Burlesque has found itself to be one of the most sought-after shows around the globe with its vivacious vixens, charming comedy and dazzling dancers. So where can you find such a thoroughly vintage affair? Check out our recommendations for the best burlesque bars in Birmingham to discover your favourite picks.
From flirty feathers and glistening garms to retro get-up, we've uncovered the creme de la creme of events and clubs in the city, perfect for a unique night out.
Find out more about how we curated this guide in our Editorial Policy.
A bit of a no-brainer when it comes to burlesque shows in Birmingham city centre, Old Joint Stock Pub & Theatre boasts pub seating with a Victorian charm, as well as top-notch theatre. Keep you eye on its bustling lineup or head to their interactive events - with everything from drag bingo to musical theatre open mic nights on offer.
Playing a significant role in Birmingham's drag and burlesque scene, House of Allure is bringing diversity, fun and frivolity to the city in the form of critically acclaimed performances, workshops and seasonal shows.
With a series of weekly and one-off classes led by burlesque experts, learn from the best as you get comfortable with dancing, performing and taking on an alter ego that the spotlight loves. Look out for tickets to Worlds Away 2.0 – their highly-reviewed show that combines sci-fi themes with incredible costumes and routines.
Situated in Birmingham city centre, The Victoria is a venue not to sleep on. While it's a cosy pub for freshly pulled pints, it also happens to sling out cracking entertainment. Think live music and burlesque shows sure to be crowd-pleasers.
After an evening of burlesque? Medusa Lodge is a gentlemen's club offering 1920s feel, black and purple interiors and a whole roster of show-stopping shows. Not just for stripping alone, its lineup is often filled with the most titillating and sensuous acts around.
One of the best places for a burlesque and cabaret show in Birmingham, Glee Club is an excellent shout. Check out the venue's lineup for top-notch performances, including its longstanding show, The Gilded Merkin - expect glitz, glam and comedy.
Burlesque shows in Birmingham blend theatrical performance with comedy, glamour and a healthy dose of cheeky charm. Expect elaborate costumes, feathers, sequins and striptease — but with a strong emphasis on entertainment and humour rather than anything explicit. At venues like the Old Joint Stock, shows like Bottoms Up! feature a rotating line-up of cabaret performers, witty wisecracks and saucy songs in an intimate setting where every seat feels close to the action.
Yes — burlesque is a popular hen party choice in Birmingham. The Old Joint Stock's Bottoms Up! show is a great hen night pick, with its intimate atmosphere and rotating cast of cabaret performers making for a memorable group evening.
Burlesque and cabaret often appear together on Birmingham's entertainment scene, and the two overlap significantly. Burlesque tends to focus on theatrical striptease, glamorous costuming and sensual performance, while cabaret is a broader term that encompasses comedy, song, dance and variety acts. At venues like the Old Joint Stock — which hosts both Bottoms Up! (burlesque) and a wider programme of cabaret — you'll often find both styles on the same bill.
Absolutely. Birmingham's burlesque venues are welcoming to first-timers, and the shows are designed to entertain rather than shock.
Yes — Birmingham has a thriving drag and burlesque scene, with the two often appearing together. The Old Joint Stock Theatre hosts events from House of Allure, which blends drag, burlesque and cabaret in shows like The Allure Games. The venue's broader programme also includes drag bingo and musical theatre open mic nights alongside its burlesque shows. The Victoria is another venue in the article that puts on a range of entertainment nights including cabaret-style events.
