Down by the river, behind the Maritime Museum, a little precinct boasts some new immersive experiences for Brisbane.
The eye-popping neon of 'Maho Magic Bar' dominates the space, transforming the hidden nook into downtown Tokyo. Bright orange koi fish, a lucky waving cat, a bonsai tree and cocktails are all lit up in fluoro rainbow colours, all over the little theatre. An outdoor bar area completes the vibe, a place to sip cocktails and munch on sushi while you wait to be ushered into the Magic Bar itself.
Once inside, you are assaulted by punk kawaii-ness. The half-dozen or so magicians are dressed in a blend of traditional ornaments, and goth-hipster chic. Fake cherry blossoms hang from the ceiling, lanterns line one wall, and miniature bars cover the others. It is dark with violet lighting, exuding a very cool vibe.
Spica the host opens the show, introducing all the magicians. The format is that guests are seated at the bars, and the performers rotate around, performing their specific tricks for each group. You can order both cocktails and additional special 'surprise' tricks from a menu for an extra cost. The cocktails are delicious, but the Sake, Japanese Whiskey and traditional Umeshu liquor shouldn’t be missed!
Image © Axis Productions
While the magic tricks themselves are not earth shattering, they’re also not really the point. The performers are super fun, enthusiastic and charming, making the evening a really kooky, unusual night out. As the venue is so small, it feels very intimate, like you’re hanging out with a bunch of friends, some of whom can join solid metal rings together. Some guests had seen the show three times in different cities, such is the warmth of the hosts.
Speaking of warmth, it is a black, enclosed theatre in the middle of a Brisbane quasi-summer. Dress appropriately.
'Maho Magic Bar' absolutely lives up to its promises with both fabulous magic and well-crafted cocktails. It is a great night out in the Southbank precinct, offering something special that you can’t find anywhere else outside of Japan.
