The Windmill was a variety and revue theatre in London in 1931-1964. It was started by Laura Henderson and Vivian Van Damm. The theatre featured nude girls on stage.The girls were not allowed to move and had to become like “living statues”. Because to be naked and moving was considered obscene. But standing still while naked was ruled to be art. After Mrs. Henderson and Van Damm died, the theatre soon closed in 1964 because it couldn’t compete with the new strip joints. The theatre’s famous motto We Never Closed was a reference to the fact that the theatre remained open, apart from the compulsory closure that affected all theatres for 12 days in 1939. Performances continued throughout the Second World War even at the height of the Blitz. The showgirls, cast members, and crew moved into the safety of the theatre’s two underground floors during some of the worst air attacks.
Windmill Theatre
