Surry Hills Revels in the Shadows of Its Past with Unique Performance Series

“Sly Groggin’ with Kate Leigh the Gangster Queen,” an event series, is set to captivate audiences with spellbinding intimate performances, plunging them into the heart of the infamous history of Surry Hills.

This immersive experience will run from Saturday, 20 April 2024, until Saturday, 11 May 2024, at Jazzy Cafe Bar on Devonshire Street, a venue steeped in history. The site is the former residence of Kate Leigh, the most notorious gangster queen of Surry Hills. Ms Leigh operated her sly grog business from this location until her later years.

Jazzy Cafe Bar in Surry Hills — *Photo Credit: Jazzy Cafe Bar/Google Maps*

“Sly Groggin’ with Kate Leigh the Gangster Queen” promises to transport attendees back to the turbulent 1920s and ’30s of Surry Hills, offering a glimpse into the life of Ms Leigh and her associates, Snowy “Magic Gingers” Mackenzie and Bludger “Banjo Playing” McGurk.

Guests are invited to knock on the door of Ms Leigh’s illegal bar, entering a world where the lines between law and crime blur. The intimate setting of Jazzy Cafe Bar, limited to 20 attendees per session, ensures a personal experience with true stories about Ms Leigh and her cohorts.

Kate Leigh Surry Hills — *Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons*

The narrative focuses on their exploits during the Depression era, highlighting Surry Hills’ transformation from a destitute neighbourhood to its present-day refined character.

The event is a storytelling session and a social gathering where guests can meet at shared tables. Upon arrival, guests will be served an antipasto plate and desserts will be served during the interval. This format encourages interaction among attendees, making the experience more communal.

Surry Hills’ history as a haven for criminals in the early 20th century, with large Catholic families living in cramped conditions and a proliferation of illegal activities, sets the backdrop for this performance. The series aims to educate and entertain by highlighting a pivotal time in the suburb’s past, making history accessible and engaging through the arts.

For more details, reservations, and inquiries, interested parties can reach out via phone at (02) 8034 4036, email at snazzy@jazzycafebar.com.au, or visit the official site.

Published 10-April-2024