Maho Magic Bar is back at the Adelaide Fringe in 2025, offering a unique, hybridised experience for anyone in the mood for immersion. From the Garden of Unearthly Delights to the heart of Tokyo via a single door, Maho is an intimate magic bar giving guests an up-close view of impressive sleight of hand tricks performed right at your table. The atmosphere is cosy, colourful and if you didn’t know any better, could fool you into thinking you’ve paid for a cover charge seat in Golden Gai.
If you get a chance to visit Maho Magic Bar, be sure to splurge on a front-row seat. It’s less than $10 to make the upgrade and you’ll be certain to experience all the flair and theatrics that make your jaw drop. Sitting just one row back mightn’t seem like a big deal, but considering the tricks are tabletop based, it can be a fine line between missing just enough and too much. As a second-row citizen, I learned this the hard way when I couldn’t figure out why others were gasping with glee.
The magic here is undeniably impressive, with talented performers taking turns around the room to cast a spell over awe-struck patrons. Guests have a chance to watch each performer for around 10 or so minutes, before the bar’s host keeps things moving with a dramatic illusion and rotation. Each magician has their own unique identity, brand, and specialty, allowing for some much-needed variety before things get stale.
The night is kept to schedule by your enthusiastic host, who embodies all of the exuberance and cheerfulness that you would expect from stereotypical Japanese hospitality. Do the atmosphere and characters border on tawdry and overwhelming? Maybe for some. But if you go in with an open mind and taste for cocktails (of which they are plentiful, potent and delicious – at extra cost) you’ll undoubtedly be in for a fun and memorable night out.
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