Preparing for a new run of performances later in the year, I recently revisited Mrs Cornelys and her blindingly bright, underground world of celebrity sex, scandal and display.

In her day, Mrs Cornelys a.k.a. “The Empress of Pleasure”, “Queen of Masquerades” was a star singer, actress and dancer, a celebrity sex goddess and a legendary entertainment industry entrepreneur.

In the heady atmosphere of cosmopolitan 1760’s and 1770’s London, Mrs Cornelys (1723 – 1797) held her infamous, awe-inspiring, sexually charged, drink and drug fuelled Masques. Staged at her lavish, purpose-built premises – Carlisle House, Soho Square – these were night long, “Eyes Wide Shut” style events featuring music, dancing, theatre, gambling and sexual intrigues. Essentially edgy, exclusive, high class meat markets, “Mrs Cornelys’ Entertainments” were enjoyed by the cashed-up 18th century celebrity jet set, with each room of her sumptuous house offering a different activity. Her hand-tailored musical programming featured international superstar performers including JS Bach son, Johann Christian a.k.a. “The London Bach” (1735 – 1782) and JS Bach student and Mozart mentor Carl Friedrich Abel (1723 – 1787).

Mrs Cornelys’ was an 18th century “Moulin Rouge”, only way more upmarket and considerably more racy.

High Society, Bling and the Notorious BIG

Attended by very...