Maho Magic Bar

Welcomed from the glare of the venue’s extensive neon signs, we’re shown into an intimate space with a lofty ceiling, and then to our seats at one of four bars. We are being served and entertained by Japanese sleight-of-hand superstars: Jun Nakamura has us smiling with smart card play, Shirayuri opens our mouths in astonishment with aromas; a wry-smiling Sarito was a welcome return with his unique sense of humour; and Santa Terakado makes us laugh with his stuffed toy collection assisting his magic. Sho Eba is our master of ceremonies and occasional swindler (I almost had that tea-towel right), keeping a tight rein on proceedings yet encouraging our energy to escape!

Combining sleight of hand from inches away with larger scale illusions, the audience participation is strong – particularly for the ‘special orders’. The performers are slick, brilliant, and don’t take themselves too seriously – yet just when we think we’re in on the joke, they play another card (literally) that we didn’t see coming.

Their mystical story-telling that pulls this together is an unexpected layer – it’s not all smiles and sparkles, and even though you know there are others queuing outside for the next show, it feels that we’re sharing a unique experience, far from the mass of motion and noise of the Adelaide Fringe.

Whilst the magic sparkles around us, we’re well-served with incredible cocktail creations from Tokyo mixologist Jun Nakamura, all easily ordered (and paid for) from a QR code scanned into your phone. It’s slick, clever, and unfortunately over all too soon.

Mark Wickett

Photographer: Nathaniel Mason.