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Theatre manager Vivian Van Damm proclaimed the Windmill Theatre slogan ‘We Never Closed’

Mrs Laura Henderson introduced London to a new kind of show which originated in Paris. Called ‘Revuedeville’ it featured 18 acts of non-stop variety turns which to start with was not a great success. However, once naked girls posing was introduced into the programme, it drew large crowds and became one of London’s must see attractions. Opening on 3rd March 1932 (some sources give 4th February 1932) it ran daily, continuously until 31st October 1964, a total of 32 years).

Theatre manager Vivian Van Damm proclaimed the Windmill Theatre slogan ‘We Never Closed’ as the shows and the theatre became famous through the war years. The Windmill Theatre did actually close along with all other forms of entertainment when a compulsory closure order came into effect from 4th September until the 16th September 1939. Mrs Henderson died in 1944 aged 82, but the show went on. The famous sign on the front of the building depicted the sails of a windmill revolving around and this remained in situ for many years - Notes by Ken Roe

Contributed by Greg Lynch -