Maho Magic Bar

Overview

Fancy a trip to Japan without heading to Japan? Well, Sydneysiders, Maho Magic Bar has you covered. Part of the upcoming Sydney Festival — and courtesy of the creative folks at Broad Encounters — the Japanese-inspired bar and performance space is bringing its dazzling show to Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour from Friday, January 6, 2023 till Sunday, January 29, 2023.

The best bit? The magic happens tableside, with mind-bending magicians — straight from Japan's magic bars — roving the room as you sip. What else can you expect? Well, it's a bar, performance space and show all in one. Bright lights set the mood, cherry blossoms hover above, and sake and shōchū lead the drinks menu (though there's beer, wine and booze-free options, too). Designed to replicate a night out in Shinjuku, your experience will be one of hedonistic wonder.

Nathanial Mason

The ace thing about the setup: whether you adore magic or don't think it's your thing, you'll still in for a ripper night. The atmosphere (and the drinks and those lights) are a massive part of the allure, though prepare to have your mind swayed by the roll call of stand-out magicians. Busting out illusions: the "princess of illusion" Kaori Kitazawa, daring close-up magician Sarito, the bearded Jonio, smooth operator Shirayuri and your host for the evening, Sho.

If you're ready to immerse yourself in the magic of Japan (literally), you'd better be quick to grab your tickets.

'Maho Magic Bar' is on from Friday, January 6 till Sunday, January 29, 2023. For more information and to grab your tickets, head to the website.

Top images: Kate Prendergast (first), Trentino Priori (second) and Nathanial Mason (last three).