Written by Lily Baxter and Kathers Anderson
4.5/5 stars
From the sold out shows of Sydney, brought to you by Broad Encounters Productions, and returning again for another Adelaide Fringe season, we introduce to you Maho Magic Bar!
Maho Magic Bar will not fail to enliven your night. With its exuberant characters, colourful atmosphere, and delicious drinks, Maho Magic Bar will whisk you away to an unforgettable night set in the backstreet magic bars of Tokyo, full of mysticism and fun.
Residing in the centre of the Garden of Unearthly Delights, Maho Magic Bar is one venue that you can’t miss. We were immediately struck by its dazzling appearance: the front of the venue is adorned with Japanese neon signage, making it the perfect backdrop for a quick Instagram snapshot.
The promise of a night of specialty drinks is soon fulfilled as, upon arriving outside the venue, you are immediately acquainted with the outdoor bar. There, you can start the evening by enjoying drinks, like the Kaori Spritz – a cool complement to the 30 degree adelaide heat.
Okinawa Paradise (L), For Goodness Sake (R): photo by Kathers Anderson
The beverages are made special by the drinks-in-chief of the night, Jun Nakamura, a famous Japanese bartender who does not fail to keep you hydrated and happy throughout the evening. Each audience member is handed a QR code upon entry as a non intrusive method where drinks can be ordered without distracting you from your show
When you are invited to enter the venue, you are greeted to a Japanese style bar with stool seating, mood lighting, and sakura (cherry) blossoms cascading from the ceiling. You are introduced to your host of the night – the energetic, bubbly, and seductive Sho Eba.
Host Sho Eba welcoming the guests: photo by Kathers Anderson
Sho Eba introduces the resident magicians: the trendy Shirayuri, kawaii and clever Kaori Kitazawa, playful Santa Terakado, and the dangerous daredevil Sarito, who station themselves each at one of the four corners of the surrounding bar.
Upon your table, you find a card upon the table where you can purchase a special magic trick, performed by the entire cast. The range is impossible to get through within a single night, which tempts one to return until they can view each and every option on offer.
Throughout the night your table is visited by each of the magicians, pulling out an array of tricks using cards, toys, and misdirection. The close and intimate setting allows the magicians to include all of the audience in their tricks, rather than the select few usually called up from the audience, and encourages a closer rapport between magician and victims guests, and the chances they will interact with you is high, so don’t expect to be able to hide away from their attention.
Santa Terakado and his assistant toy horse: photo by Kathers Anderson
While the air conditioning did drown out some of the voices – something the Director is looking into, the performances, drinks, and table service are on-point.
Unlike the lifespan of the sakura blossom, the Maho Magic Bar’s popularity will not be fleeting, which can be attested to their popularity over their years of residency at the Adelaide Fringe, and I look forward to seeing their return for another year. To all the magicians, organisers, Jun Nakamura, and staff, I hold my glass up high and cheer ‘kanpai’!
On Dit 