaret pioneer

Comedian and broadcaster Amy Lamé has been announced as London's first 'night czar'.

Appointed by Mayor Sadiq Khan, her role will be to act as an ambassador for the city after dark.

The American-born performer co-founded alternative cabaret and club night Duckie at legendary gay haunt The Royal Vauxhall Tavern, and has performed three solo-shows, the latest being Amy Lamé's Mama Cass Family Singers which launched at the 2006 Edinburgh Fringe.

Between 2010 and 2011 she was Mayoress of Camden, promoting the borough's live music venues and nightclubs, but may be best known as Danny Baker's co-host for a decade on BBC London 94.9.

Her first move as as Night Czar, will be to launch a series of monthly 'night surgeries', speaking directly to businesses, night-time workers, members of the public and residents to get an understanding of Londoners' views of the night-time economy.

Recent research shows that the night time entertainment contributes £26.3billion to London's economy.

Lamé said: 'It's a privilege to be London's very first Night Czar. I can't wait to hit the streets and have loads of ideas of what I can do. For too long, the capital's night-time industry has been under pressure - music venues and nightclubs in particular are closing at an alarming rate.

'With the advent of the Night Tube, and the Mayor's commitment to protect iconic venues across the city, I'm confident that I can inspire a positive change in the way people think about the night time economy. I look forward to bringing together local authorities, the police, Transport for London and many other people from across the night time industries to transform London into a truly 24-hour city.'

Khan added: 'The recent closure of the world-famous nightclub Fabric and the threats facing other venues across the capital show why Amy will be a much-needed ambassador for the city after dark.

'Amy is a fantastic hire who will give a big boost to our city's flourishing nightlife which already attracts millions of visitors each year. Her proven track-record of helping save venues, her first-hand experience of the industry over the last two decades as well as her love for London and its nightlife are what make her such a great candidate for the role. She is in an ideal position to work together with venues, authorities, developers and revellers enjoying a night out to solve difficult issues and get new and creative projects going.'

Published: 4 Nov 2016