Kings Cross’ Wonderland bar to host The Great Gatsby theatre experience

A popular bar in Kings Cross has been transformed into a roaring 20s “movie set” and will play host to an immersive theatre and bar experience. See the photos.

A trip back in time to the roaring twenties has breathed new life into an iconic Kings Cross bar, forced to close due to Sydney’s lockout laws.

World Bar on Bayswater Rd has reopened as Wonderland bar and will play host to The Great Gatsby immersive theatre experience, opening this week.

Jay Gatsby’s world of glitz and glam awaits audience members as they step in to the live adaptation of F Scott Fitzgerald’s jazz-age tale.

Alicia Rose Quinn and Zoe McLennan from the new Great Gatsby immersive theatre experience. Picture: Brendan de la Hay

It seems apt that it take place in the heart of Kings Cross, which used to be Sydney’s party district.

“Its like being on set of a movie. The audience members are a part of the action. They are the extras. They get to go to Gatsby’s parties rather than watch them,” said producer Aaron Robuck.

To replicate a Gatsby party, Roebuck said the alcohol served at the venue had to be appropriate and all bar staff had to perfect the art of a martini.

The Great Gatsby theatre experience at Wonderland bar.

The Great Gatsby theatre experience at Wonderland bar.

Leonardo DiCaprio playing the role of Jay Gatsby in Baz Luhrmann’s film.

“The story is set in the renaissance of alcohol in America and we’ve replaced that in our bar menu,” said Robuck, adding a Moscow Mule is served in a brown paper bag.

“It’s a replica of what would be served in 1922 but in 2022.”

The Great Gatsby theatre experience at Wonderland bar.

World Bar and Candy's night clubs were up for sale in October 2019. Picture: Adam Yip

Burlesque former Alicia Quinn plays the character of Myrtle Wilson. She says the show combines the elements of a great night at a bar, with live entertainment.

“We’ve been only watching out screens for two years, so it’s actually quite emotional to surrounded by people again. The production is a taste for all the senses, the stomach, the eyes and the soul.”

Robuck believes in the wake of Covid, immersive theatre will bring audiences back to the arts. “It’s reinventing the theatre experience. You’re not sitting down in an auditorium for three hours.”

World Bar was forced to shut in 2019 after a loss of trade due to Sydney’s lockout laws.