This is the third year for the successful MAHO Magic Bar in the Garden of Unearthly Delights. The room is set up like the magic bars in alleyways in Tokyo. Many of the show’s performers work or even own one of these magic bars, which is what makes the experience so authentic.

While waiting for entry, an outside bar serves Japanese-style cocktails, which can also be ordered inside. Inside, are four “bars”, two on each side wall with a large table in the centre to cater for the overflow of patrons. Each bar seats around a dozen patrons, and it is a couple of rows deep, with the bar staff behind. The lighting and decorations make it feel as authentic Japanese as a tent inside an Australian festival can be.

During the evening, each “bar” is treated to a roving troupe of magicians whose speciality is close-up magic. Wandi is Japan’s only Harry Potter and has a fast-paced routine. Sawaka comes from a family line of magicians and is the boss of the place. E.O. Lee is the Conjurer of cheekiness and gets points for his playful demeanour.  Ryu is a master of wonder and is a master of deception.

All of the magic tricks presented are closely scrutinised and filmed, yet the illusions were funny and almost unbelievable. Whether it was a bag of vegemite that disappeared, or a mark on a patron’s hand that moved to another, their tricks were diverse and fresh. Each magician has their own arsenal of tricks to choose from.

In between acts, there were larger performances that included the whole audience, with a “volunteer” at centre stage. It was all good fun, with the audience sometimes being in on the joke. It’s fast-paced and energetic during the whole show. Perhaps the only gripe is that the room was packed with people, making it raucous and noisy and a little hard to hear the magicians when they were performing. After the show is over, the cast all line up outside for photos and chats.

To sum up though, the MAHO Magic Bar is a fun and intriguing taste of the magic from the streets of Tokyo in the heart of the Fringe.