Spooky new addition to Mackay's CBD comes with a twist

The owners of this haunting new bar quit their days jobs to pursue their love of singing and theatre

Haunt Mackay owners Debbie and Stuart Read. Picture: Rainee Shepperson

A FLASHY, fun, theatrical bar will soon be open to the public.

Haunt Mackay will offer cabaret shows, karaoke and a spooky atmosphere like no other.

Owners Debbie and Stuart Read are excited about launching a space that will encompass their passion for theatre.

BUSINESS GOAL: Haunt Mackay owners Debbie and Stuart Read have realised a long held goal. Picture: Rainee Shepperson

The couple, who met at the old Kate O'Reilly bar where Haunt is now located, quit their jobs a year ago to begin studying a Bachelor of Theatre at CQUniversity.

"I was an electrician and Stuart was a long distance truck driver, but we both love singing and theatre and already owned an entertainment company," Mrs Read said.

"Studying theatre was something we both wanted to do and opening a cabaret bar had always been our dream. It's actually crazy how everything has fallen into place."

On August 14 - the Read's ninth wedding anniversary - the lease was signed for the bar.

It was a fitting anniversary gift for both Debbie and Stuart.

Haunt Mackay is about to open on Sydney St. Picture: Contributed

"This bar is really special to us because we met here, so to now open our business here is just a surreal feeling," Mr Read said.

"We have been working really hard cleaning the place up and preparing the stage. We plan to hold our first theatre dinner show on Halloween."

Haunt Mackay will be open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 6pm to midnight for karaoke.

Three times a year Haunt will offer a cabaret/theatre show that will run for six weeks at a time. The show will involve a sit-down meal.

"The show will involve burlesque, comedy, singing and dancing and tickets are already on sale for our first event," Mrs Read said.

"We can only fit about 30-50 people for the show, so it's quite an intimate evening.

"All of our performers are local. We are fully cast for our first show but we are open to new performers in the future."

Haunt Mackay in Sydney St will open on September 13. For more information and to purchase tickets for the theatre show, visit www.hauntmackay.com.au

Originally published as Spooky new addition to Mackay's CBD comes with a twist