There are shows that entertain you, and then there are experiences that transport you. Maho Magic Bar, Australia’s favourite neon-lit slice of Tokyo nightlife, is back in Melbourne, and its return is as dazzling as its illusions.
This time Maho has landed in a spectacular new home, the Spiegel Haus Melbourne on Lonsdale Street! Opening up only a month ago, Spiegel Haus is a new two-level entertainment precinct complete with bars, food trucks and now Maho Magic Bar.
The exterior of Maho might promise J-pop chaos and neon mayhem, but the interior reveals a beautiful, sophisticated contrast with soft lanterns, and cascading cherry blossoms.
But the magic is what you’re really here for. This isn’t a show viewed from a distance, as Japan’s superstar sleight-of-hand specialists perform right at your table. We were literally inches from the action, watching world-class magicians work at point-blank range, and yet, figuring out how they did it remained utterly impossible.
Each magician brings their own distinct flair. You might find yourself mesmerised by the sleek style of Shirayuri, a fashion-forward “smooth operator” who honed his craft in Hollywood, or by Wambi, who applies an engineering genius to his tricks, using an arsenal of hardware alongside traditional sleight-of-hand. And then there’s Kaori, who brings pure kawaii charm to break up the male-dominated magic world with superb skill, while E.O. Lee delivers kooky, Harajuku-style hustles that will leave you howling with laughter. Plus, you have AXE who is a truly mind-blowing flair-bartending mixologist who turns making a cocktail into a dazzling performance of its own
The energy is fantastic as the magical masters rotate around the room, meaning every table gets to experience a variety of performers, each with their own kooky personality and jaw-dropping repertoire. Also did we mention there are drinks?!
The entire time, you’re sipping on a perfectly curated menu of premium Japanese cocktails and libations. We recommend trying the Japanese Slipper if you like sweet sips, or the Japanese whisky cocktail if you lean more to the bitter.
Maho Magic Bar is a masterful blend of show and bar, putting a wild, contemporary spin on magic traditions. It’s loud, it’s personal, and it will leave you grinning and questioning your own eyesight. If you’re looking for a night out that is utterly unique, delightfully disorienting, and all magic, this is it.
– Tom
