Scene from 'Talk of the Town'
Photographer Houston Rogers
London Hippodrome building, England
1962
Colour Photograph

When 'The Talk of the Town' opened in 1958, it was London's first glamorous theatre restaurant modelled on the example of the Folies Bergere in Paris. The building dated from 1900 and hosted revue, musicals and variety as the London Hippodrome. In the revamped interior, patrons could dine while enjoying a glamorous floor show, and dance to some of London's most famous orchestras.

Over the years, the floorshows featured superstars such as Diana Ross and the Supremes, The Temptations, and Shirley Bassey. They were supported by the resident troupe of dancers and showgirls, who presented spectacular numbers with dazzling and daring costumes. Sequins and feathers were often the main ingredients.

This photograph shows part of a show contrasting London night life in 1912, 1922 and 1962. The themes of the shows were really excuses for lots of glamorous costumes, dance routines and to show off the girls' marvellous legs and figures.