"IT'S inconceivable it won't be here, it's a stab in the heart because it's an important part of my history and that of the town".

Those are the words of comedian, actor, and St Helens' own Johnny Vegas who spoke exclusively with the Star on his heartbreak over the closure of The Citadel, the place where his career started.

Johnny, whose real name is Michael Pennington, grew up in Thatto Heath, and these days is better known for his TV performances in shows such as Benidorm, movies such as Early Man and appearances on comedy programmes.

But his career started at The Citadel, where after heckling a stand up act during a show in the 90s he climbed on to the stage and took the mic himself ...and the rest as they say is history.

 

Johnny, clutching a pint of Guinness – which became a familiar sight at the Citadel – reflects on the venue's history

Johnny came back to where it all started to talk about the Waterloo Street venue's announcement that it is to close in June.

He also revealed he will be putting together a farewell show at the venue.

Speaking at The Citadel, dad-of-two Johnny, said: "I had no idea that any of the comedy like I'd seen in the student union at uni existed in St Helens until I came past here and saw a poster for Dominic Holland performing a show at The Citadel. I thought: 'He's a runner up in Edinburgh, this show will be rammed'.

"When I got here there was 25 people, it was a great night, but I didn't understand that heckling is a pain in the backside and I thought I was helping him. It ended up with me getting on the stage at the end of the gig as there was this empty mic stand.

"I didn't plan on doing anything, but I got up and suddenly The Citadel here gave me the run of the stage as compere and we got a bit of a following for Johnny.

"It was a brilliant place to let him (his alter ego Johnny) off the leash away from normal comedy expectations, a lot of people came for Johnny and experienced acts they may not have thought of.

"It was our club, it belonged to us and we sold out every show with a dedicated fan base who trusted us.

"It was great and lawless in a way, but all the better for it.

 

Michael Pennington created his alter-ego Johnny at the Citadel

"If I hadn't have had that time here, then Johnny may have been a tamer beast. I had the confidence from the feedback here so without this place Johnny may not be what he now is.

"So when I heard the news that The Citadel is to close, I genuinely felt rocked.

"It's inconceivable it won't be here, it's a stab in the heart because it's an important part of my history and that of the town.

"It's sad to think that the next Johnny or other thing in comedy or performance is sat in this town and without this place to nurture it, it might never happen."

At the weekend, an emotional Johnny made his way around the venue, sharing stories and memories of his time there, from visiting the dressing room where he remembers being nervous ahead of his first shows to sitting on the steps at the back where he would watch new acts.

He hopes that something can be done to save the venue, but understands that the decreased arts funding has led to Citadel management having to let go of the building.

He added: "We've got so much potential in this town but the creative bit isn't supported enough. The Theatre Royal is great and more commercial, but on the artistic side we are lacking.

"The first areas where cuts are made is the arts. I've witnessed it all my life, when will people realise that the arts contribute a huge amount both culturally and economically?

"Even when I went to Carmel teaching years ago, there were parents who had kids that were brilliant at art, they could do it as long as their other subjects didn't suffer because it's seen as a hobby, but we can't afford to not nurture this side.

"We obsess on academic success. It's always seen as finances that can be used elsewhere and it's wrong, it should not be economics over culture.

"I fundamentally believe in the arts and I'm hoping that that it will continue as a performance venue, it would break my heart to be developed into something else.

"I'm wary that I've not been here, but we are going to do a farewell gig in June and I hope to get people in that have a connection with The Citadel.

"It would be good to do Johnny as he was always supposed to be, to come back here one more time.

 

Johnny is planning to stage a farewell Citadel gig in June

"I love playing to a home crowd and use the local references that only can be used here, you can laugh at the quirks that makes this town what it is."

The Star understands that talks are continuing over converting the World of Glass museum into an expanded arts venue and if an agreement is struck, a performance area could be created to house Citadel's shows and music events.

But Johnny is hopeful the Citadel's existing building will be put to good use.

He said: "I'm hoping somewhere, like the college or something, take over this venue. I know it's gone in its current way of being but it would be brilliant to know the building in some way will get used for something creative.

"For now though we've got until June, I'd urge everybody to come along and surprise yourself, it's not too little too late, you might be pleasantly surprised.

"Don't just shrug your shoulders and let it go. We've lost Tyrers, the library (which is currently closed in the Gamble Building) and now The Citadel.

"We are slowly letting go of stuff bit by bit, people need to help stop the rot."

Johnny will be announcing the date of the farewell show at a later date but has confirmed that it will take place in June, ahead of the venue's closure on June 30.