Australia’s favourite Japanese magic bar delighted and stunned Melbourne audiences in 2023 with rave reviews. With new and astonishing illusions, MAHO MAGIC BAR by Broad Encounters is returning to Melbourne as part of the brand new Spiegel Haus Melbourne, ready to astound afresh.
With fresh tricksters, fresh tricks and even fresher cocktails, MAHO MAGIC BAR jets audiences straight to a neon-lit ‘Tokyo’ night, with all the mischief, mayhem, cocktails and laughter you could wish for.
MAHO MAGIC BAR features a carefully curated bar menu of premium Japanese alcoholic and non-alcoholic libations and cocktails. This season sees it taking up residency at Spiegel Haus Melbourne, a spectacular new two-level entertainment precinct in the heart of the city with multiple performance venues and a rooftop bar and lounge, premiering in October 2025.
Q&A – Behind the Magic of MAHO MAGIC BAR
We spoke to Kirsten Siddle, Creative Director, Broad Encounters.
Q: What inspired the original concept for MAHO MAGIC BAR?
I’ve spent a lot of time in Japan and I love the country, the people and the culture so much. On one particular trip, I was enjoying the nightlife in Osaka and had attended a couple of ‘magic bars’, and this is where the idea sparked. I should note that Japanese magic bars are quite low key as compared to Maho, but the beginnings of the concept and the shape of the show took root there. I wanted to create something that paid homage to Japan and its culture, using magic as a way to bring people together in collective awe. The Japanese love magic and they are truly exceptional at it, especially close-up sleight-of-hand magic. We don’t often see magicians of this calibre in Australia and I love that we’ve created a show that’s a love letter to Japan – full of fun, with lashings of Japanese culture and that showcases world class artists.
Q: What elements of Japanese culture and design influenced the show’s atmosphere and staging?
Something that I love about Japan and Japanese culture is the juxtaposition between ancient and modern, refined and … well, chaotic and over-the-top. We’ve channeled this juxtaposition into both the physical and theatrical design of Maho Magic Bar. The exterior is a cacophony of neon lights and Jpop. However, when you enter you discover a refined space with deep, rich wood textures, cascading cherry blossom and gentle lanterns. Of course, we mix this up all over again within the show, but the vision was to showcase both the chaos of the nightlife districts alongside the refined sophistication found only in Japan.
Q: How does the creative team choose which magicians to feature each season?
Maho Magic Bar is now famous amongst magicians, so we have magicians from all over the world writing to us and sending their performance profiles. However, when selecting the cast I am keen to find people that each contribute a unique aesthetic and vibe to the ensemble. We develop their stage performance styles building on their own personalities, and the mix is incredibly important. One magician may be a slick card shark, while another might exemplify the kooky innovation of a mad creator. The magicians’ personalities, humour and exceptional skill are at the heart of Maho Magic Bar.
Q: Do the magicians collaborate on each other’s acts, or does each performer bring their own distinct flavour to the bar?
Magicians are used to working in a solo capacity, but in Maho Magic Bar it requires a team approach and effort. Each magician is expected to bring a suite of stellar magic and ideas to the table, but they also often share their magic, collaborate and teach each other tricks. Together, we work to shape the suite of tricks on offer, the variety and the theatrical aspects to performance delivery. The team are all hugely supportive of each other and are always seeking to offer ideas or perspectives. They also love sharing what they know about Australian culture!
Q: What kind of training or background do these performers come from – are they illusionists, theatre artists, comedians, or all of the above?
These magicians are magic specialists through and through. Training is usually a bespoke arrangement. Someone interested in magic will usually begin by learning on their own, and then seek private tutoring from other renowned magicians. One of our magicians, Shirayuri, for example, is the protege of multi-award-winning magician and creator Shoot Ogawa. The amount of practice and creative thought that is required to get to this level is inspiring, it’s literally thousands upon thousands of hours of practice.
Q: How do you ensure returning audiences still experience something completely new each season?
Returning audiences can not only experience something new each season, they can also return multiple times within a single season and see many different tricks. As well as changing up the cast between seasons, with a combination of returning and new cast; each magician also performs a completely different suite of tricks at each table. Meaning if you attend twice you just need to sit at a different table to see a whole host of different close-up magic. Furthermore, as I mentioned above, the hours that this team puts in practicing and preparing means they are continually bringing new tricks and new ideas to the table … nothing stays the same for long with magicians!
What:Maho Magic Bar
Where:Spiegel Haus Melbourne, 217 Lonsdale St, CBD 3000
When:Tuesday 25 November 2025 – Sunday 15 February 2026
Tickets:From $66 + booking fee
Bookings: www.mahomagicbar.com
