VA - The Wigan Casino Story (1994)

Unquestionably the World's most illustrious Soul Club, not only nationally famous, but internationally
s well. The influential American music magazine 'Billboard' officially voted it 'The Best Disco in the
World' ahead of New York's 'Studio 54' in 1978. Whist appreciating the honour
bestowed upon it most of the Casino regulars would have winced at the term 'Disco'. 'Disco' brings to
mind expensive cocktails and sharp men in slick suits trying to 'pull' elegant women. None of this at
the Casino! It served no alcohol whatsoever, it was too hot and sweaty to wear a suit and for the most
part men and women ignored each other, unless of course they were discussing the latest soul r
eleases. Forgiving our American Friends their ignorance the Casino was never a Disco, it was a Soul
Club and most of its followers would have been offended to hear it called by any other term.

Despite not having the same financial clout as Blackpool Mecca the Casino was still remarkably s
uccessful in unearthing unknown soul obscurities. It also boasted a healthy programme of live American
acts. This was not the main reason for its legendary reputation however as both the Torch and the
Twisted Wheel brought them over on a more regular basis. It was much more to do with the venue
tself which had begun life as a large post-Victorian theatre before turning into a Snooker hall. By the
time it became a Soul Club it was more than a little dilapidated but was perfect for the soul lover's
tastes. It's main room held a massive wooden dancefloor surrounded by a large balcony. There was
lenty of seating downstairs where people could sit and replenish their bodily fluids on Coke or Lemonade.
Just like the Mecca it also had a secondary room known as 'Mr M's' which opened a couple of hours
after the doors had opened. This room was 'oldies' only and concentrated exclusively on sixties Soul.
The Casino had a predominantly R&B policy making it rare to hear anything with a funky influence,
nor did it concentrate exclusively on obscurities as easily accessible records were well integrated into
the Casino playlists. This may well have been a significant factor in the Casino's success as any new
member would almost certainly hear something with which they were familiar.

Paradoxically the Casino's success may well have contributed to its demise because as its reputation
grew so did its commercial viability. At one stage it could boast a membership of over 100,000 people.
Record companies started exploiting Northern Soul favourites by pushing them into the pop charts.
White Bands such as Soft Cell started making poor cover versions of the Casino's discoveries in a
bid for commercial success. Silly dancers appeared on Top Of The Pops calling themselves
'Wigan's Chosen Few' but the main reason was that DJ's were seduced by the hype and promises of untold
riches. The authentic Soul records of the sixties had virtually all been 'discovered' so in an attempt to find
new sounds they started introducing soul influenced pop songs and tried to pass them off as the genuine
article. The true Soul Fans moved on as the Casino became increasingly populated by curious trendies
all wanting to jump on the Northern Soul bandwagon.

On December 6th. 1981 its doors closed for the last time as the local Council shut it down. A few months
later in a freak accident the Casino caught fire and was razed to the ground. Despite its later loss of
irection the Casino will forever remain a treasured memory for those who were fortunate enough to attend.