In the late 90s, a little film called The Full Monty propelled the idea of “normal” looking male stripper groups (as opposed to the Olympus-like Chippendales et al) into the public consciousness. It was a craze that swept the UK, with nightclubs booking copycat acts across the country. However, as time went on that craze died down, but what about the dancers who had made it their profession and source of income? Well that is where Members Club sets out its stall, the washed-up ageing stripper group who take the wrong job to try and stay afloat.

Members Club is the story of a group of ageing exotic dancers called “Wet Dream” as they struggle for work. In a desperate roll of the dice, they accept a gig playing in a working men's club, but things soon get out of hand and everything is not as it seems as the group becomes embroiled in an occult sacrifice which leaves them battling for survival.

If you've seen The Full Monty, you'll understand the context in which Members Club takes place. It's not strictly necessary to have seen it, but it certainly informs a viewing. Naturally, a film about a troupe of out-of-shape older male strippers is going to veer into the more comedic corners of horror and Members Club certainly fulfils those criteria. The banter between the dancers is excellent with some genuinely funny moments within the dialogue alone, while the absurdity of the situation is a great comedic tool.  That doesn't mean Members Club skimps on the gore however, there are some really impressive effects for a low-budget movie. 

The most impressive aspect of Members Club comes from the acting performances. It's not a film chocked with household names, even by British comedy standards, with the exception of one bizarre and somewhat amazing cameo that shall remain unspoiled. However, the assembled cast makes the whole thing weirdly relatable given the subject matter. Dean Kilbey stands out as Alan, who brings real warmth to the role. His relationship with estranged daughter Daisy, played by Barbara Smith provides a fantastic emotional throughline for the whole film. On the other end of things, Jade Johnson provides some excellent comedic timing as Trish, while the main dance troupe all have some genuinely funny moments. 

The only place where Members Club falls down somewhat is the plot. It meanders a little in places, and there are moments when it could move things along. There's probably also an argument that it veers towards the juvenile at points, but in fairness, it is a film about a group of over-the-hill strippers encountering a demonic ceremony – it's probably to be expected. Even when Members Club is a bit crass, it justifies it by being genuinely funny and oddly heartwarming. It's a very funny film with a heart of gold, much like the strippers it portrays.  

  Members Club had its world premiere at FrightFest 2024 on Saturday, August 24.

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