Events at Tokyo Sing Song, Newtown

About Tokyo Sing Song

Tokyo Sing Song is a compact underground nightclub beneath the Marlborough Hotel (the “Marly”) at 145 King Street, Newtown (seatgeek.com). Since opening in late 2013, it’s earned a reputation as an eccentric late-night spot – today it’s often called a “King Street institution” (concreteplayground.com). The venue holds around 150 people (sesh.sx), creating an intimate club experiences. Its theme is deliberately theatrical: reviewers note an aesthetic of “darkness and intrigue,” with a foil-draped stage flickering in red, blue and white light (concreteplayground.com). The decor is a “mishmash of Japanese Pachinko parlour… and the diviest bar your filthy mind could imagine” (www.timeout.com), mixing Tokyo kitsch and dive-bar grunge. Even the drink menu is quirky – for example, it serves canned “poptails” named “Mount Fuji” or “Giddy Geisha” (concreteplayground.com). In 2017 new owners (Solotel) refreshed the club: they expanded the dancefloor and stage area and installed a high-end Pioneer XY sound system (concreteplayground.com) (marlboroughhotel.com.au). Despite the upgrade, it still feels like an offbeat underground lair. City media have praised Tokyo Sing Song for its anything-goes vibe – “after midnight… pretty much anything can happen” from drag to live bands (concreteplayground.com) – and for being “one of the city’s most inclusive” nightlife venues (www.broadsheet.com.au). In short, Tokyo Sing Song stands out for its blend of neon-lit Tokyo décor, pumping sound, and creative, anything-can-happen energy in the heart of Newtown.

Events and Programming

Tokyo Sing Song hosts regular late-night events, primarily on weekends. The club doesn’t promote a fixed style itself; instead it partners with various promoters and collectives. The Marlborough Hotel’s website advertises that Friday and Saturday nights there cover “techno, dubstep, trance, drum & bass” each month (marlboroughhotel.com.au). In practice, music ranges widely — from hard techno and acid house to disco, D&B and experimental electronic. For instance, local crew “Ricardo’s” took up Friday residencies in 2017, bringing DJs from Sydney and interstate (concreteplayground.com). Weekly promoter series like Picnic and Allfriends’ Basement throw themed dance parties: one Allfriends event mixed gritty acid and tribal techno with a Pioneer sound system and laser light show (ra.co). The club has also hosted performances of other genres – drag shows, cabaret, even live bands – keeping true to its “anything can happen” ethos (concreteplayground.com) (wanderlog.com). In 2019 the venue ran a special FBi Radio “Dance Class” program, where female, trans and non-binary DJs trained and then took over Thursday nights (happymag.tv). These kinds of community events (women’s DJ workshops, queer dance nights like Comfy Grrrl) are part of Tokyo Sing Song’s identity. Practically every weekend offers at least one or two events. Sets typically run very late – most parties start around 10–11pm and often go until sunrise (for example a techno night in 2022 went 10pm–4am (ra.co)). Ticket prices depend on the show: many small local DJ nights are either free early (pay later) or have a low cover charge. For example a “Dance! Dance! Dance!” event had free entry until 10:30pm and a $20 cover after (ra.co). Major promoted events may have advance tickets up to $20–30. In short, expect a steady stream of club nights with cutting-edge DJs on weekends, plus occasional theme parties, holiday events or guest performances thrown in. Fans follow the club’s social feeds and Sydney gig sites to track the eclectic lineup – past events have included everything from local underground acts to touring electronic artists.

Tickets and Booking

Tokyo Sing Song does not have its own ticket booth; shows are typically ticketed by promoters. Advance tickets (often via online outlets or the Marlborough Hotel’s site) can sell out quickly. Cover charges are generally modest. For instance, one recent club event was advertised as free before 10:30pm and $20 after (ra.co). Many attendees simply pay at the door – if a show isn’t sold out, you can arrive early, join the queue and purchase entry on arrival. Doors usually open well before the main act: in general, the gate is open 1–2 hours prior to start time (seatgeek.com). (A SeatGeek guide notes that Tokyo Sing Song’s doors often open about 90–120 minutes ahead of events (seatgeek.com).) If tickets are available, you can often pick them up from the door staff or from the Marlborough Hotel’s front bar. Some events run on strictly limited-capacity (as low as ~150 people (sesh.sx)), so a smart strategy is to buy as soon as tickets are announced or arrive early on the night. Keep in mind there is separate cover for Tokyo Sing Song events – even if you’re at the Marlborough’s upstairs bar, you need a Tokyo Sing Song ticket/cover to go downstairs. In summary: buy online early for big-name acts, or plan to pay cash/card at the door for club nights. Check Tokyo Sing Song’s official pages or promoter newsletters for exact sale dates and presales, and note that many nights have tiered pricing (e.g. cheaper early-bird tickets or free entry before a cutoff).

Seating and Layout

Tokyo Sing Song is essentially one large bar/dance space with no reserved seating. The main floor is general admission standing room around a central dance area in front of a DJ booth or stage. Along the perimeter are some bench-style booths and tall tables (described by reviewers as old-school vinyl booths (concreteplayground.com)) but these fill up fast on busy nights. For best views of the DJs or performers, go toward the front of the crowd; farther back you can still clearly hear the excellent PA system (the club’s Pioneer XY rig) (marlboroughhotel.com.au). There is also a small secondary room or hidden dance area off to one side (www.timeout.com), so you can sometimes retreat there for a break. Since capacity is small (~150 (sesh.sx)), even spots well off to the side are not far from the music. There are no VIP roped-off sections – it’s one democratic dancefloor. Acoustically, the space was redesigned in 2017: the stage was enlarged and audio tuned for greater clarity (concreteplayground.com). In practice, that means the sound is crisp anywhere in the room. Avoid the very back corner if you need to hear DJs clearly; otherwise any standing position works. In short, Tokyo Sing Song is a straight-up standing/nightclub layout. If you want to sit, arrive early to grab a booth seat or stools along the wall. Note also that the ceiling is fairly low and the room dark – this adds to the intimate feel, but it can get crowded. No seat offers a unique advantage over another except proximity to the action: the party vibe is meant to be shared on the dancefloor.

Getting There and Parking

Tokyo Sing Song’s address is 145 King Street, Newtown (Basement of the Marlborough Hotel) (seatgeek.com). Newtown Station (Illawarra/T2 line) is the closest train stop – from there it’s roughly a 10-12 minute walk east down King Street. Multiple bus routes run along King Street (for example, Sydney Buses 422, 423, 426, 430 and others connect Newtown with the CBD and eastern suburbs). At night the N70 NightRide bus runs down King Street between Town Hall and Newtown. If you’re coming by taxi or rideshare, simply ask for the Marlborough Hotel – the Tokyo Sing Song entrance is on King St near the Abercrombie corner (ra.co). Parking in Newtown is limited: on-street meters line King Street and nearby side streets (many are 2P or 4P during the day). After about 6pm most street parking becomes free; however spaces still fill up on busy nights. The nearest public car park is the Secure Parking “Newtown Central” lot at 328–330 King St (www.secureparking.com.au) (a few blocks east). Otherwise drivers often park in side streets around King (checking local signs) or at private lots in Erskineville. In general, public transit is most reliable for late nights. If you drive and stay late, be mindful of the 2am–4am no-parking restrictions that apply on King Street itself. For accessibility by foot, King Street is flat, but note that Tokyo Sing Song’s entrance is down a staircase, so wheelchair access is not available (see Accessibility below).

Inside the Venue

Inside Tokyo Sing Song you’ll find a casual nightclub atmosphere. Enter through the Marlborough Hotel’s ground floor – signage or ask staff to point to the side door into the basement (ra.co). Security may check your bag and ID at the door (Sydney law requires 18+ for drinking venues). There is no formal dress code, but patrons often wear club/go-go attire or creative costumes. Once inside, note the space is dimly lit with neon art and projections on the walls. The bar is on one side – it serves beer, spirits, wine and house cocktails (reviewers mention the popular edamame snack on offer (www.timeout.com)). Restrooms are located on the club level; recently the venue added gender-neutral toilets as part of its inclusive policy (www.broadsheet.com.au). Many people dance on the floor while others hang out at the booths or stools around the edges. The sound and lights switch on early, so there’s usually music ambiance even during opening hours. Don’t expect much mobile phone reception down there, and there’s no public Wi-Fi – plan travel accordingly. Coat check may be minimal or self-serve, so it’s best to travel light. One nice feature: staff are trained for a safe experience, with anti-harassment signage visible (www.broadsheet.com.au). Overall, Tokyo Sing Song feels more like a gritty retro dance club than a traditional theatre – it’s about music and mood. The small space means servers and bar staff are fairly accessible (no long walk to get drinks). If you need to take a call or get some air, you can step back up to the main pub area. In summary, inside the venue expect low ceilings, a loud tight-knit crowd, and a lively late-night party vibe rather than any seating or restaurant-style service.

Nearby Amenities

Tokyo Sing Song sits in the heart of Newtown’s King Street dining-and-nightlife precinct. Readers often arrive early for dinner or drinks nearby. For eating before a show, you’ll be spoiled for choice on King Street within a few blocks. Examples include trendy Thai/Laotian barbecue at Thai Riffic (around 265 King St), hearty fried chicken and burgers at Miss Peaches (38 King St) or Soul Burger (66 King St), and casual pizza or dumplings at local takeaway shops. There are also cafes and bakeries – for coffee and pastries try The Little Marionette (197 King St) or Flour Drum (259 King St). For drinks: the Marlborough Hotel’s own bar is right above Tokyo Sing Song (just go upstairs) and is open late. Other close pubs/bars are The Newtown Hotel (179 King St) and The Saint (on King/Enmore). If you want cocktails or a post-show drink, you can hop to Little Pub (corner Erskineville Rd & King St) or Black Penny Cafe for wine and tapas. There’s no sit-down restaurant in the building, but many eateries on King St stay open until midnight. Public transit back to the city is 24-hour on weekends: the last train from Newtown to downtown usually leaves around 1am, after which NightRide buses (N70) run along King St. If you’re driving or staying late, the nearest hotels are in nearby suburbs – Newtown itself has few hotels. Some visitors book cheap motels or hostels a few blocks north (e.g. Ibis/Novotel near Broadway) or simply return to Sydney CBD (Central Station is only one stop away). Uber and taxis are plentiful and can drop you on King St at the Marlborough entrance, especially after midnight when parking and streets clear.

What Makes This Venue Special

Tokyo Sing Song’s uniqueness comes from the combination of its over-the-top cult style and its open-minded spirit. No two nights feel the same. The decor alone – a permanent “Pachinko parlour meets speakeasy” setting (www.timeout.com) – surprises first-time visitors. City guides note that each month the space has been curiously re-curated by different artists and lighting designers (one launch was decorated by the artist “Duckpond” in silvery theme) (concreteplayground.com). Coupled with that are utterly unpredictable events: it’s been described as “super offbeat entertainment,” where a band or performance artist could share billing with DJs (www.timeout.com). Performances are often wild and irreverent – a reviewer said the venue’s events feature a “general shitload of weird” alongside thoughtfully curated music (www.timeout.com). In short, Tokyo Sing Song is famous as much for its atmosphere as for specific acts. Many artists and clubbers love it for its inclusivity; the venue regularly runs workshops for women and non-binary DJs (in partnership with FBi Radio) and queer-friendly club nights, and it even has unisex bathrooms and trained staff to welcome diverse crowds (happymag.tv) (www.broadsheet.com.au). This commitment to safety and variety sets it apart. Finally, just about every clubgoer in Sydney has at some point mentioned Tokyo Sing Song on a “best nightlife” list or guide – it’s legendary in the city’s underground scene for being raw, mysterious and community-driven. From world-class sound and club lighting to a full disco dance area hidden behind the wall (www.timeout.com) (ra.co), the venue offers both high production value and genuine DIY spirit. All these factors – immersive Tokyo-inspired décor, surprise lineups, cutting-edge sound and a friendly, anything-goes culture – make Tokyo Sing Song a one-of-a-kind destination in Newtown.

Visitor Tips and Information

1. Dress and Belongings: There is no strict dress code, but club attire is common (trendy casual or costumes). Avoid very large coats or backpacks, as space is tight. The venue’s bag policy suggests only small clutches or clear bags (seatgeek.com), and metal detectors or pat-downs are used. Large cameras, tripods or recording gear are prohibited (seatgeek.com) – bring only a phone for photos. ID is mandatory (the Tokyo Sing Song bar enforces 18+ entry). Coat storage is minimal, so plan accordingly.

2. Arrival Time: For popular nights, arrive early. Doors usually open about 90–120 minutes before the advertised start (seatgeek.com), and sometimes the lineup starts earlier than posted. If there’s a free-entry or cheaper early-cutoff deal, coming right at opening gets you the best value. Note that with only ~150 capacity (sesh.sx), late arrival risks being turned away. If tickets are on sale at the door, having cash or card ready can save time.

3. Age and Safety: Tokyo Sing Song is an 18+ venue (no minors). It’s considered a very inclusive space – friendly to LGBTQ+ patrons, women, and anyone – in part because of careful policies (unisex toilets, anti-harassment signage and trained staff (www.broadsheet.com.au)). However, it gets very loud and crowded late at night. Bring earplugs if sensitive to volume. The concrete steps down to the club and dim lighting can be tricky, so watch your step when moving around. If you need a quieter moment, you can pause at the upstairs Marlborough bar or outside on the street.

4. Photography and Recording: Casual phone photos are common, but professional cameras or video devices are not allowed (seatgeek.com). No flash photography during shows. Many events have a strict no-photos rule, so when in doubt just enjoy the live music instead of filming.

5. Weather and Noise: Tokyo Sing Song is entirely indoors in a basement. Rain or cold weather won’t stop it, but bring a jacket you can easily carry, as the dancefloor gets hot. Earplugs can be a lifesaver for sensitive ears in the Pioneer-speaker-powered space. The venue’s sound system is loud and crisp (marlboroughhotel.com.au) – it’s party time, not background music.

6. Getting Around: The club ends very late, so plan your trip home in advance. Trains last stop at Newtown before ~1am; afterwards the N70 night bus services King Street. Rideshare drivers know the Marlborough Hotel; pick-up is easy on King St. If staying out, have a map app handy since connections from Newtown are limited after midnight.

7. Avoid Common Mistakes: Don’t assume carry-in drinks or large bags are OK – security is strict. Also, don’t count on the bar upstairs to cover entry downstairs; you must have a Tokyo Sing Song wristband or ticket to re-enter. If an event allows “standing” only, there are no seats beyond those wall benches. Finally, remember that turnout can be unpredictable: some flyer parties sell out, others are totally free, so double-check the event details for cover charges or age limits. By knowing the entry rules, arriving early and bringing only essentials, you’ll ensure a smooth and fun visit.

Frequently Asked Questions