Sinful Shepparton offers a rare, raw evening of true-crime storytelling in Geelong, held inside a former gaol at 202 Myers Street, Geelong VIC 3220. The experience puts you close to a man whose life read like a heist thriller: John Killick, now in his eighties, will sit on stage and answer questions about a criminal career spanning more than three decades, including notorious escapes and the audacious helicopter breakout from Silverwater Gaol. Killick’s shift from fugitive to author—he has written six books—frames the night as both confession and oral history.
The venue’s hard-edged features shape the mood: high stone walls, narrow cell windows, iron bars, and the echo of footsteps in corridors that once held prisoners. Seating for up to 80 people turns the space into an intimate forum; a bar opens at 6:30pm to loosen stiff shoulders before the 90-minute program begins. Arrive ten minutes early—gates lock once the event starts. The event is wheelchair accessible, carries a minimum age of 15, and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Expect cold air inside the gaol and dress accordingly; books by John Killick will be available for sale after the talk.
This evening stands out in Geelong’s cultural calendar because it brings first-person storytelling into an authentic, atmospheric setting rather than a conventional theater. For travelers who spend their days on nearby coastal walks, vineyards, or historic sites, Sinful Shepparton offers an after-dark change of pace: gritty local history delivered by someone who lived it. The program balances narrative, reading from Killick’s work, and a live Q&A where curious listeners can press for detail.
Practical details matter: tickets are $35 for adults, groups are limited to 80, and the 90-minute runtime makes this an easy addition to an evening itinerary. Wheelchair access ensures the architecture can be appreciated by most visitors. Bring warm layers, a credit card for book purchases, and a sense of curiosity.
If you’re planning logistics, the meeting point is 202 Myers Street, Geelong VIC 3220; arrive by car, rideshare, or public transit and allow extra time for narrow streets. The evening format—short reading followed by an extended Q&A—encourages conversation at the bar afterward, where attendees compare notes and buy signed copies. Photography is discouraged during the talk; bring a notebook instead. The blend of gritty architecture, an unvarnished speaker, and frank audience dialogue makes Sinful Shepparton a defining Geelong after-dark experience.