The Laneway Theatre

Australia’s only purpose built Close Up Magic Theatre

“What follows is 85 minutes of gasps and wide-eyed astonishment as Ellis performs close magic and sleight of hand.” – Kate Herbert, Theatre Reviewer, The Age

☆☆☆☆☆ “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.” – Trip Advisor

Over 100 Five Star reviews on Google, Facebook and Trip Advisor

Bring your friends for a night unlike anything you’ve ever imagined as you are invited inside a magicians home to see world class sleight of hand and illusion up close in an interactive and totally immersive experience.

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE – CLICK HERE

YOU CAN ALSO BOOK THE ENTIRE LANEWAY THEATRE FOR YOUR EXCLUSIVE CELEBRATION UP TO 32 GUESTS – CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR INFO KIT

“Thank you so much Tim for a real night of wonderment and joy.”

“Being on stage with you was a real joy. Your wonderful rapport with everyone added genuine warmth to the night which went beyond magic.”

“Your magic was amazing and the theatre is a super setting. We will definitely attend another performance in fact I can’t wait!”

Now Showing

DECEMBER

Saturday December 3
8.00-9.45pm – The Magic Menu: Live! – From Tim Ellis – SOLD OUT
Saturday December 10
8.00-9.45pm – The Magic Menu: Live! – From Tim Ellis – Click here to book
Saturday December 17
8.00-9.45pm – The Magic Menu: Live! – FINAL PERFORMANCE EVER!!! – SOLD OUT

JANUARY

Saturday January 28
8.00-9.45pm – To Be Announced – All new show for 2023 – ON SALE SOON

FEBRUARY

Saturday February 4
8.00-9.45pm – To Be Announced – All new show for 2023 – ON SALE SOON
Saturday February 11
8.00-9.45pm – To Be Announced – All new show for 2023 – ON SALE SOON
Saturday February 18
8.00-9.45pm – To Be Announced – All new show for 2023 – ON SALE SOON
Saturday February 25
8.00-9.45pm – To Be Announced – All new show for 2023 – ON SALE SOON

GIFT CERTIFICATES NOW AVAILABLE – CLICK HERE

“For the next hour we heard lots of noise – laughter, gasps, denial and shouts of delight.” “If you wish to regain the wonder you had as a child, visit the Laneway Theatre during the comedy festival and prepare to be Astonished!” – Theatre People. Click here to read the full 4.5 star review

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About

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.

The Herald Sun describes the experience as “one mind bending trick on top of another” and our guests are absolutely delighted:

“What a gem! Tim Ellis is a renowned magician and having seen him previously on the big stage, I was intrigued by an ad for his Laneway Theatre. We went along on 14 April with 7 friends and can’t wait to do it again. Recommended for absolutely everybody. This is a perfect mystery night out to surprise people who think they’ve been everywhere/done everything.”

Anne R, Trip Advisor

“Hidden behind an old and apparently haunted shoe factory on a major road in Northcote, The Laneway Theatre is an entirely accessible yet secret little purpose-built venue specifically designed to present magic acts. Entirely comfortable, the 32 seats allegedly liberated from a nearby cinema, also offers every audience member a great view of the proceedings. From your first step inside that puts you into a glow-in-the dark graveyard, to all the objects of magic sitting museum-like on shelves and the walls, the Laneway Theatre is a place of excitement and surprise that will draw you back. Still pictures are encouraged. You’ll need them to believe what you’ve witnessed.”

Michael H, Trip Advisor

“I asked Tim to hire out the theatre for my son’s 21st birthday celebration. He was so obliging with a great price & a fantastic show that involved everyone & had us amazed for 1 hour. Great fun to have 32 people who you know treated to a personal show. Thanks Tim you’re the best!”

1963 OzGirl, Trip Advisor

“I went to see Tim Ellis at The Laneway Theatre last night. Not knowing anything about the magic scene in Melbourne, it was a delight to discover I’d stumbled across the patron saint of magic in this corner of the world. He’d converted the basement of his own house into a fancy little magic theatre. A room filled with fanciful artefacts and wizardry around every corner. And this bloke crushed it with his tender playfulness. He doesn’t carry the bravado some magicians do. Nor the elaborate theatre and magic toys. But what he does have is an absolute love for magic. A child-like wonder for the silliness and wonder that his tricks can bring. A wonderful sense of him just wanting to inject joy into the world. And so I left feeling warm and fuzzy about this man’s life. His way of adding spark to the world. His holding the magic scene of Melbourne with such grace and enthusiasm. I guess I really like the bloke. And I’m glad he’s doing what he loves. It looks good on him. And I’m grateful I got to experience a little snapshot of his talent. “

Josh Kernich

What they are saying

“The theatre itself resembles a Gold Class Cinema.”

Simon Plant, HERALD SUN

“The show well and truly exceeded my expectations.”

Jeni Wilson, WEEKEND NOTES

“The Laneway Theatre is truly an oasis of magic”

Tayissa Artomonow, TAY ABOUT TOWN

“You will have your jaw on the ground, and your mind in knots as you witness the unexpected and incomprehensible in a unique setting created to celebrate magic.”

Ember Mitchell, THE PLUS ONES

“Ellis prefers performing close-up magic: card tricks, sleight of hand and classic flabbergasting.”

Patrick Boyle, BROADSHEET

“A feast for the eyes. A visual banquet of props. A smorgasbord of optical illusions and memorabilia line every nook and cranny of this space.”

Hanford, WEEKEND NOTES

FAQ

WHERE IS THE LANEWAY THEATRE?

The Laneway Theatre is situated in Northcote near St Georges Road. Full directions are provided at the time of booking to protect the secrecy of the venue.

HOW LONG IS THE SHOW?

The Magic Menu Live show usually runs 90 minutes with no intermission. Latecomers may not be admitted so please be on time.

IS IT RESERVED SEATING?

There are just 32 seats, all with great views, and we usually allocate seating to give each guest as much space as possible.

DO I NEED TO PRINT MY TICKET?

The show operates on a guest list. No need to print your ticket, but maybe print out the directions we’ll email you!

CAN I TAKE PHOTOS?

You are more than welcome to take photos and short videos all throughout the venue and during the show. We would love it if you post them – with your feedback – on our Facebook Page and our Trip Advisor listing.

CAN I BUY MAGIC TRICKS?

We have a selection of easy magic tricks for all ages on sale, together with souvenir books, an assortment of memorabilia, and Tim’s latest teaching DVD.

WHO IS TIM ELLIS?

Tim is an internationally award winning magician, President of The Australian Institute of Magic, and the creator of The Laneway Theatre. You can read more about him here.

IS THE VENUE WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE?

Please notify us in advance if you require access, as we have an alternate entrance for guests with mobility issues.

IS THE LANEWAY AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE BOOKINGS?

Yes. We have hosted corporate nights, private parties and sneak preview shows and have worked in conjunction with our nearby restaurants so everybody leaves thoroughly entertained and totally satiated. Call us on 040 88 62442 for more information.

IS THERE FOOD AVAILABLE?

There are lollies, chocolates, chips and drinks available to purchase at The Laneway Theatre. However, if you would like something more substantial we recommend the following restaurant which is less than a two minute walk from the theatre: