Jazzy new speakeasy-style The Gatsbys Skyline to swing its doors open in Manjimup

A live music venue with a jazzy twist is set to swing its doors open in Manjimup as the town grows its reputation as an events tourism hub.

Gatsbys Skyline, which will officially launch next Friday, will be the South West’s first ever speakeasy-style cabaret lounge and be a haven for bands, artists, burlesque, comedy and circus.

The venue — on Brockman Street in the heart of Manjimup — has been purpose-built to suit the speakeasy theme and is fit out with a bar, elevated stage, instruments hanging from the ceilings, chandeliers, intricate metal work and dimmed lighting.

Behind the venue is Joy and Greg Hamlyn, who said they left two full-time positions working for the Department of Fire and Emergency Services in Manjimup to pursue their dream to provide the region with a lively venue putting the town on the map.

Events director Greg Hamlyn said to expect a world-class experience with luxury seating, craft beers and cocktails, amazing talent, and incredible sound no matter where you are in the room.

“We recommend buying tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment,” he said, “This over-18s venue designed by Master5design will be sure to amaze.”

Mr Hamlyn said the vision for Gatsbys was eight years in the making and stemmed from conversations they’d had with people within the arts and entertainment industry.

“We wanted to do something for the artists that was going to showcase them and give them the best crack at projecting their skills in a venue that is acoustically designed as well as comfortable,” he said.

Mr Hamlyn said the concept for Gatsbys came together with the combined efforts of their production manager Bryan Retter and his brother John Retter, who are both experienced musicians, and mentor Dan White, musician and events producer.

Mr Hamlyn said when he first saw the space he knew it would make the perfect function centre and music venue.

“In addition to the talented musicians, comics and performers you will see on stage, original Australian artists have been utilised in every facet of the venue’s creation, including artistic design, stone sculpture, metal craft and forgery, wood craftsmanship, painters, and encaustic decoupage artist,” Mr Hamlyn said.

The couple secured $640,000 of Federal funding for Gatsbys Skyline through the RISE Fund which was established to support the arts and entertainment sector to reactivate after COVID restrictions.

“The funding allows us to support original artists for two years and utilise local artists to build the space,” Ms Hamlyn said.

Gatsbys Skyline will open to the public for the first time on next Friday and feature a performance from pop and R’n’B singer Portia, from Zambia. Tickets can be purchased on the venue’s website.