It’s Tuesday evening and the vibe is electric hitting the Maho Magic Bar in Melbourne’s funky new and exciting entertainment split-level venue, the Spiegel Haus. There’s a warmth in the fresh summer air, and the energy is a mix of fun-filled anticipation and a dusting of Shichimi Togarashi.
The neon lights rock a trendy modern prosperity, and as you enter the venue, you are then surrounded by a pathway of traditional Japanese lanterns. You’ve entered Tokyo at its highest mischief-making point, so you take to a bar table and await the magic! Even the swivel chairs get your adrenaline pumped, as you swing around to view the full house. Everyone is smiling as the players for this evening’s action-packed performance are announced.
Jonathan is our ringmaster, and he rises the air into a feverish fist pumping as he entices the crowd to enjoy the next spell-binding hour. Participation is the key, and you’ll need to be ready for anything!
There are five stations set up across the room, plus the drinks bar, which is used as a central location for group numbers and special menu items that include an audience member or two.
‘Axe’ is spinning out the deliciously chilled cocktails full of sparkling juices and delightful zests. He’s got the flair for flavour and the wow when it comes to the mixing, pouring and the presenting! Lights appear with the click of fingers, flaming drinks and the fantastique. Blink, and you’ll miss a moment. Breathe in with the intensifying air, and you are alive with a mystifying electricity.
Shirayuri is all charm as he pulls out his deck of wonder. He’s handsomely winning over every audience member as his quick hands glide across card trickery and awe-inspiring magic. You sit rethinking what you have just witnessed. Dazed slightly by his magnetism and draw, you are confused and in disbelief with an outcome you didn’t see coming.
Jonathan is not only our host for the evening, but he charismatically flexes the pack of cards when he hits the table. Swapping and switching numbers and suits till they are no longer and appear elsewhere! He’s storytelling, weaving ideas, assisting the illusions and even juggling all night. He is the glide in the clouds that makes them move with enchantment.
Kaori Kitazawa knows all the moves as she graces centre stage to play with the 52. Clearly clever with paper, her box of marvels has you guessing at every flip as she gently persuades you to believe that the impossible can be achieved. Her cheekiness is applauded by the crowd and her precise slides are delightfully entertaining.
Wambi is full of spunk as he uses all of his five senses to devour the cards into a play that makes your jaw drop. You laugh, you cry, you cringe and jump to the front of your seat. All whilst feeling the need to use the little rolled up hand towels sitting on the table that look like peppermints. He is an expert here. His confidence pulls you into his different acts that will leave you stunned and horrified, thrilled and overjoyed with his unique and humorous creativity.
E.O. Lee is the jokester of the troupe, playing out pranks with a hilarity that you will absolutely adore. With the biggest smiles, he gives you the greatest grins, and you enjoy every kooky moment he provides. His personality is part of what makes him magical, he is his own neon light full of entertainment. If you took the plug out of the wall, he’d still be buzzing and be able to keep you brightly charged for hours.
Maho Magic Bar is on until February, and it’s got all the summer lovin’ you need, plus the thrills, chillaxing and funteristic vibin’! There’s nothing else that can truly beat magic tricks that use decks of cards, cuffs, rings, bananas and even Cheezels. The talent draws you in as a bestie, and it’s all giggles and good times.
This entire experience is like being at a table with the high rollers and winning every hand and none at all – but you absolutely love it. It’s knowing you’re being played the whole time with no control – but you are happily willing to let it all go. The flip is mind-blowing, an illusion and a new slice of reality. It’s all just super magical!
Maho Magic Bar runs to 15 February 2026 at Spiegel Haus Melbourne. 217 Lonsdale Street.
Tickets are available at the website.
Website: https://www.mahomagicbar.com/melbourne
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/mahomagicbar/
Photo credits: Jeff Busby
