The bright neon-lit face of Maho Magic Bar in the Garden of Unearthly Delights has enchanted me for years. Adelaide Fringe Festival 2023 was finally my chance to check out what's inside.
Maho Magic Bar is faithful to the raison d'etre of the Adelaide Fringe Festival - bringing something from another world to town. It's not just another comedy or magic show but it has a vibe all its own. Like something that's on the fringes of mainstream art, right?
Be immersed in a charming piece of Japanese night life, replete with neon lights, cherry blossoms, fans, warm woodwork, and well placed stage lighting and equipment. The crew of magicians pumps the gas when needed to up the octane level with perfect timing. Intimate moments with the magicians at a small bar are perfectly timed with big, loud, brash acts - with booming soundtracks to boot.
Pull up a seat at one of the bars around the room and prepare to get up close and personal with the charismatic collection of Japanese magicians - each with a different flair and personality. Order your drink via QR code and settle in as the magicians rotate between the small bars and everything comes to you. I'd suggest maybe ordering from the menu as early as you can so you've got a drink in hand from the get-go.
The ringleader of the troupe, Sho Eba, is warm and inviting. Sho engages the room instantly and constantly with the careful attention only a flamboyant and confident stage performer can apply.
Sarito's face! The eyes have it with this one - stone cold looks give way to delicate tenderness faster than you can say 'give me a hug'. Language is no barrier when you can communicate without words like Sarito. Santa is like the crazy IT nerd with a penchant for offbeat stuffed toys that somehow perform the illusions alongside him. They make his illusions even more baffling.
Kaori is a charming and cheeky young female magician in a space usually dominated by males. She'll disarm you completely and you'll forget to watch out for where the tricks are coming from.
Shirayuri is somehow slick but also down to earth, funny, and just so Japanese. Everyone loves a good-natured culture exchange and Shirayuri is as good with people as he is with the cards.
This show isn't just about card tricks - though there are plenty of them that'll leave you scratching your head. There'll be illusions and 'special menu' tricks that light up the whole room and make the show more party than performance. There's plenty of participation and the tricks are sometimes selected by the audience. No two shows are the same.
Maho Magic Bar turns five live magic performances into something bigger and something whole. It feels like a real Japanese experience - just not in Japan. These great magicians won't just baffle and mystify you but they'll make you feel grateful for the experience.
Star ratings are cliche. Maho Magic Bar is something different altogether and you should see it.
If you just want a taste test of the fine Japanese spirits served inside, the Maho Magic Mini Bar is open just outside the venue.
You'll find Maho Magic Bar in the Garden of Unearthly Delights during the Adelaide Fringe Festival. Tickets here.