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I have been part of the Yumbo centre for over 15 years now and started holidaying here about 18 years ago with my partner James and we loved the island. I was a dancer back in Scotland and worked all over the UK under the name of Mr Entertainment doing ladies nights. I was one of the most popular dancers and was always booked up. Later I started working the gay clubs in England and Wales and my name was mister e.when we came on holiday to Gran Canaria. we came across cafe la belle and we were hooked we went every night of our holiday to see the fantastic show that Alan Ward, Gladys Allcock and Jose did. We became friendly with all of them. Graham aka Gladys knew i was a dancer so he introduced me to Wolfgang owner of XL and Hummell Hummell bar.
Wolfgang offered me work in his bars and for 7 years I entertained people from all over the world. I was starting to put together a drag show now as I didn’t want to still be dancing in my 40s.i did my first drag show with the help of James doing my costumes and wigs and quick changes which he still does. I did my first show in Hummell and Alan came along to see me and wished me luck. A few months after I was offered a job in la belle which I readily accepted. My drag name then was misty hills which alan wasnt keen on so he came up with Andi Martine which was much better. I worked there for 3 years with Alan ,Dee & Ella. Ricky glass was a guest dj too.
La belle was a great learning period for me and eventually I left to go and do my own show all over the island with James. It was good fun but very hectic packing all the show into suitcases every night. We started doing a Thursday night in Rickys cabaret bar to cover Rickys night off. That eventually led to us being there full time with James as the dresser. We became friends with Dinah & Tammy and happily worked there for 5 years. We were now looking to open a bar with Dinah and Tammy and saw that the old Moreno 3 restaurant empty. Needless to say but as they say the rest is history … Sparkles Showbar was born. we had a great opening night and we have been busy every night since.
Love to all
Andi Martine