Be baffled by a whole new magical Japanese world
Carnivale 2025
CARNIVALE SHOW REVIEW
The high energy Maho Magic Bar is well worth a look - you never quite know what’s going on, but that’s all part of the fun.
From the moment you are shuffled into an alternative world inside a temporary bar on the Port Douglas waterfront, you are beamed into another reality.
After being seated at one of the small bars, which reminded me of a little Japanese casino where the dealer dazzles you with card tricks rather than money-making skills, you are transfixed by a host of magical experiences.
On table two, we started out with card maestro Shirayuri, who offered up his magic both shaken and stirred, James Bond style.
Between the short personalised acts, the main stage in the middle came alive with cabaret-style tricks featuring fire and cocktail juggling, where customers could pay extra to order a trick for their friends off a menu placed on your individual tables.
Different magicians regularly rotated through the smaller bars, including ringmaster Sawaka ready to outsmart you with those games that she rarely loses.
My personal favourite Kaori Kitazawa finished up the show on our table, with her mystifying card tricks and traditional Japanese charm baffling everyone seated before her.
The neon lights, dazzling costumes, realistic props, broad Japanese accents and welcoming culture stay with you long after the final curtain falls.
All up, Maho is a show well worth seeing, and is a positive addition to the Port Douglas Carnivale menu.
The season runs to June 8, for further details, go to mahomagicbar.com.
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