An array of cocktails, mocktails and sleight of hand at close quarters, with some hijinks and a party atmosphere to boot. That is what in store for you when you step into the Japanese Magic Bar experience. As you order your drinks, seated at five “stations” – a table and four bars – five magicians razzle dazzle you with their mind-bending repertoire of illusions. One after another, you get a few minutes with each, before they move on to the next group. And then there is a mixologist at another bar who also has a trick or two up his sleeve.
This is magic up close and personal, involving cards, Rubik’s cubes, a tiny nut and bolt, and thumb cuffs, performed directly in front of you. Fashion-forward Shirayuri has spent time at The Magic Castle in Hollywood and likes creating mischief on Japanese television. Wambi has an arsenal of hardware props and can usually be found at a famed underground Japanese magic bar.
Kaori Kitazawa’s father loved magic while she was growing up, although she was sceptical. Now all that has changed and she is shaking up gender stereotypes in a typically male dominated domain. E.O. Lee is a cheeky hustler with a kooky style. AXE is a sleight of hand mixologist, who serves drinks with performance flair. The MC, Jonathan, is also a magician, who has worked across cabaret, theme park shows, children’s entertainment, musicals and television.
In addition to the table illusions, there are several “special menu items” involving the full line up of magicians and few audience volunteers. These tricks, combined with some shenanigans, are given names, such as Nippon Knockout, Banana Bandit, Call Their Bluff, Shinjuku Nights and Prison Break. All of this is a wild, contemporary spin on magic tradition that dates back to Japan’s Edo period.
It has been put together by the Broad Encounters’ team, which is big on interactive theatrical experiences. Maho Magic Bar makes for a fun night out, which is decidedly outside the ordinary. It is a convivial environment from the get go, as the performers and staff want you to have a good time. The surprises and interactive elements are what give it spark.
My only concern is that, at times, the music playing in the background made it difficult to hear what the illusionists directly in front of you were saying. In other words, balancing “the noise” was a challenge. Nevertheless, there is no doubting the ability of the fine exponents of their craft in an intimate setting. Each show last just over an hour.
At this stage, you can buy tickets to Maho Magic Bar at Spiegel Haus Melbourne (217 Lonsdale Street) until 15th February, 2026. For bookings, go to https://www.spiegelhausmelb.com/events/maho-magic-bar
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Circus of Illusion (touring) – theatre review
- The Illusionists: Direct from Broadway
- Penn & Teller 50th Anniversary Tour (touring) – theatre review
Alex First is the editor of The Blurb. Alex is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He also contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.
