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Should A Stripper Get A Blue Plaque?

Monday 14th November

Plans by English Heritage to put up a blue plaque as a  memorial to pioneering performer Phyllis Dixey in Surbiton has attracted criticism from locals.

Phyllis-Dixey-2.jpgThe honour would be put up outside her former home - an art deco mansion block called Wentworth Court - where she lived in the 1930s.

Dixey began her career in variety shows before joining ENSA and entertaining the British Forces in World War II.

She was at the height of her fame in the 1940s - becoming know as the "Queen of Striptease" - after putting on the first striptease show in the West End.

Her performances were thought of as artistic.

It is thought the proposed plaque will read "Phyllis Dixey 1914 to 1964, Striptease Artiste lived here in flat number 15."

However residents in the block have refused to grant permission for the award to be erected on their building, asking for the wording to be changed from "Striptease" to "Burlesque" artist - a request her family have echoed.

One resident told the Telegraph, "People would say: 'It's the stripper’s building.'"

However English Heritage has rejected the suggested change in wording as burlesque is an American tradition and therefore inaccurate.

Negotiations are still ongoing.

But what do you think of the idea? Should a blue plaque be put up for a "striptease artiste"?

Poll: Would You Be Offended By A Blue Plaque to a Stripper

Yes
No
 

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