Review: Kings Cross' Immersive History Experience HIDDEN SYDNEY - THE GLITTERING MILE Returns for VIVID KX

Saturday 27th May 2017, 6pm, Mansion Lane (Rear of World Bar), Kings Cross

Following a successful Premiere season in September 2016 (reviewed by Brodie Paparella), HIDDEN SYDNEY - THE GLITTERING MILE returns as part of VIVID KX, giving those that missed out on the earlier seasons, the chance to experience this glimpse into Kings Cross' colourful history.

The premise of the 90 minute performance is that the audience is transported through time to bear witness to Kings Cross' hedonistic and dangerous past before it was cleaned up with lockout laws and became a popular postcode for young families. Groups on timed bookings are guided through the historic 4 storey Victorian Terrace house (note: that also means stairs, no lift access) that was once home to THE NEVADA, Baywater Road's most infamous brothel, and are treated to a range of stories and experiences from colourful characters from the 50's to the 80's with varying degrees of audience involvement.

Over the seasons this immersive theatre experience has been updated with new casts and modifications to the storyline and reduction in audience engagement but essentially remains as per the original concept that writers Trevor Ashley, Ray Badran, Nikki Britton, Benito Di Fonzo presented in 2016, with additional input from Phil Scott. Lucas Jervies has remained as director over the various seasons ensuring continuity of the show as key performers changed due to availability.

Of note in this season are Lucy Goleby's endearingly sassy portrayal of the 'Lady of the Night' prepping her 'hostesses' (the audience) for the evening shift which included lining them up for the Corrupt Detective (Paul Dowson) to inspect the merchandise with hilarious response, and to ultimately take his pick of the crop. Caleb Jago-Ward's glimpse into the glamorous and complex life of a Les Girl is fabulous in its sequined campness and crassness and his duet, composed by Ben Fink, with the Bum (Gerard Carroll) is delightful. Dash Kruck's charmingly cheesy turn as the somewhat bitter Graham Kennedy, relegated from television to host international celebrities at the Silver Spade nightclub is a fun finish to the night.

Whilst this work is predominantly presented with the audience witnessing events unfolding, it does rely on a degree of audience involvement and awareness of what is going on around them, for instance being prepared to move when they see a character making a beeline for the bench behind them. The early timeslot reviewed may have something to do with the willingness of the audience, predominantly more mature and decidedly sober, to engage with the characters which did lead to a more subdued experience even with the performers attempts to encourage participation. To really experience the work at its full potential maybe pick a later timeslot, grab a group of friends, get dolled up, have a few drinks (and order one for when you arrive at the Silver Spade Nightclub) and be prepared to immerse yourself in the experience and really discover HIDDEN SYDNEY - THE GLITTERING MILE.

HIDDEN SYDNEY - THE GLITTERING MILE

Mansion Lane, (Rear of The World Bar) Kings Cross

25 MAY - 18 JUNE 2017

All tickets $50.00 plus transaction fee

Book at Ticketmaster here?

Dates and rotation times: (One rotation is 90 mins, no interval) ?

Wednesday - Thursday: 6:30pm, 7pm, 7:30pm, 8:15pm

Friday - Saturday: 6pm, 6:30pm, 7pm, 7:30pm, 8:15pm

Sunday - 4:30pm, 5pm, 7pm, 7:30pm

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