Stepping into the world of Maho Magic Bar is different to entering a typical Fringe venue, faced with an emptied stage and a grid of seats creating ‘us and them’ space for artists and audience. Instead, the venue is set up inspired by neon-lit backstreets of Tokyo and Osaka. Small groups are invited to sit at one of the five bars in the venue or a centre table where you can order drinks from an in-house bartender, or a special individual magic trick from the magic menu.
This difference is significant for a number of reasons, one being that magic tricks performed on a large stage provide space and distance for deceit and distraction. Sitting within a meter of the magician and seeing the sleight of hand up close renders the magic tricks even more impressive for those who may be slightly or to expose a hint at the truth for an astute and alert skeptic. It also provides for quick chats with other audience members in moments of change between performers, which is nice for those who like to share their experience or drink tips.
Since its debut at the Fringe five years ago, this show has toured extensively, earning a reputation as one of the most requested performances to come to Adelaide. This year, nearly the entire cast is new, but the spirit of the show remains the same: immersive, intimate, and animatiedly energetic.
A charming host welcomes you into the space and introduces you to a group of magicians, each who will share some tricks at the bar at which you are seated. Nicer than changing desks every 20 minutes to match with a new magician. The performers share the warm hospitality Japan is famous for, willing to go out of their way to share their magic, have a chat, pass on your drink order. However, don’t push your luck by asking too many questions—the magicians have a tactful way of deflecting overly inquisitive guests, sometimes with a cheeky “We are out of time” or a playful “No English.” Each has their own style and speciality, and share close-up illusions that are very clear but also very entertaining.
Each bar becomes its own stage, with different magicians performing different tricks at different stations, entwined with an energetic performance for the whole venue, which depending on where you are sitting you might have to wiggle a little to see. From a peek at other bars in the venue, magicians may choose different tricks over the night. This may tempt a return visit.
The drinks are top-notch, and inspired by flavours of Japan.
If you can, grab a front-row seat for an up-close view of the illusions—after all, part of the magic of sleight-of-hand is watching the hands themselves. Maho Magic Bar is an energetic, fun, and immersive experience that blends Japanese hospitality with world-class magic, making it a must-see for Fringe-goers looking for something truly unique.
Tickets available here:
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