Naughty Nottingham: The Playful Past Of Adult Cinemas And Shops on OnlyLikeFans

Nottingham's Risqué Renaissance

Hard to imagine now, but Nottingham was once a hotspot for adult cinemas, sparked by relaxed film censorship in the late '60s and early '70s. The Moulin Rouge Cinema on Trinity Square is rumored to have been the city's first to dip its toes into adult content, briefly showcasing Nudist Paradise in 1967. It wasn't alone – the '60s saw a surge in nudist films, attracting audiences eager for a peek beyond the usual reels. Enterprising cinema managers didn't stop there. In 1963, they upped the ante with a live performance by London strip club dancer Ingrid Anthrofer alongside the film Take Your Clothes Off and Live, even requiring a police presence to keep things in check.

Classic Cinema's Naughty Legacy

The real star of Nottingham's adult cinema scene was undoubtedly the Scala, known as Classic Cinema on Market Street. Purchased by Classic Cinema Chain in 1964, it launched The Tatler Club in 1972, offering ‘modern entertainment in luxurious surroundings’ – code for naughty films in plush, carpeted comfort. This members-only club dangled newspaper coupons to entice sign-ups at just £1 a year. By 1980, all three screens were dedicated to adult films, but it wasn’t enough to save the venue. The Classic faded to black in 1984.

Mini Cine Club and Climax's Risqué Ventures

The Mini Cine Club joined the fray on Lower Parliament Street in 1977, moving to Heathcoat Street in 1984 and keeping a low profile with its uncensored offerings. Drama ensued in August 1990 when a vice squad raid led to the arrest of four men on charges of gross indecency, one of whom was a councillor. On Broad Street, the Climax cinema, later renamed the Gallery Cine Club, added its own twist with exotic dancer nights. Its fate took a turn with a controversial license application in 1993, sparking local outrage and a subsequent transformation into the ‘Gallery Lounge’ for classic films by 1996.

Retail Rascals: Nottingham's Saucy Shops

Not to be outdone, the city’s sex shops began their boom in the 1970s. Leading the charge was Frank Turner's Delta Love, a name synonymous with Nottingham's adult retail sector. Frank was a bit of a renegade, initially operating under the guise of a health shop named The Body Shop. His cheeky ruse on renting from the Quakers on Parliament Street backfired when the landlords discovered the true nature of his wares. The scandal made headlines, and he was promptly threatened with eviction.

Frank eventually relocated to Radford Road in 1986, battling for a sex shop license on and off until 2001. A twist of fate – or perhaps a postal delay – ensured his success despite council opposition. His legacy endured beyond his passing in 2005, with Delta Love remaining a fixture in Nottingham, a nod to the city's cheeky past.