Chicago -The World-Famous Admiral Theatre delivered a trendsetting, high-energy weekend, becoming one of the most talked-about destinations during Exxxotica Chicago!
Headlined by Lauren Phillips, mega-dancer influencer Charm Daze, Ember Snow, and Lauryn “Pumpkin” Efird, the Admiral pushed beyond the traditional format with viral moments, interactive experiences, and crossover entertainment.
The weekend also featured the first-ever DJ set by Alexis Texas, alongside Pony Nation talent including Ginger WTFA, Caitlyn Baby, BunnyLuv, Zelda Zodiac, and Riot Graves, and supported by over 100 entertainers from across the country, creating unmatched energy and diversity on stage.
Viral moments and history was made last weekend with performances by Phillips, Snow, Daze, and **Lauryn “Pumpkin” Efird- making her first-ever feature appearance drew massive crowds, while at the same time the iconic Alexis Texas debuted her first-ever DJ set, creating a viral moment that had the crowd erupting and cameras everywhere.
On Sunday, Mike Dickinson led a 45-minute seminar on the evolution of the business that was heartfelt and moving, going through his own evolution in the gentlemen’s clubs, attributing his success to Pony boss Jerry Westlund who taught him how to be a true leader and what keeps his gentlemen’s clubs thriving in a post-pandemic day and age when people are reluctant to go out and socialize
The weekend closed with The Admiral Theatre Entertainer of the Year competition, where Ginger WTFA took top honors.
By blending influencer culture, reality TV, and interactive experiences, the Admiral Theatre continues to redefine nightlife.
You may follow the Admiral Theatre on X at https://x.com/admiraltheatre and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ADMIRALTHEATRECHICAGO
You may follow Mike Dickinson on X at https://x.com/IamMrMikeD on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/iammrmiked/ and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheRealMikeDickinson
About Mike Dickinson:
I am from Richmond, VA and when I started in high school, I saw the People vs Larry Flynt and was really inspired and the day I got my PHD at DCU in Public Policy. I had a job interview at a bar. I said I wanted to rule the world of strip clubs and I was a DJ that same night.
As soon as I could in Richmond, I went to The Candy Bar as soon as I turned 18, a small strip club. I liked that it was that you have to be good at business and creating and you have to be able to navigate people, people of all walks of life.
That was 2007 my first job and then I became a manager a few weeks later I was in Richmond for 15 years he owned all of the clubs in the Richmond area I love to juggle multiple projects he wanted he dominate,
Right around the time of Covid I was trying to start a new project Jerry Westland I had done everything I could do and I wanted to get to the next level and help me buy a club he was expanding to TN and said would you like to help me run this club in the middle of nowhere and you can whatever you want. The Pony clubs are like the NY Yankees of strip clubs.
Covid was very bad and everything had shut down and for me it was 7-8 month of not doing anything. This is how I transitioned.
Back when I first started when I was a guest you would open the doors and people just came. These days you have to draw people in and get good value. Events that draw in a new audience. People don’t have the same amount of extra money. The new generations lost their socializing years and they are awkward and there are more ads for arrangements than relationships. People are wise they know the fantasy isn’t real there’s no Santa. I think people will always want to go to strip clubs to interact with real people and nothing will ever be able to replace that.
About the World-Famous Admiral Theatre:
The Admiral Theatre is one of Chicago’s most storied entertainment venues. With a legacy spanning generations it remains a pillar of the city’s nightlife — known for its theatrical atmosphere, historic roots, and electric crowds. The Admiral continues to be a cultural icon and a Chicago destination.