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Picture this: neon lights wrap around the outside of a venue, once you walk in, you're transported to a Japanese bar, one that you'd find down an unknown alleyway, where magic unfolds right before your eyes (and sometimes even in your hands), complemented by cocktails delivered right to your seat.
Welcome to Maho Magic Bar, the Adelaide Fringe favourite that keeps audiences coming back again and again.
I’ve been to Maho a couple of times before, so I thought I knew what I was walking into. Oh, how wrong I was.
This year’s lineup features an entirely new cast of magicians, each bringing their own fresh tricks, sleight of hand, and electric energy to the table (literally). Whether you’re a Maho newbie or a returning guest, it’s a whole new experience... which, honestly, is the perfect excuse to go more than once.
Magic, Mischief & Boozy Delights
The moment you step inside, you’re transported to a magic little slice of Tokyo - with moody lighting, fun décor, and an atmosphere surrounded in mystery and mischief.
A Touch of Tokyo in Adelaide
Love magic? This is the ultimate close-up magic experience - you’re inches from the action, and trust me, it’s mind-blowing.
Love cocktails? The drink menu is chefs kiss perfection.
Love a bit of Fringe mischief? Maho Magic Bar is a high-energy, immersive, and totally unique night out.
Whether it’s your first time or your third, Maho Magic Bar is always full of surprises. And honestly? I might just have to go again.
Have you been to Maho Magic Bar? Let me know what your favourite trick was!
I’ve been to Maho a couple of times before, so I thought I knew what I was walking into. Oh, how wrong I was.
This year’s lineup features an entirely new cast of magicians, each bringing their own fresh tricks, sleight of hand, and electric energy to the table (literally). Whether you’re a Maho newbie or a returning guest, it’s a whole new experience... which, honestly, is the perfect excuse to go more than once.
Magic, Mischief & Boozy Delights
The moment you step inside, you’re transported to a magic little slice of Tokyo - with moody lighting, fun décor, and an atmosphere surrounded in mystery and mischief.
There are about 5 magicians in total, plus a bartender, who you will all see throughout the night. You sit at your table within the venue, and each magician spends around 10 minutes performing their own kind of magic in front of you to enjoy. Each magician brings a different talent, keeping you on your toes for the entire show. There are card tricks, objects that appear where you never expected them to, floating magic lights, magic marks that appear on guests, and yes, even bread magic (yum).
Between the performances at your table, there are intermission shows that each magician plays a part in. From pulling guests up to limbo, to guests trying to replicate magic tricks for free drinks, to guests having their own special meal made for them - the fun carries on in every moment you are there.
And let’s talk about the drinks. This is part bar, part show- with a curated menu of Japanese-inspired cocktails and spirits that can be delivered directly to your seat. No standing in lines. No missing the action. Just magic and mixology. There is also a secret special menu from in which you can order from, and can lead you to being brought up to join in on the intermission fun!
And let’s talk about the drinks. This is part bar, part show- with a curated menu of Japanese-inspired cocktails and spirits that can be delivered directly to your seat. No standing in lines. No missing the action. Just magic and mixology. There is also a secret special menu from in which you can order from, and can lead you to being brought up to join in on the intermission fun!
After the show, we stepped out into the VIP after show set up (thank you again, Cassie from Beyoung PR!), where we were treated to soju shaken cocktails, sushi platters, and a chance to chat with the cast. Talk about a five-star Fringe experience!
One of the magicians we met had just arrived from Japan last week and told us how much he loved Adelaide’s natural beauty. It was such a lovely reminder of how special our city is and how we’re surrounded by nature, even in the heart of the CBD.
One of the magicians we met had just arrived from Japan last week and told us how much he loved Adelaide’s natural beauty. It was such a lovely reminder of how special our city is and how we’re surrounded by nature, even in the heart of the CBD.
My Post-Show Chat with Anthony Scaffidi
This time, I brought along one of my besties, Anthony, who was experiencing Maho for the first time. So, of course, I had to grab him for a post-show chat.
This time, I brought along one of my besties, Anthony, who was experiencing Maho for the first time. So, of course, I had to grab him for a post-show chat.
His favourite trick? A mind-blowing card trick that matched the exact time to the millisecond. One of those "HOW DID HE DO THAT?!" moments that left him in shock.
His thoughts on order to table cocktails? “I’m never opposed to drinks being delivered to my seat.” (Same, Anthony. Same.)
Overall highlights? The intermission shows between table performances - each magician had their own unique style, making every moment feel fresh and exciting.
His thoughts on order to table cocktails? “I’m never opposed to drinks being delivered to my seat.” (Same, Anthony. Same.)
Overall highlights? The intermission shows between table performances - each magician had their own unique style, making every moment feel fresh and exciting.
A Touch of Tokyo in Adelaide
Love magic? This is the ultimate close-up magic experience - you’re inches from the action, and trust me, it’s mind-blowing.
Love cocktails? The drink menu is chefs kiss perfection.
Love a bit of Fringe mischief? Maho Magic Bar is a high-energy, immersive, and totally unique night out.
Whether it’s your first time or your third, Maho Magic Bar is always full of surprises. And honestly? I might just have to go again.
Have you been to Maho Magic Bar? Let me know what your favourite trick was!
4 stars
Maho Magic Bar
Broad Encounters
Thank you to Cassie Young from Be Young PR for the invitation to the show and for the free tickets to attend the event.