Hidden Sydney: The Glittering Mile

Set across the four floors of World Bar, Hidden Sydney: The Glittering Mile uncovers the stories of the eccentric (and ever so slightly seedy) characters who brought colour and swagger into Kings Cross during the '50s, '60s and '70s. In this immersive production - which allows the audience free range to roam — each room explores a slightly different narrative: from the star drag queen to the drug-dealing bartender and the infamous "sex witch" Roie, who performs a seance, beautifully choreographed by Lucas Jervies, while holding the hands of several members of the audience.

This production takes close-quarter performance to the intimate extreme. The actors flawlessly remain in character for the entire duration of the show, with audience members mingle among the cast. Dialogue between the characters is highly entertaining, engaging and masterfully written. World Bar is truly transformed into a '70s Australian brothel and the personal stories of each of the characters are told with oomph, humour and historical accuracy.

Audience members interacting in this immersive experience are often made to question their roles within the various scenarios. From the initial interaction with the club bouncer (comedian Ray Badran), to the last performance at the 'Chevron Silver Spade' with Rob Mills, this is one show that keeps its audience members completely engaged, alert and on their toes.

It is also, of course, a show with an undercurrent of poignancy. The Kings Cross of yesteryear may have been a red-lit den of iniquity, but its vibrancy and character left an important mark on the culture of Sydney. Today, as lockout laws have slowly asphyxiated the once bustling night spot, Hidden Sydney is both an homage and a eulogy to Kings Cross. R.I.P.

Hidden Sydney: The Glittering Mile is at World Bar to 9 Oct.