With the team starting to build-up the pop-up tent at Dixie Park, Newsport caught up with Broad Encounters creative director Kirsten Siddle to learn how Maho Magic Bar came to life and what makes it so unique.

“I’ve spent a lot of time in Japan,” Ms Siddle said. “In Tokyo and Osaka, you can walk into a magic bar, grab a drink, and see world-class close-up magic - it’s relaxed, social, and incredible.

“Magic in Japan is a respected art form dating back to the Edo period, with traditional styles like Tezuma - a style of magic known for its graceful hand movements - that showcase amazing skill and precision.”

While traditional Japanese magic bars are intimate and low-key, Ms Siddle wanted to elevate the idea into a full theatrical experience.

“Maho is a celebration of Japanese culture through close-up magic,” she said. 

“It’s like being whisked away to Tokyo for the night - intimate, but with the energy and production of a real show.”

With magicians rotating between tables and each performing different acts, no two visits are the same. 

“If you come to the show more than once, just sitting at a different table can give you completely new magic,” Siddle added.

The bar serves Japanese-inspired cocktails - like sake, whisky, shochu, and umeshu -  with flair bartender Jun adding fire and flash to the evening with a solo performance that literally sets drinks alight.

There’s also a surprise "special menu", a series of magical experiences you can order.

“They’re listed only by name and emoji, and when you order one, you trigger a special moment in the show - often for the whole audience. It’s wild,” Ms Siddle said.

“One’s called Prison Break Sensation… and that’s all I’ll say."

Tickets are on sale now at www.mahomagicbar.com - use code NEWSPORT15 for 15 per cent off shows from May 14–31.