Vauxhall's Gay Scene

Vauxhall's now very lively night-time economy has been built around the Royal  Vauxhall Tavern.

The RVT was first opened in 1863, only four years after the nearby Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens closed its doors.  It first became popular as a music hall venue before its cross-dressing performances became popular in the 1940s onwards. It is thought to be London's longest-running gay venue.

One of the best known performers here, who went on to become a national household name, was Paul O'Grady - aka Lily Savage:

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Martin Stanley