Jon Boud's All The Rage Replay on www.traxfm.org - Alex Green Interview - 25th March 2026

·55 min·5 clips

The Black Cap in Camden has reopened after an 11-year campaign led by activist Alex Green.

["The episode begins with host John Bowd introducing the interview, focusing on the reopening of the Black Cap in Camden after an 11-year campaign led by guest Alex Green.", "Green explains the campaign's origins, starting about 12 years ago when plans to convert the upper floors into flats were blocked by the community, leading to the pub's closure in April 2015.", "He details the campaign's structure, including a core committee of about 10 people and broader membership, with vigils held every Saturday for 11 years to maintain visibility.", "Green emphasizes the importance of small acts of support from the community, such as sharing posts or offering encouragement, in sustaining long-term efforts.", "He shares personal history, describing how the Black Cap served as a 'chosen family' space when he arrived in London as a 19-year-old gay man in the 1980s, providing safety and community.", "The campaign faced significant challenges, including criticism and hate from within the LGBTQ+ community, with Green receiving a death threat that involved police.", "Green discusses the emotional toll of the campaign, noting impacts on relationships and mental health, especially in the final months leading to the reopening.", "He reflects on nostalgia, explaining that some older performers have reacted negatively to the reopening, feeling it won't replicate their past experiences.", "Green argues that the campaign wasn't about preserving the past as a museum but about saving an iconic LGBTQ+ landmark for future generations to create new memories.", "The conversation shifts to the future of the Black Cap, with Green expressing initial concerns about management but optimism about the new general manager's fresh approach.", "He highlights the booking of a contemporary drag act for the opening, representing a shift towards broader, more inclusive queer performances beyond traditional drag.", "Green envisions the venue showcasing a variety of queer performers, including drag kings, non-binary artists, and musicians, to appeal to the full LGBTQ+ spectrum.", "He notes the venue's ownership has changed, now run by LT Management, which he sees as a positive turnaround for the largest independent drag bar in the country.", "The episode touches on broader community news, with Green learning that the Joiners Arms, another LGBTQ+ venue, is set to reopen soon after its own campaign.", "Bowd and Green conclude by emphasizing the joy and resilience of the campaign, encouraging listeners to visit the Black Cap and support similar community efforts.", "The interview ends with Green planning a holiday to Gran Canaria after the official opening, marking a personal milestone after years of dedication.", "Throughout, the tone is conversational and reflective, blending personal anecdotes with insights into activism and community building.", "Key themes include the balance between honoring history and embracing change, the emotional costs of campaigning, and the power of collective action.", "The episode serves as both a celebration of the Black Cap's reopening and a case study in long-term community organizing within the LGBTQ+ context.", "It underscores the importance of queer spaces for safety and identity, while acknowledging the complexities of evolving cultural landscapes."]

As heard by us

The Black Cap's reopening gives this interview its urgency and its payoff.

John Bowd's conversation with Alex Green is anchored by the reopening of the Black Cap in Camden, and that hard-won outcome gives the piece its shape.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

For when you want a pub comeback story with real stakes and the Black Cap finally open again.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Trax The Original Pirates