Burlesque in the UK under threat....
Posted by Natalie Russell on May 13 2009 18:14:00
As you may or may not know, burlesque performance in Britain is under threat from new legislation which will re-classify strip tease and require that all venues hosting burlesque shows apply for new and very expensive licences to operate.
Extended News
This law (SEEL) is designed to target lap dancing clubs, but will adversely effect burlesque since the venues in which burlesque nights operate are most often not strip clubs but clubs, pubs, bars and theatres which host a variety of events. It is very unlikely that these venues will deem the cost of the licence worthwhile, which will mean that the currently thriving burlesque culture will disappear.