Following sold-out seasons in Sydney, Adelaide and Darwin, the neon-lit Maho Magic Bar is speeding into Melbourne CBD as fast as the Shinkansen.
Part of City Of Melbourne’s Dusk Till Dawn programme, Maho Magic Bar will be nestled in bustling Chinatown and play host to a quintessential Tokyo night out filled with mischief, mayhem, cocktails and laughter. The very best of Japan’s sleight-of-hand specialists will perform exclusive magic shows at attendees’ tables, but before that, attendees can order a drink from the bespoke bar menu.
“Maho Magic Bar is the epitome of what our Dusk Till Dawn Activation Grants are about – lighting up Melbourne’s streets after dark and giving Melburnians and visitors even more reason to enjoy the city’s night-time offerings," Lord Mayor Sally Capp says. "We’re looking forward to seeing Maho Magic Bar illuminate our Chinatown precinct – bringing waves of visitors to the area, boosting traffic and spend for local traders.”
Maho Magic Bar is created by immersive experience trailblazers Broad Encounters. It’s a superstar line-up of Japan’s best magicians including Shirayuri, the pin-up boy pioneer whose tricks come with a debonair storytelling twist; Kaori Kitazawa delivering intricate kawaii illusions; Rika, a master prop manipulator who incorporates traditional Japanese fans and umbrellas, and enigmatic hypnotist Ryota.
Image © Mike King
The performers are joined by master mixologist Jun Nakamura.
“I wanted to showcase Japan’s electric energy here in Australia and give audiences an experience unlike anything they have had before,” Broad Encounters Creative Director Kirsten Siddle says. “Seeing close-up magic really does inspire awe. The sheer skill, finesse and charisma of these master magicians is intoxicating. People can indulge in the ultimate, hedonistic night out in Tokyo without even leaving Melbourne.”
As for the ‘bar’ portion of the event, guests can try a curated selection of premium Japanese libations, including sake from three regions, famed whiskies, shochu and rare spirits such as umeshu, a refreshing Japanese liqueur made from an infusion of sweet plums and green tea. Those feeling a little adventurous can even order from the ‘special menu’. . . Offering a surprise magic trick which will be performed to the whole room.
Maho Magic Bar is on at 19 Celestial Avenue (Melbourne) from 14 September.
