AUSTRALIA’S HOME OF

MAGIC

“Tim Ellis’s Laneway Theatre is like a posh private club haunted by Melbourne’s best magicians (including Tim), where you’re the guest of honor enjoying a command performance.”

– Teller (Penn & Teller)

What Is The Laneway Theatre?

Hidden down a dark laneway in Northcote you’ll discover one of Melbourne’s best kept secrets. From the moment you enter you’ll be transported into a world very few even realise exists.

Created by acclaimed magician, Tim Ellis, the Herald Sun describes the experience as “one mind bending trick on top of another” and our guests are absolutely delighted.

Learn more about Tim Ellis

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The Laneway Theatre

5.0

Based on 162 reviews

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Alex M.

1 week ago

Wow, what an amazing night at The Laneway Theatre! A group of 8 of us thoroughly enjoyed Tim Ellis' House of Games. The set-up of theatre is excellent, with comfy chairs and a relaxed atmosphere. Tim put on a sensational show - every trick was incredible with all of us in disbelief as to how he pulled them off. The show was funny and interactive, and we all left the theatre with huge smiles on our faces. I'd thoroughly recommend a visit to see Tim at the Laneay Theatre, a true 5-star experience!

Bo B

1 week ago

Third time at Laneway Theatre and every show is simply fantastic. An intimate setting, with comfy chairs and great magic curios where the audience is actively involved in the show. Tim is such a great storyteller and entertainer - had the audience hanging off his every word! Our family attended the matinee show and my daughter is now practising her own tricks with cards, cups and balls at home! Thanks for a great afternoon with ZERO scrolling 😊

Julie O.

1 week ago

Best night out at The Laneway Theatre, awesome fun, thank you Tim Ellis. Highly recommended, astounding and even my partner Alan admits he can't work out how you did what you did! Julie from Preston

Jarrad C

2 weeks ago

So much fun!

Caroline H.

2 weeks ago

Absolutely amazing! We loved it- everyone loved it

Fergus P.

3 weeks ago

So fun had a great time. Well worth the price. Tim is a legend!

Amelia P.

3 weeks ago

Loved Tim’s show, super entertaining and fun night!

Alex P.

3 weeks ago

Amazing 10/10 would recommend

Ginny N

1 month ago

Amazing experience 🥰
One of the best magic shows 👏
Excellent value for money ✨️

Carol I.

1 month ago

INCREDIBLE!! What a show!! My face hurts from smiling and having my jaw hanging open!! Thank you!!!

Peter I.

1 month ago

A amazing date night out so fun. Definitely recommend

Max D.

1 month ago

really cool theatre, makes for a very intimate magic show where everyone has a chance to participate

Lee K.

2 months ago

OMG 😱.
Definitely a must do, for old and young alike. An amazing trip down memory lane, mixed with the world famous Host, Tim, creating a magic of wizardry with cards, games and a SERIOUSLY FUNNY and highly professional performance.
Small theatre splendidly fitted out that creates a venue which is worth visiting on its own.
Attended last night and was met by the adorable lady greeter (sorry I did get her name) who forms a integral part of the experience.
Don't think about it....just book tour tickets....you will totally amazed by this performance and have a lot of fun, laughs and be totally bewildered by Tim Ellis.
This is entertainment.

Christopher M.

3 months ago

I performed last Tuesday at this venue: "For My Next Trick" and the theatre is Wonderful, the other Magicians are great and the Audience Loved it. So i went back last night to see Tim perform and again it was a wonderfully magical experience. highly recommend you see some magic shows.

Gideon H.

3 months ago

Extremely entertaining and loads of fun…it’s magic!

William M.

3 months ago

Such an amazing night!!!!

Francesca W.

4 months ago

Great showmanship,, incredible magic tricks, lots of fun. And the cosy theatre is a great in itself.

Wendy W.

4 months ago

what a wonderful theatre! and such a great show too.
thank you Tim - the school holiday show was a great outing, and the girls are still practicing their magic tricks.
we'll be back. W 🙂

Alyce Y.

5 months ago

My partner and I had the most incredible night last night. Tim Ellis is exceptionally clever, quick-witted, and genuinely captivating to watch. His theatre is intimate, creating this sense of wonder and curiosity from the moment you walk in.

We saw The House of Games, and the entire evening was absolutely mind-blowing. I haven’t stopped talking about it all day to friends and family, haha.

I’ll definitely be back for another show, and next time I’m bringing my son because I can’t wait to see his reaction. Highly, highly recommend!

5 months ago

So awesome. Fantastic show. So worth it Tim is magical ✨️ Great night out everyone was made to feel the enjoyment and the world of magic 🎩

Leopold B.

5 months ago

The House of Games was fantastic.
We were certainly stumped and had a great time!

Zereth Y

5 months ago

Gary G.

5 months ago

Great night, very entertaining show.

A J.

6 months ago

Was a really fun night, magic tricks were clever, great audience participation, and the venue is super cool as well. Highly recommend!!

Andy M.

7 months ago

Absolutely amazing night. Full of shock and surprise. The magic hits you as soon as you open the door. An experience like no other. I will be back without question

sarah T.

7 months ago

The world of magic is alive & thriving thanks to the standout magicians at The Laneway Theatre! My daughter took me for my birthday & I was immediately immersed in the wonder and excitement of seeing multiple close up tricks that left me genuinely amazed.
The theatre space is comfortable, intimate & allows for excellent audience participation. The banter was hilarious! I highly recommend this unique experience!
I will be a regular now! 🪄✨

Emilia M.

7 months ago

MUST VISIT!! Spent an absolutely delightful evening at The Laneway Theatre.
Incredible atmosphere, and extremely talented magic acts, that left us all awestruck.
Took my mother here for a birthday present and we were absolutely astonished by how entertaining and personable the magicians were. Wonderful tricks, close up magic, mentalism and crowd work!! We laughed more at this show than we have at stand up comedy specials!!
Cannot recommend this experience enough.

Shweta S

7 months ago

Had the most amazing time. Lovely host and magicians at the "For my next trick.." show. All the acts were excellent. Love the venue set up too.

Rachael H.

8 months ago

Luke H.

8 months ago

The Laneway Theatre is an absolute hidden gem. From the moment you step in, you know you’re in for something special. The intimate setting makes the magic feel impossibly close — every moment is engaging, clever, and genuinely mind-blowing. You’re not just watching a show — you’re part of the experience.

Ildi R.

8 months ago

I booked a show. And I got an experience. I would highly recommend The Laneway Theatre. If you are looking for something different and special this is the place to go! I will definitely look for another excuse to go to another show!

Helen L

9 months ago

What a find! Loved this little venue, so much more than what we were expecting. Perfect for close up magic. Really interesting space to explore before the show, entering as you do through a coffin. And Tim does put on a good show! He obviously loves what he does and this is reflected in every well thought out aspect of the theatre, from the comfy ex-cinema chairs (complete with cupholders) to the original music score and snacks & soft drinks in the foyer.
A great value night out, definitely worth checking out.

Response from the owner

9 months ago

We are so pleased that you discovered us. We hope to see your smiling faces in our venue for many years to come.

Fabrice M.

9 months ago

A mix of amazements and laughter, brilliant.

Response from the owner

9 months ago

Thanks so much for joining us 🙂

Matt C.

9 months ago

Blew my mind 🤯

Response from the owner

9 months ago

It's what we do 😉

Dave L.

9 months ago

Stepping into The Laneway Theatre is a magical adventure that begins long before the house lights dim. The venue is tucked away down a secret alley in Melbourne, so be sure to read the confirmation email for the code to gain access. This 32-seat venue was created and is run by master magician Tim Ellis himself. The foyer contains a treasure trove of magic memorabilia and curiosities. The intimate, cozy atmosphere immediately sets the stage for a unique and engaging performance that simply can't be replicated in a larger theatre.
Tim Ellis is a celebrated figure in the global magic community. He is a master of close-up magic and sleight of hand. His performance is characterised not just by technical skill, but by genuine charm, wit, and a highly interactive approach. Rather than relying on grand illusions, Tim excels in intimate deception, performing tricks just metres from the audience. This close proximity is the show's greatest strength, transforming the performance from a passive viewing experience into a collective journey of astonishment.
What truly elevates the experience is the high level of audience participation. Tim effortlessly engages audience members, often incorporating their personal thoughts into the climax of the tricks. Moments of mind-reading and impossibly accurate predictions draws gasps, spontaneous applause, and simply stunned silence!
Tim's performance style is warm and family-friendly. He blends sophisticated magic with natural humour and heartfelt storytelling.
Whether you're a lifelong magic enthusiast (like me) or simply looking for an unforgettable night out with friends, Tim's show at The Laneway Theatre is a world-class, intimate magical experience.

Response from the owner

9 months ago

Thanks so much Dave. I am so pleased you were finally able to make it and I am humbled by your kind words

Kerry A.

10 months ago

What a great unique venue for a show. Tim was very welcoming. The small audience with lots of participation made for a great night.

Avi G.

10 months ago

great venue, great magic, great night!! Definitely go see

Ricky

10 months ago

It was interesting to follow Tim's instructions to try to find his theatre. He was very welcoming at the reception desk and the theatre was decorated with a very magical feel.

The show was very interactive and his fantastic performance was worth every penny!

Kirsty S.

11 months ago

We had a lovely night, Tim was a fantastic host/magician and we'll definitely be returning for some more magic and wonder!

Mark T.

11 months ago

Very very interesting and entertaining experience, and really impressive magic!

Ross Y.

11 months ago

A very fun, intimate close up magic show with some clever modern touches. A great way to spend an evening. How did he do it? This is Clearly Impossible!

Chloe A.

11 months ago

The first time I experienced magic in a basement was in 2006, and now the second time has happened tonight. A fabulous show Tim, thank you so much!

Robert C.

1 year ago

Absolutely fantastic night of magic.

Don T.

1 year ago

Tim Ellis is no ordinary magician but one that leaves you perplexed. Ok, we all know that 'magic' incorporates slight of hand, misdirection and palming but in a close up scenario with an audience on your case this is difficult to get away with but Tim does, leaving you mouthing 'WOW'. I had front row VIP Tickets but at the time of booking I didn't realise that meant Victim In Performance. To be fair Tim enlisted the assistance of numerous other audience members but only if they were willing to partake. The theatre is a small intimate venue so it doesn't take long for the audience and magician to become 'family'. I truly enjoyed myself and have now booked in for 'Magic Sports' in September.

Wendy H.

1 year ago

LJ M.

1 year ago

The best place to watch magic in Melbourne! Tourist or local, you must go see this venue!!

Stephen A.

1 year ago

An outstanding venue with sensational magic

Samantha D.

1 year ago

What an absolute treat!! Had no idea what to expect, but we were delighted with the whole experience. Thank you Tim Ellis for a wonderful night full of laughter, fun and magic!!

Aaron F.

1 year ago

Absolutely fantastic, a must see, great night out!

lizsterine

1 year ago

Excellent little theatre for entertaining close up magic. We had a lovely time and are planning to return with more friends we know will enjoy it. 🙂

Tim was a master at working with the crowd and dazzling us with his wonderful magic and humour. A true experienced professional. A highly enjoyable show.

We look forward to see what impossiblities await us next time! 😉

Hui Kuang L.

1 year ago

Nicola A.

1 year ago

Simply incredible! I've been twice, and I know I'll be back again for future shows. Tim is captivating and I love the fact the show is in a quirky, intimate setting.

Bryan A.

2 years ago

An absolute delight!

Simone C.

2 years ago

Fantastic! Great night out! Its the second time I have gone and not my last!

Justine G

2 years ago

What an amazing night. Absolutely loved everything about the show. Fantastic night can not recommend enough

Kamalpreet K.

2 years ago

It was a lot of fun!! I highly recommend!

Robert P.

2 years ago

Alayna F.

2 years ago

This is an absolute hidden gem. The theatre is magical before the magician does anything at all, with so many hidden bits and pieces to explore. We (my 16yo daughter and I) saw Tim Ellis performing close up magic and it was so much fun. We'll be back again and again. Highly recommend!

Angela S.

2 years ago

Tim is a great entertainer. He involved and engaged the audience with seamless magical tricks. He definitely knows his craft and we thoroughly enjoyed the show. It was a fun night in a beautiful little theatre, down a spooky little laneway. My friend wondered where on earth I was taking her, which added to the excitement! We highly recommend and look forward to going again when next in Melbourne.

Roxanne J.

2 years ago

The talented Tim Ellis shares his personal journey of discovering magic whilst entertaining his audience. This is a unique performance where as an audience member you also get an interactive experience. Highly recommended. Definitely ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Anastasia L.

3 years ago

Magic! Whats not to like about magic. An intimate space with a quirky theme and comfortable chairs. We had a great evening there. Suitable for older children, nothing rude, just clean fun.

Anna

3 years ago

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.