Sky retained a large amount of secrecy surrounding the launch of their new production. After initially being asked for my measurements (waist, height, hips, bra size) and having no information but “all will be revealed at the event,” curiosity was certainly an understatement. Only a few days before, it was finally revealed we were to attend the Boardwalk Empire Season 2 launch party!!
On entering the “Candlelight Club,” and by this I mean bending through a secret four foot passage way in the wall, it was a true transportation back to an evening in the 20’s. After being ushered into a dressing room to don more suitable attire for the evening- a slinky sequin dress, pearls, head-dress and of course lipstick rouge, it was time for a taster of what Season 2 had in store!
For those of you not familiar with the Series, it is inspired by the book “Boardwalk Empire: The Birth, High Times and Corruption of Atlantic City” by Nelson Johnson, and produced by Terence Winter and Martin Scorsese. Starring Steve Buscemi as Enoch “Nucky” Thompson, the corrupt undisputed ruler of both the legal/illegal world, the series is set in Atlantic City in the 1920s against a backdrop of inequality, racism, prostitution and above all the Prohibition of alcohol.
The opening episode of Season 2 continues in this fashion, diving straight into pre-depression America with the scenes shifting between a typical flash ’20s party and the illegal dealing and consumption of alcohol. It is full of violence, strained relationships, subtle humour and ultimately the arrest of the big dog himself. Not wanting to give too much away, this show airs on Sky Atlantic on 8th October at 9pm so don’t miss out!!
Overall, it was an entertaining evening of burlesque dancers, live jazz music performed by a London band, the “Shirt tail Stompers,” along with an assortment of cocktails. The only element that could have improved this night was the venue which, if stripped of its decor, was rather run-down; although perhaps the back-alley look was what they were going for. Nevertheless, the efforts made to transform the space have to be given a lot of credit as the masses of candles, 1920s newspapers, Brooklyn beer and numerous other factors resulted in a great atmosphere.
After the evening’s entertainment, we were escorted home in a slick black BMW. What a lovely end to the evening, although I hear HBO managed to arrange for two, 1920s vintage subways to function on the tracks of Manhattan!! Ah well, it’s impossible to have it all!
Thanks very much Sky for a fabulous evening!
Paris Davis
