Maho Magic Bar: Brisbane’s Unique Japanese Experience with Producer Kirsten Siddle

The Fame Reporter interviewed Kirsten Siddle, the Producer of Australia’s next incredible immersive experience, Maho Magic Bar, a new destination to be spellbound by multi-sensory thrills, playing at South Bank’s Maritime Museum from 3 October, 2024, for a strictly limited season.

The hit Japanese immersive magic show, MAHO MAGIC BAR will take up residence alongside DARKFIELD’s highly acclaimed, spine-tingling sensations SÉANCE and FLIGHT, with all three productions playing at South Bank’s Maritime Museum from 3 October, 2024, for a strictly limited season.

The iconic Japanese magic bar MAHO MAGIC BAR first delighted and stunned Brisbane audiences in 2022, playing to packed houses with rave reviews. After touring the country, MAHO MAGIC BAR, created and produced by BROAD ENCOUNTERS, now speeds back to Brissie 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.

We sat down with Kirsten and talked about the inspiration behind the captivating experience, Maho Magic Bar, what she loves about the iconic performers involved, what was the most rewarding aspect of producing the event and more.

Welcome to The Fame Reporter Kirsten, Maho Magic Bar is inspired by the Japanese magic bar concept. How did you adapt this idea for the Brisbane audience, and what unique elements did you incorporate?
Maho Magic Bar is a homage to Japan through the lens of magic. It’s true, there are a plethora of magic bars in Japan, which operate as bars with entertainment and are much beloved.

It’s a very popular choice for a night out. However, Maho Magic Bar is much more than a magic bar and essentially delivers the crazy fun of a night out in any of Japan’s nightlife capitals.

Visiting Maho Magic Bar really does feel like you’ve been spirited away from Brisbane and plunged into Tokyo for the night.

Maho Magic Bar is a celebration of Japanese culture, both contemporary and traditional, with pure fun at its heart. Magic in Japan dates back to the Edo period, with a style of magic called ‘tezuma’. At Maho we pay homage to this ancient ‘tezuma’ style alongside fast-paced sleight-of-hand magic and plenty of laughs.

You have a mix of local and international magicians. How do you select and invite these performers, and what qualities do you look for in a magician?
The cast are all Japanese and consist of four magicians, a host and a flair bartender. I go to Japan frequently to search for the best talent and now, as Maho Magic Bar has grown in popularity, I am regularly approached by the world’s top magicians (from other countries as well).

For Maho Magic Bar, I am keen to find performers that are at the top of their game in terms of technical skills, but also have charisma and engaging personalities. The audience really get to know each of the cast members and can appreciate their completely different styles.

Brisbane will get to meet E.O.Lee who sports some crazy Harajuku-style fashion and is a super kooky performer; as well as Wambi who is slick and smooth; Shirayuri who utilises crazy props including bread, vegemite, scent and handcuffs; and then Kaori who brings oodles of charm and experience. We have a new flair bartender, Comet, who has just won the international first place award for flaring and then Spica, our cheeky host.

The bar aims to provide an intimate and interactive magic experience. Can you describe some of the ways you ensure that every guest feels engaged and part of the magic?
In designing Maho Magic Bar, I wanted the interior to imbue the feeling of an intimate and convivial bar. A place where people laugh, chat and share good times.

The venue seats a maximum of 67 people and the audience are sat around five bars with the magicians performing right in front of you. So you are never more than two metres away from the close-up magic action.

The magicians and audience talk freely throughout the show and it’s a very sociable and relaxed environment. In between close-up magic sets from each of the magicians there are some larger performance moments, which any audience member can order from a menu for the entire venue to enjoy.

The experience incorporates a unique and inviting atmosphere. What were some of the key design elements you wanted to achieve, and how do they enhance the overall experience?
The exterior channels the riot of colour, light, neon and noise found in Japan’s night-life capitals. It’s very photogenic.

When you step inside we’ve used rich wood tones for the bars, softened through the use of traditional Japanese lanterns and cascading ‘sakura’ cherry blossom features.

We wanted it to feel sophisticated, warm and inviting, with the magicians welcoming you with shouts of ‘irashaimase’ as you enter. We’ve imported key elements, such as sake barrels, shoji screens, paper lanterns and masu sake cups made from Japanese cypress, to ensure that authentic feeling.

Given the influence of Japanese culture, how do you blend cultural elements into the bar’s concept and operations, and what kind of reception have you received from both locals and visitors?
Although Maho Magic Bar is an Australian concept and a window into Japan through the eyes of a foreigner, every element of the design and performance has been workshopped with Japanese artists. The result is a true cross-cultural collaboration.

Warm, welcoming and caring hospitality is central to Japanese culture and is called ‘omotenashi’. Omotenashi is a dedication to delivering exceptional service and care and you’ll find that the cast are exemplary ambassadors for this philosophy.

Maho Magic Bar first premiered in 2020 and was an instant hit. It has now entertained more than 70,000 people.

The relaxed, immersive environment, the celebration of Japanese culture and the awe inspired by seeing master magicians at point blank range is something that keeps people coming back for more.

How do you decide on the variety of shows and events to feature at Maho Magic Bar? Are there any special events or themes you’re particularly excited about in the near future?
We develop more than five mini shows for each of the magicians to perform at each of the tables/bars, so no two tables will see the same magic.

Each of the mini shows are designed to showcase the magicians unique and incredible skills and a range of props, from playing cards through to household objects and even origami.

Diversity and variety is key, along with plenty of jokes and laughter.

Japan loves a celebration and has adopted Halloween as a major excuse to dress up and have fun. We’ll be getting up to extra Halloween-inspired mischief at Maho come late October.

What are your plans for the future of Maho Magic Bar? Are there any upcoming projects or expansions you’re working on?
Maho Magic Bar has been such a hit across Australia. We’re currently looking at creating a second pop-up venue, as well as a version that can go into more traditional theatres and a permanent home somewhere.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of running Maho Magic Bar for you personally, and do you have any memorable stories or experiences you’d like to share?
The most rewarding aspect is certainly seeing the faces of the audience when they witness one of the mind-meltingly great tricks.

The magicians are truly awe-inspiring and the audience’s reactions are just priceless.

The joy, the fun, the amazement, it’s so rewarding to see. We’ve also had some very special moments with the audience in Maho Magic Bar, including two gorgeous marriage proposals as well as many anniversary celebrations, birthdays ranging from 6 year olds (at our special family-friendly shows) through to an 80 year old’s birthday, as well as hens and bucks nights.