Advertisement
The Laneway Theatre

The Laneway Theatre

The Laneway Theatre
5
About
The Laneway Theatre is Australia's only purpose built Close Up Magic venue. Seating 32 in pure luxury it stages intimate performances of world class magic.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

See what travellers are saying
  • Anna Y
    Melbourne, Australia1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Recommended
    First time being at the Laneway Theatre. The show was very interesting and interactive, with many surprising magic tricks, cosy atmosphere, creative decorations. Tim was really nice and attractive. Definitely will return next show.
    So glad you enjoyed the show! Our next one begins on January 27 and it will be AMAZING!!!
    Written 27 October 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 14 October 2023
  • peter h
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic magic show
    The ‘The Magic Box’ at the Laneway Theatre is highly recommended! I saw the show this weekend and had a wonderful time. It centres on Tim reminiscing about receiving his first magic kit as a Christmas present when he was about 10 years old. He produces the ‘magic box’, demonstrates some of the effects and then shows how he developed some to become spectacular pieces of magic that have remained in his repertoire since. This included a great sequence showing his evolution of the Cups and Balls trick which links to an incredible version that he performs with stainless steel milkshake cups to a Rock and Roll soundtrack. Tim is a natural raconteur. He recounts the wonder and excitement of his first childhood visit to Bernard’s Magic Shop in Melbourne and how many years later he became the proud owner of the shop. The magic is incredible - it’s just feet away from you and a totally different experience to watching magic on TV. There were repeated gasps from the audience and much laughter – it’s a fun show. I particularly liked an incredible mind reading act, a photograph that 'smoked' and an effect that involved a set of photographs. All amazing stuff.
    Thanks for your wonderful review Peter. Such praise from a fellow magician is absolutely humbling :)
    Written 3 April 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 18 February 2024
  • Jackie C
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wondeful magic
    We went along to see MagicSports - such a tremendous night of entertainment!! It was funny, clever - with lots of high quality magic. Thoroughly recommend the Laneway Theatre. I have seen a few other shows here - and all have been amazing.
    So glad you came along to enjoy the chaos that is MagicSports. Due to popular demand, it's coming back with a series of one-night-only performances throughout the year!
    Written 24 April 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 4 April 2024
  • Roving246581
    Bellbrae, Australia52 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful Interactive Magic!
    We saw magician Tim Ellis perform The Magic Box show this evening. Wonderful showmanship, interactive performance in a purpose built small theatre. This show was a great introduction to basic magic tricks and illusions with twists! Thoroughly enjoyed by all at the performance from kids of about 10 to elderly folks. Highly recommend for an enjoyable night out.
    Thanks for joining us. I love it when people realise that there are so many different ways to do the same tricks ;)
    Written 28 May 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 18 May 2024
  • Kelsey B
    Orlando, Florida36 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mind blowing experience- still thinking about those tricks!!
    This was a mind blowing experience. Tim takes tricks you might have seen before and think you know and elevates them to a level that is absolutely incredible and will leave your jaw on the floor. And he’ll do plenty of original things you’ve never seen before and will make you question realty and life itself. What an amazing experience from start to finish. And the venue itself is an experience!! The speakeasy style entrance, the personal welcome from Tim, the whole setup is just amazing. I can’t recommend enough if you want a fun and interesting and so so entertaining evening!
    Thanks so much for joining us. It was great seeing you return to see our other shows during the Melbourne Magic Festival too!
    Written 3 July 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited June 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 24 June 2024
  • Mary K
    Venice, Italy9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fun night out with a difference
    Thoroughly recommend the entertaining Laneway Theatre and the Tim Ellis magic show. We laughed, we wondered, we tried to catch him out and had a great night out. A small theatre experience with a difference. Suitable for all ages and very well priced. You will definitely have fun.
    We're so glad you joined us tonight. It's so much fun sharing our magic with those new to The Laneway Theatre. You are now a part of one of Melbourne's best kept secrets :)
    Written 17 August 2024
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 13 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles86 reviews
Excellent
85
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0

Ksummers2310
Greensborough, Australia22 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2022 • Couples
We had a great evening enjoying this unique magic show experience. It's something a little different but ultimately it is an intimate experience with a magician who warms up with some simple tricks before pulling out the big guns and blowing you away with some incredible sleight of hand. At approx $30 it is terrific value for money and 90 minutes passes very quickly. I loved how close we were, and even with close up camera tracking Tim's every move I couldnt work out how he pulled off some of his tricks - an accomplished magician, a different experience and lots of laughs. Highly recommend!
Written 5 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for joining us Saturday night! As you know there is a lot of audience interaction in the show too, so how could it not be great with such a fun group! :)
Written 7 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

ausago
Melbourne, Australia19 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020
This was an online event but nevertheless was captivating. Tim is a great and inclusive showman. His sleight of hand skills are enthralling. Such a talented magician. From an adult point of view I am really mystified at how he tricks us all. Tim's warm and encouraging manner and sense of humour had the kids joining in enthusiastically. Highly recommend.
Written 19 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So glad we were able to share our magic through this new medium with you!
Written 19 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Laney125
Melbourne, Australia3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2021 • Family
I came across Tim by chance when I “zoomed” in to a very generous free magic show that he put on for families during lockdown. I was hooked!

This was my first in person outing since lockdown and it it did not disappoint, it was truly fantastic.

Tim is a wonderful host to his purpose built magic theatre which is also his home. He is an amazing magician that can seemingly do it all: card tricks, sleight of hand, mentalist, even blade swallowing!
Tim is an absolutely gracious host and great magician and the show is fantastic and inclusive. Suitable for families with kids aged about 8 upwards.
You have got to visit this “best kept secret” location for a unique and wonderful evening with the world class magician Tim Ellis.
Written 14 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for your kind words! Since March we've been in and out of lockdown but it's looking good now and we have shows scheduled every Saturday night!
Written 4 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Geoffrey R
Melbourne, Australia17 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021
Patience , Involvement and Understanding were key to this excellent show.
Moving along at easy pace it was amazing to see how simple, yet entertaining, a few cards and pins etc. could be.
A controlled level of audience participation by an accomplished presenter made for an enjoyable alternative to mundane tellie watching.
Well done
Written 29 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glad you enjoyed the show Geoffrey - we are finally back IN PERSON every Saturday night. I hope you can join us one day.
Written 4 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

angie
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022
We had a fantastic experience being entertained by Tim Ellis, after booking out the charming little Laneway Theatre & magic show for our son's birthday.

Tim is a sensational performer, who was able to captivate & engage even the most skeptical of youths who attended. Every single guest was engrossed and engaged, and all walked away raving about the afternoon.

What a memorable event!

Thanks Tim!
Written 13 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for joining us! It was so much fun!
Written 14 November 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Global Adventuring
Melbourne, Australia14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2022 • Family
We had no idea what we were in for when we rang the doorbell, whispered the secret words and the door creaked open. From the moment we stepped foot into secret laneway theatre we had a feeling that whatever happened next would be surprising. And we were not disappointed.
The theatre is actually in Tim Ellis’ very own house. And Tim makes you feel right at home. A visit to the twinkling star toilet is a must, listen out for the unnerving phone call ;-)
Tim has woven incredible magic and illusions into a fabulous choose your own story (or rather 4 course meal). Tim is warm, funny natural story teller, his magic is so clever. The whole audience is invited to join in the show. Having sat right next to Tim I still couldn’t work out how he did it.
This show is such a treat for all ages. Don’t miss out! Guessing that because the audience chooses their own adventure no two nights could ever be the same.
Written 6 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for joining us, and I'm glad you discovered our very unique bathroom. (I hope you didn't answer the phone though!) See you next time :)
Written 8 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jenny C
Ko Samui, Thailand30 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2021 • Friends
Such a fabulous show in a cute theatre. Tim has a cheekiness about him that makes him very engaging. Wherever you are seated you miss nothing! He engages individuals in the audience in a non threatening way and he is a true master of his craft.
Written 4 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm so happy you loved the theatre. I'm in there almost every day making tiny changes and upgrades and added little surprises for my returning guests. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. I really appreciate it.
Written 20 December 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Michael
Melbourne, Australia15 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
June 2022 • Family
Tim gave many weeks of free magic shows during Melbourne's lockdown of 2020 and 2021 went to support his show on 18/06 and came back the next sat on 25/06 as was fascinated by his audience choose your own magic show items form the menu and Tim even went above and beyond to ensure the show wasn't repeated in the two consecutive shows we attended. highly recommended Saturday night show for solo, couples, and families. Thanks Tim!
Written 25 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for coming to see the show two weeks in a row! I was so pleased to see your faces filled with amazement even more the second time around!
Written 25 June 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kate C
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2021 • Family
Up close magic in an intimate, comfy setting. Was so much fun. Interactive experience with everyone in the audience getting involved at some stage in the show. Highly recommend. Fun for all ages. Will be going back again for more. 😊
Written 5 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
So glad you loved the show! Looking forward to sharing our brand new show with you next year! :)
Written 20 December 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Lawry
Melbourne, Australia2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021
The Laneway Theater is hosted by world class magician Tim Ellis Tim Ellis is not just a magician doing magic tricks, he is a complete entertainment. Really funny comedy connects all his effects. The audience is engaged and enjoying every second.
Written 30 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Lawry! I think you're our #1 fan!
Written 4 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Showing results 1-10 of 83
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

The Laneway Theatre - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

All things to do in Northcote
RestaurantsFlightsHoliday RentalsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars