While we cannot travel to Japan just yet, it's been lovely to see a piece of Japan come to us this Adelaide Fringe season!
Maho Magic Bar has been a stand-out at the Garden for a few years now with their neon-lit bar that is stationed not too far from the iconic ferris wheel of the space. A sense of curiosity has loomed for a while, where it is difficult to decipher what happens within, which is why I had made it a personal mission to get into that bar this time around.
After getting to the spot a bit earlier than the show time and enjoying a drink (or two) at their bar outside, walking into the bar immerses its audiences into a subtly hazy atmosphere that is adorned in cherry blossom petals, hanging paper lanterns, and purple lights (to name a few). Welcomed and hosted by Johnny Balance, what follows is an hour of drinks, magic tricks, and moments of hilarity and awe that is sure to put you in a good mood as the night travels along.
With a team of five magicians (Shohgo Yamashita, Kaori Kitazawa, Sarito, Jonny, and Jonio) on rotation throughout the little stations within the bar, audiences are spoilt for choice with the variety of acts that take centre stage and are one-of-a-kind with each magician's insane talents. Think of it as following a speed dating-style service, where you are exposed to the skills of each individual in short and quick bursts. While the magic unfolds before you, you are also encouraged to purchase drinks from their traditional menu or alternatively buy a drink from their special menu, which results in a bonus act that may or may not involve your participation in it!
While we see the more traditional acts around card tricks, it is the impressionable acts such as inserting a nail up the nose, swallowing a balloon and taking it out in one piece, finding coins in the most unusual of places on one's body, and unveiling a whole bunch of items that you wouldn't think could be easily hidden in one's beard that truly whisk you away into a state of disbelief and wonder. Throughout this 'show', there is a comforting constant across all magicians, who are able to easily connect with the audiences and encourage them to trust the process, as they push you out of your comfort zone throughout this multi-sensory experience. Each magician also demonstrates an eccentric form of flair via their personality that is intoxicating and cheeky in nature and adds to the 'fun' aspect of this show.
Maho Magic Bar offers its audiences with a sense of (much-needed) escapism, where once you're in the bar, reality is left at the door and surrealism takes its place in exciting and exuberant forms. The show also provides a solid hour of entertainment through its acts that will defy all logic and leave you wanting more. Oh and don't be shy to stock up on their sake-infused cocktails that go down a real treat (and help you deal with the craziness that transpires throughout the show). Be prepared to get a bit silly in this show and make sure you get the full experience that this magical little nook has on offer, before the Fringe season ends for another year.