Maho Magic Bar has become an established venue in the Garden of Unearthly Delights, with it’s distinctive neon exterior. With this year’s magician line up including some old favourites and some new faces, expect amazing and creative magic tricks, a cozy, otherworldly atmosphere, and exceptional drinks.

The format of the show creates a participatory atmosphere. You won’t be watching a show, you’ll be immersed in a show. Feeling like you’re in a bar in Tokyo, seated at one of four bars or a central table, the magicians come to you. Each has their own personal flair and impressive magic tricks, performed right in front of you. There’s no room for error, and yet every trick leaves you thinking “how did they do that??”. This year, our junior reviewer sat to the side of the bar, hoping to discover some behind the scenes magic skills, and she still couldn’t figure out how they managed their impressive sleight of hand feats.

Special menu magic trick orders are available, and these performances occur in the centre, in front of the highly skilled bartender who keeps the show moving with her cocktail shaker juggling skills and a few tricks of her own. There is plenty of audience participation in all of these performances.

Maho Magic Bar adjusts their performances to ensure a family-friendly experience. Shows before 4pm are considered suitable for children aged six years and over with parental supervision, and shows after 4pm are considered suitable for children aged twelve years and over. We’ve attended both session types over the last few years, and the only real difference between the two is some swearing and some double entendres (that fly over kids’ heads anyway) in the evening shows. Use your discretion with your own family, but note that no matter which session you attend, the magic tricks, humour, and atmosphere will remain the same.

Drinks are available to order during the show, and there are plenty of kid-friendly options. We recommend sparkling Fuji apple juice or the classic Japanese softdrink Ramune. Snacks are also available, and bowls of spicy dried peas are complimentary. Note the peas are quite spicy, and not necessarily a good option for kids to try.