Reality TV’s Elizabeth Young jazzing up Croydon with retro club nights
Croydon-based entrepreneur, author, saxophonist and fitness devotee Elizabeth Young looks remarkably young for her age (young in name and nature). So youthful in fact, that the national press sought interviews with her to find the secrets to this fountain of youth. Her stints on TV, including Supersize Vs Superskinny, have drawn even more attention to her age-defying looks.
Elizabeth Young [Photo credit, Oliver Papp]
More recently, she has launched a series of retro club nights at the Cornerhouse, Croydon with DJs playing favourites from decades past to a discerning and appreciative crowd. The latest event on the Easter weekend featured a live jazz band playing 1920s and 1930s-style compositions. Her special guest was Grammy-nominated British reggae star Tippa Irie, who signed copies of his autobiography Stick To My Roots.
Tippa Irie and Elizabeth Young, book signing at Croydon’s Cornerhouse.
We interview Elizabeth about reality TV, Croydon clubbing and her future ventures
So first of all, tell us more about your stint on Supersize Vs Superskinny
Well, I came across the advert for the show and they were seeking people who would be up for eating junk food for a week. I wanted that challenge, even though I am into fitness. I wanted to show people you don’t have to be starving yourself to be slim. But obviously it was road crash TV so it didn’t quite work out that way. But as I said to the show’s producer, no matter how you portray me, ultimately, people will see that I look young and look slim and that will engage them in the right way.
And how did your interview with the Daily Mail come about?
They were looking for people who looked young for their age and after I dd the first interview with the Daily Mail I was contacted again by the same journalist who was interested in updates and feature articles. So things developed from there and interest picked up.
What’s the inspiration behind these Croydon club nights?
I love clubbing and partying! I vowed from a young age, when I was in my twenties, I was never going to stop. The music of today isn’t that great so in order for me to enjoy myself I need to create an event where I can have fun. We will continue with the retro music because of the unique energy it brings – it’s not a fad, it never gets old, it never dies. Tonight we have a 1920s jazz band as the warm up act!
The Forest Hill Owls jazz band, Cornerhouse, Croydon
My events are free. I think it’s quite outrageous that people are expected to pay twenty, thirty or forty pounds for nightlife so I don’t charge people for entry. We have a great time! Currently, we organise the parties every three months to give people space to anticipate the next one.
And Elizabeth also play’s alto saxophone. Hence, her love of jazz music! Looking forward to the next event.
