The Xchange
Editorial
The Xchange is a regular weeknight and pre-club stopover for the southside gay scene in Melbourne and attracts a mixed crowd, although these days a younger crowd frequents it. The pub has two bar areas: one with a small dance floor playing pure pop - think Kylie and Cher at full bore; the other has two pool tables and a lounge area and a small stage where the drag queens lord over (or is that lady over?) the crowd with caustic humour and ridiculously loud outfits.
They also have free computer and internet access and free WiFi in the back room, although personally, sitting on a computer in a pub feels a little anti-social, but with all the iPhones about these days, the fellas there can keep tabs of all their friends at the press of a button. They recently added a rooftop area, which is great for summer nights and a quick breather when the place is packed.
Drag shows run nightly from Wednesdays through to Sundays, making the Xchange one of the more popular pubs for those who are fans of high camp and enjoy copping glittery insults from an overweight accountant in a jumpsuit and a wig. Keep in mind that the drag is deliberately bad - these guys aren't trying to be high glam, more tragic camp. There is much more banter on the mic here, so dance routines will suddenly stop while the lead drag queen lets fly at some poor unsuspecting punter who just walked in - so be prepared for 'bad' attitudes and even 'badder' outfits, and make sure your sense of humour is turned up to full.
Din Heagney, April 2010
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