The city’s theatres including the Empire and City Varieties played host to shows from Europe and beyond aimed at providing titillation for audiences during the 1950s and 1960s. Each show boasted suggestive and seductive names from Striptease Continentale through to Bubble and Peep. Others used the names of the headline acts such as Peaches Page, Alma Cadillac and Tui Alba to sell tickets for twice nightly shows and a matinee performance. These playbills showcase a different era of taste and decency and showcase society’s attitudes towards sex, nudity and beauty. They are published courtesy of photographic archive Leodis, which is run by Leeds Library & Information Service. They also run heritage blog The Secret Library Leeds, which provides a behind the scenes look at the Central Library and highlights from its special collections, including rare books hidden away in the stacks. READ MORE: 43 closed Leeds pubs which will stir fond memories for drinkers LOVE LEEDS? LOVE NOSTALGIA? Join Leeds Retro on facebook YEP NEWSLETTERS: Sign up for free news and sport emails
13. The Continental Peep Show
This 'saucy French show' staged at the Empire theatre in December 1956 featured new star comedian Dave Gray. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
14. Peep Show Parisienne
The 'world's most daring dancers' Desiree and Pierre served up the sensational 'strip-apache' in this show at the City Varieties in December 1956. They were joined on the bill by glamourous Denise Vane, queen of striptease and Mam'zelle de Paree Yvette, the saucy Montmartre posing model. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
15. Striptease peep show
Chinese nude sensation Toya Wong and famous Can-Can showgirls The Magyar Ballet starred in this show on stage at the City Varieties in February 1960. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
16. Show Girls
'A peep behind the scenes' Show Girls was billed as more 'intimate' than any revue, had more laughs than any play with more glamour than a beauty contest. It was staged at the City Varieties in July 1957. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
17. Striptease peep-show
'She strips to conquer' Pauline Penny, billed as 'the naughtiest girl of all,' took star billing in this show at the Empire Theatre in August 1958. It also featured The Strip Starlets taking a lesson in 'strip teese'. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net
18. Midnight in Montmatre
Billed as a most provocative peep-show from Paris it featured The Montmatre Models, a row of pretty girls, as well as The Body Behind the Screen. It was staged at the City Varieties in September 1954. Photo: Leeds Libraries, www.leodis.net