The recently released documentary explores the thirty-year history of the iconic Birmingham nightclub

The Que Club was a legendary club for Birmingham and the UK scene
JACK RAMAGE
Friday, January 6, 2023

A new documentary about the iconic Birmingham techno venue Que Club, called In The Que, has been released. Watch the full documentary below.

The 34-minute documentary explores the thirty-year history of the club, which first opened its doors in 1989, and hosted several legendary club nights during the emergence of the UK acid house–including Atomic Jam, Flashback and House of God.

In its heyday, the Que Club hosted the likes of Daft Punk, Underworld, David Bowie, and Massive Attack. A number of BBC Radio One Essential Mixes were also recorded in the club, including Carl Cox, Sven Väth, and Paul Oakenfield.

The documentary launch follows a wider exhibition which took place last year at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, showcasing photos as well as souvenirs of the legendary club.  The project, headed by researcher Jez Collins of Birmingham Music Archive C.I.C, was granted £42,000 through the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Speaking about the documentary, Collins said, “The Que Club was home to many different communities irrespective of colour, gender or sexuality and this was reflected in the mix of artists and club nights that performed there. Its labyrinth of corridors and rooms allowed for innovation, exploration and experimentation for DJs, MCs, promoters and clubbers whilst the incredible main hall, with its raked seating and imposing organ, offered the perfect space and backdrop for large-scale events and superstar DJs.

“In The Que is not only about the music. It’s also concerned with what The Que Club tells us about the social, cultural and political history of the city and club and youth culture.

“It’s hard to imagine now, but rave and dance culture were subject to government legislation, police crackdowns and hysterical tabloid headlines. To those who went there, the Que Club was somewhere they could call their own, where they could listen and dance to music, meet new friends and express themselves.”

The documentary is out now, check it out below.