If you love magic, then the 2016 Melbourne Magic Festival will blow your mind. Running for 13 days from 27 June – 9 July, the festival is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. This year, the sixth edition will feature over 55 different shows from the best national and international magicians.
Watch your favourite performer, be amazed by unexpected magic tricks in the Best of the Magic Festival or even learn to do them yourself in the festival’s numerous workshops.
Not sure what to attend? No worries. We’ve have brought you our top picks.
- Max Maven (8:15pm, 5 – 9 July)
Described by Orson Welles as ‘the most original mind in magic’, Max Maven has conquered over three dozen countries throughout his career. The Hollywood star’s magic show goes beyond boundaries. The New York Times has gone as far as stating that his work ‘veers into conceptual art’, so it is an event not to be missed. - Nicholas J. Johnson – ‘Deceptology’ (7:15pm; 28 June – 2 July)
If you are into science, this is the show you want to go to. Con man Nicholas J. Johnson has worked with leading neuroscientists around the world to reveal the psychological and neurological secrets of illusion. - Cath Jamison (9:15pm, 7-9 July)
Let Australia’s multi-award illusionist take you in a conjuring journey through the paranormal. Blending eerie insights with comedy, Cath delves deep into your mind while giving a hell of a fun performance. Let’s face it — she probably knows whether you are going before you do. - John Archer (8:15pm, 28 June – 02 July)
John has been a top-notch magician for 28 years. Straight out of the U.K., he has been named the ‘British Magical Champion of Comedy’ and was awarded a BAFTA at the Children’s BAFTA Awards in 2013. - Workshops & Lectures
If you would like to go behind the scenes and learn how these performers do their amazing tricks, then don’t miss out on the Festival’s numerous workshops and lectures. There is something for everyone and no previous experience is necessary, so go ahead and book!
Nicholas J. Johnson
The Melbourne Magic Festival was created in 2008 by the Australian Institute of Magic with the objective of dazzling Melburnians while giving renowned and emerging artists a chance to perform. Why not take a time to feed your inner child some startling wonders?
– Lourdes
Lourdes Zamanillo is a Mexican journalist that recently moved to Australia to study a Master’s in Sustainable Tourism. She loves words, travelling, and (above all) feeling surprised.
The Melbourne Magic Festival runs 27 June to 9 July at the Northcote Town Hall. Buy tickets now.
The venue is accessible.
