Mama Dee is a club mother at Vinyl in Cambridge. 

Name: Mama Dee

Insta Handle: Mama_Dee_Cam

D.O.B: 28th March 19-I’m-never-gonna-admit-that-unless-it’s-a-legal-document!!

Age: Too young to retire but too old for Only Fans.

Hometown: Cambridge.

What do you do for work? 

I act as a club mum. I do my best to help you get into the club in an orderly fashion, and then I look after those who have over indulged, or for whom something has gone wrong. I’m here as a safe person to call upon when you can’t find your friends.

Do you accept the title of local celebrity?

I think it may be a fine line between celebrity and infamy depending on how you got to know me. I have been around in hospitality for an awfully long time, so I’m a fairly well-known face in the night time economy. But, if you wish to call me a local celebrity, then it is a kind and lovely honour that I will happily accept. 

Least favourite kind of drunken student?

The rude ones. 

What’s your favourite club anthem?

Pump It, Despacito and Uptown Funk. Plus, any 80’s or 90’s bangers. In truth, I love me some cheese. 

What’s the worst joke you’ve ever heard? 

Two parrots on a perch. One says to the other, “can you smell something fishy?”

Who’s your best friend in the Cambridge bouncer community? 

The one that brings me either a coffee or red bull and a chair around 2am.

What did you want to be when you grew up? 

Either an actor, a teacher, or an archaeologist. I still get to do some performance work and since I still wouldn’t say that I am a grown up, there’s still a chance I’ll get to try out my childhood career dreams some day.

What will be written on your gravestone?

One of my best friends said to me long ago that I "bring out the worst which is the best in people" and it's stuck!

Brains or brawn? 

Brains. Every time.

Favourite thing about your job? 

Meeting new people and hopefully bringing extra enjoyment to their night.

When was the last time you really made a difference to someone through your job? 

I think that’s a question you would have to ask others because my effect upon a person is subjective, although I do find quite often that it’s the little things that make a difference. A moment of simple kindness can mean the world to someone while with others you can give them the world on a platter, and it still wouldn’t be enough. I know that I have made some differences over the years — some simple and some profound — but they stay between me and that person.

How do you try to make clubgoers feel safe on a night-out? 

Mostly by chatting and being myself, by letting people get to know me and what I do, as well as by relying upon my reputation. There must be a few 2nd and 3rd years who have shared a few Mama Dee stories by now. I know a few bartenders and fellow townies who certainly have!

Revs or Lola’s?

For me, it’s Revs, where I can karaoke and eat strawberry waffles. When Lola’s also provide karaoke and waffles, it will be an even split.

Favourite spot in Cambridge? 

Wherever my friends may be and wherever parking is free.

What is your go-to song to perform? 

Depends on my mood on the night. When You’re Good to Mama is my usual set opener, and Seven Nation Army seemed to go down well last year, at the Hawks ball. I love Motown, soul, and blues, but you also can't go wrong with a bit of Queen. I think my most famous song among students is The Students Go in Two by Two, Hurrah. It’s the club queue banger you learn to love.

Any advice for incoming freshers? 

I’m well known for giving curious advice. I think the most important pieces to start with are:

1) Think before you drink. Make sure you’ve had a half decent meal and you have a plan on how you’re getting home.

2) Do not leave your friends behind. If you come as a crew, you leave as a crew. Look out and look after each other. I will be there to help you out if you need me and give you support but remember that there is only one of me and a lot of you. I can only do so much.

3) Make sure you have an In Case of Emergency (I.C.E.) contact in your phone. That way if things go wrong, we can give the emergency services everything they need to best care for you.

4) Make Sure you have your ID. No ID, no entry. Bars and clubs cannot risk their licence because you’ve forgotten your ID.

Finally, and most importantly...

5) Always Listen To Mama Dee. With this final rule, you're covered on most evenings. Even the door staff obey this rule!!