Boutique nightclub to reopen after Darren ‘Razzle’ Thornburgh’s death

THE Melbourne A-list celebrity hotspot created by controversial nightclub king Darren “Razzle” Thornburgh is set to reopen its doors, five months after the colourful identity’s death.

BOUTIQUE — Melbourne’s A-list celebrity hotspot created by controversial nightclub king Darren “Razzle” Thornburgh — will reopen in April.

Promoter Paul Laver, who worked alongside Mr Thornburgh before the colourful club identity’s untimely death last October, said: “We’re never going to be able to do what Razzle did. He was uniquely himself ... a flamboyant character who had connections.

“He brought style and class to Melbourne clubbing. He made nightclubs up-market and fashionable,” Mr Laver added.

“You had to make an effort, dress up, and look good. You had to, or you wouldn’t get in.

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Nicky and Paris Hilton with Darren “Razzle” Thornburgh.

Darren Thornburgh in his Prahran nightclub, Boutique.

“We want to bring Boutique into the now, and give everyone the experience of what it was like, and how good it was. We want to bring the fun back.”

The Greville St club has hosted superstars Paris Hilton, George Harrison, Kylie Minogue, Michael Schumacher, Natalie Imbruglia, Jennifer Hawkins, Delta Goodrem, Russell Crowe, Kim Kardashian, Ashton Kutcher, Tommy Lee, and many more.

Mr Thornburgh was found dead at his property at Barmah, 250km north of Melbourne, in October. Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.

He had been evicted from Boutique, and was trying to beat drug addiction and mounting debts.

Mr Laver, working with the venue’s owners Jonathan Sherren and Sammy Prosser, will resurrect one of Boutique’s most popular nights, Flash Friday.

The Prahran nightclub is set to reopen.

Darren Thornburgh with ex-wife Denise Foster.

One Direction star Niall Horan leaving Boutique. Picture: Tim Carrafa

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“It was the biggest night in Melbourne and a lot of people are hungry for it again,” Mr Laver said.

“It attracted the who’s who of the fashion, acting and music scenes. You wanted to be seen there. The footy players would try to get in. But, back in the day, Razzle would limit their numbers.”

The new Boutique will also welcome AFL stars, he said.

“I think social media has changed celebrity behaviour. There’s a strong deterrent to misbehave,” he said.

“But they’re young men. They want to have fun, and they should be able to.”