Barry Manilow fans descend on troubled Dress Circle shop in Monmouth Street

Published: 01 July 2011
by NATASHA KARIMIAN

MORE than 600 fans of singer Barry Manilow thronged outside West End showbiz store Dress Circle to meet their idol.

Some even camped outside the Monmouth Street shop, which recently announced it was facing closure due to rising rent and falling trade. The store, described by its owner Murray Allan as “the greatest showbiz shop in the world”, has ramped up its events schedule in a bid to boost footfall.

Manilow, said to be an ardent supporter of Dress Circle, met every single one of the fans in a CD signing session that lasted more than four hours. 

Mr Allan said the event was the most successful in the store’s 33-year history. 

Thousands have signed up to the “Save Dress Circle” Facebook page, and fans have suggested a charity collection tin be passed around West End theatres.

Photo: courtesy of Roy Tan