Cheeky! London's best burlesque shows

Including cabaret, comedy, art, retro-titillation, drag and spectacles for the, let's say: adventurous...

Oooooh. Cheeky.

It wasn't so very long ago that watching a girl twirling her nipple tassels was the sole preserve of stag party members and chaps who probably turned up to the venue in some sort of mac.

Today though, titillation is taken easily in the stride of forward-thinking Londoners; indeed the movement is experiencing quite a boon.

And so, with so many Burlesque shows available in London - including cabaret, comedy, art, retro-titillation, drag and spectacles for the, let's say: adventurous - we've put together a list of what we consider to be some of the best shows in London.

The Box Soho image
The Box Soho
12 Walker's Court, Soho W1F 0ED
Piccadilly Circus 0.19 miles
Theatres
Photos

Before Burlesque became a semi-mainstream form of entertainment it existed in the dark, secretive corners of the city. New York transplant, The Box is almost a revival of sorts. No phones, no cameras, strict glamorous dress code, near unattainable exclusivity and a roster of acts encouraged to push the boundaries of taste. Reservations are a must.

Bethnal Green Working Mens Club image
Bethnal Green Working Mens Club
44 Pollard Row E2 6NB
AIL
Users
Bars
Photos

Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club host’s experimental cabaret, burlesque and performance art on stage beneath its hallowed pink heart. Being East London, you can expect a lively, adventurous mixture of shocking fun. There’s nothing formal about it and that’s half the appeal.

Proud Cabaret image
Proud Cabaret
1 Mark Lane EC3R 7AH
Fenchurch Street 0.09 miles
AIL
Users
Lounge Bars
Photos

Tucked away in the middle of The City, Proud Cabaret brings the Camden complex’s vim and vigour to a new crowd. Table clothed tables, fine crystal and silverware cover the rich, red room while one of the most polished cabaret routines in London dazzles on stage.

The Brickhouse image
The Brickhouse
152c Brick Lane E1 6RU
Night Clubs
Photos

The Brickhouse is one of the capital’s more contemporary cabaret spots. Supper club meets burlesque at the Brick Lane club, with a particular focus on acrobatic aerial shows. Expect comedy, titillation, contemporary and classic acts - one of the best nights out in London.

Cellar Door image
Cellar Door
Wellington Street WC2R 0HS
Covent Garden 0.21 miles
AIL
Users
Bars
Opening Times
Photos

The staircase on the Strand doesn’t look like much but when you head below ground, the world of CellarDoor is an intoxicating one. Styled like a Berlin cabaret bar by way of New York, you’ll find live burlesque, drag and cabaret most nights of the week. Shows are mostly free and the Tuesday night open mic is particularly worth a visit.

Leicester Square Theatre image
Leicester Square Theatre
6 Leicester Place, London WC2H 7BX
Leicester Square 0.08 miles
Theatres
Photos

The Basement Bar at The Leicester Square Theatre hosts a range of cabaret, comedy and burlesque. The subterranean intimacy of the small bar is the perfect place to get up close and personal with a range of acts performing in front of a modest audience.