Review: Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club at Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes

The actor, radio presenter, DJ and all round funk and soul aficionado is well known for his up tempo club nights, which see him frequently take to the mic to interact with the crowd while blasting out a stomping selection of funk, soul, reggae and hip hop.

This Saturday Craig Charles returned to Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes - where the Funk and Soul Club played out alongside the rolling balls and crashing pins of the venue. Funk and Bowl, anyone? Despite Craig being a frequent fixture on the club and festival scene, his club night remains consistently popular, usually selling out well in advance. Tonight was no different, with queues stretching along the street and rain-soaked clubbers crowding at the door for a chance to join the fun.

The main man himself took to the decks at around midnight, and wasted no time in turning the dancefloor into a writhing, sweaty jumble of flailing arms, legs and delighted faces with his roof-raising selection of well known favourites, rare edits and remixes.

Craig seemed to be well and truly in the party spirit and made a few technical blunders along the way - with the music even cutting out entirely at one point for at least 20 minutes while some equipment was fixed. But even that didn't quash the carnival atmosphere, and with a wink, a cheeky grin and a little Stevie Wonder, all was forgiven.

No matter what your musical preferences, everyone should experience Craig Charles' Funk and Soul Club at some point in their lives - just for the sheer, exhilarating, sweaty fun of it all. But if you can't get along to one of his shows soon, check out The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club album, due to be released on 26th November - which promises "19 rip snorting, bass drum banging, brass blaring booga-bloody-loo, big beats, bass lines and blooming brilliant vocals."

See upcoming Craig Charles Funk and Soul tour dates

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