Where do we start with ‘Frank the Stagman’?
You may or may not have heard of him, the eponymous hero of his own story, the clue is in the self titled name. He made his reputation on the notorious stag and hen circuit in Benidorm offering tailor made packages and running his own travel agency and bar, parading around town in his hi-vis supercar, happily posing for photos with whoever wants one.
Frank clearly understands the power of social media and, as many do, he likes to document his life online. A no holds barred blitz of verbal diarrhoea documenting his thoughts, ideas and wishes including, rather bizarrely, details of his partner Jade who performs a live sex show much to his delight. As he says himself he loves ‘watching her get railed’. Each to their own and they are consenting adults so it’s none of anyone else’s business whatever sexual fetish they so choose to partake in. It’s all part of the strange make up of this couple and maybe to some, part of the attraction.
Where the story becomes relevant to this self titled ‘Man in San An’ is Frank’s quest to conquer San Antonio’s West End through his alleged ‘purchase’ of the Lux nightclub formerly known as Play 2, home of a thousand memories for those lucky enough to be in San Antonio during the glory days of the 90’s and 00’s.
Judging from the online comments (and private Whatsapp messages) it’s safe to say that Frank is a marmite figure but he has a loyal following back in Benidorm and plays to his strengths and his adoring crowd. Where this tale becomes slightly more dramatic is his online strategy of pronouncing himself to be the chosen one sent to ‘save’ the West End, the infamous street stretching a couple of hundred metres in the urban centre of San Antonio.
Watching and listening to his online posts was a mixture of high octane energy mixed in with a touch of delusion and a rounded off with some ‘Jackanory’ (look it up kids) but who doesn’t like to spin a tale on social media these days especially when you’re trying to sell something. Some might say he’s another online narcissist hooked on the attention that only social media can shine a light on but I couldn’t possibly comment and maybe people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones, but these platforms can work both ways and it’s a brave decision to become such a vocal disruptor in an already busy street with plenty of characters, petty jealousies and egos.
San Antonio veterans like myself and my social circle have seen it all before, a bravado performance lacking a little in self awareness and asking for trouble. A high stakes game that can make or break a reputation.
Needless to say Frank’s quest to ‘save the West End’ didn’t end well. I had September in the sweepstake so when he packed up his his bright yellow sports car and legged it back to the mainland before the end of July I was annoyed that I hadn’t been braver with my prediction.
It turns out that the West End doesn’t need ‘saving’ after all. It has its challenges, it needs evolution and new ideas and brave decisions but it doesn’t need those looking for a quick buck who don’t understand the dynamic of an area consistently in the spotlight. After retreating to his safe space Frank finally owned up to his ‘failure’ and unsurprisingly it was everyone’s else’s fault except his own.
What is reassuring about this story is that Ibiza is still an incredibly difficult nut to crack especially when you’re trying to bring a bit of Benidorm into the mix. The island has moved on in so many ways and any business needs investment. Not just money but time, effort and real graft rather than a few social media posts promising the world but ultimately delivering very little.
I don’t know Frank or Jade and hold no ill will for him or his modus operandi and at least they ‘had a go’ even if they did leave with their tails firmly between their legs but Ibiza isn’t Benidorm or anywhere else in the world for that matter. I hope he continues to be successful wherever he chooses to operate but let the Stagman’s tale be a cautionary one for those looking to reinvent the wheel and make some quick euros on the White Isle. As the old saying goes….you don’t choose Ibiza, Ibiza chooses you.
MAN IN SAN AN by Martin Makepeace 