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The Purple Onion was a drag venue and night club located at 83 Anzac Parade Kensington, Sydney. It operated from early 1962 to 1973 and was a popular underground venue that attracted a diverse range of people from local gays to international artists.

History

The Purple Onion was opened in 1962 by Dormie McIver, drag performer Rose Jackson and others. It was one of several queer venues that emerged in Sydney in the 1960s, along with The Annexe and the Jewel Box in Kings Cross and Kandy's Garden of Eden Koffee House in Newtown. In 1964, Dormie sold the venue to Kandy Johnson who brought over his performers and shows from Kandy's Garden. Kandy's mother, who was the door person at the Kandy's, continued in this role at The Purple Onion.

Performances

The shows featured burlesque performances, drag performances and satire that referenced current events and political figures. Some of the artistes who appeared at the venue included Black Lesley, Beatrice, Ayesha, Robyn and Pencil Vania amongst others. Some of the shows were legendary, such as Beatrice's "The Sound of Mucus" and "A Streetcar named Beatrice".