Rupert Street, London 1977

The Raymond Revuebar, founded in 1958 by Paul Raymond, holds a unique place in London’s entertainment history as the city’s first legal strip club. Located in the heart of Soho at 11 Walker’s Court, the club broke new ground by offering adult entertainment in a format that was both daring and innovative for its time.

Operating as a private members’ club, the Revuebar cleverly navigated the strict laws against public nudity by presenting performers as “living statues.” This legal loophole allowed nudity on stage while keeping the club within the bounds of the law, a technique reminiscent of the famous Windmill Theatre’s earlier shows.

The Revuebar quickly became synonymous with glamour and risqué entertainment, featuring elaborate striptease acts under the banner of shows like the “Festival of Erotica.” Its neon sign boasting “World Centre of Erotic Entertainment” lit up Soho’s narrow streets, attracting a diverse clientele that ranged from curious tourists and locals to celebrities and even politicians.

In the 1980s, the venue expanded its cultural impact by hosting The Comic Strip, a comedy club that played a key role in launching the careers of several well-known British comedians, blending adult entertainment with cutting-edge comedy.

However, by the late 1990s, changing social attitudes, increased competition, and evolving nightlife trends led to a decline in the Revuebar’s popularity. It eventually closed its doors in 2004, marking the end of an era. The venue has since been replaced by other clubs, including the now-famous The Box Soho.