Australia’s only purpose built Close Up Magic Theatre

COVIDSAFE PLAN

If you are thinking of supporting live entertainment by joining us in person at The Laneway Theatre, but are worried about Covid, here are some important things to know:

If a show has to be cancelled due to Covid restrictions, you will be refunded in full or you can transfer your booking to a date that works for you.
When you arrive, you check in contact free, we are mask friendly, sanitiser is available as are latex-free gloves.
Every group is separated by at least one empty seat.
Nobody is asked to leave their seat to join the performer on stage, all interaction is done with no physical contact whatsoever.
If you bring a deck of cards, a book, and four cards or business cards you are happy to destroy, you will be able to participate in the the show touching only the items you have brought with you.
“Everything about it was absolutely amazing! The theatre is awesome, seats comfortable, it’s so small and cozy you can see everything. Tim has a wonderful story-telling style, laced with jokes, comedy, and everyone including the kids get to participate in a magic trick or two which was really fantastic!” – Trip Advisor

YOU CAN ALSO BOOK THE ENTIRE LANEWAY THEATRE FOR YOUR EXCLUSIVE CELEBRATION UP TO 25 GUESTS – CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR INFO KIT

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.

DONATE

You can also show your support of The Laneway Magic via our virtual Tip Jar here

“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

MARCH

Wednesday Mar 10
7.30pm – Magicians At Work (90 minute show) – Starring The Australian Institute of Magic – Tickets FREE but must be booked – SOLD OUT

Saturday Mar 13
7.30pm – The Laneway Theatre Experience (2 hour show inc interval – 25 guests only) – Starring Tim Ellis –SOLD OUT
Friday Mar 19
7.30pm – The Laneway Theatre Experience (2 hour show inc interval – 25 guests only) – Starring Tim Ellis – CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS

APRIL

Saturday April 17
2.30pm – PRIVATE BOOKING – Entire venue – SOLD OUT

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

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

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?

Most shows usually run 90 to 100 minutes with a brief intermission. Latecomers may not be admitted so please be on time.

IS IT RESERVED SEATING?

There are just 32 seats, all with great views, however if you are keen to get a seat in the front row we recommend arriving as soon as the doors open (usually 30 minutes before showtime).

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

DINNER & SHOW PACKAGES NOW AVAILABLE AT FARINA 00 (Right across the road)

Just let them know you’re visiting The Laneway Theatre and show your ticket when paying to get either of these great deals

DEAL 1 – Large pizza or pasta and a drink (soft drink, beer or wine) $25

DEAL 2 – 2 courses (entree & main OR main & dessert) and a drink (soft drink, beer or wine) $35

We recommend bookings for Friday & Saturday nights as they do book out most weekends.