Alleyway entrance
The Laneway Theatre is Melbourne's exclusive magic theatre venue with only a handful of seats available each show night to eager viewers who crave to experience a night of close-up magic cabaret style.
A grim welcoming
Tim Ellis puts a great deal of effort into ensuring that each guest is entertained from start to finish; from the moment you step onto the premises to when you shut the door behind, you as you leave for the night.
Old photos from a long time ago
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.
Butterfly window display
The alleyway wherein the entrance to the venue is located is secluded and lead you on with delightful fear and trepidation. A buzzer unlocks the door and grants you entry.
Bzzzt... Are you here for the magic show?
Once inside, an eerie blue glow emanating from the walls and ceiling engulf you in a cold embrace as you look into a bottomless pit. Fret not, however, for it is merely an optical illusion with the clever use of mirrors.
Careful not to fall in!
Tombstones and various other props decorate the premises from the entrance to the cosy insides. The main area is guarded by a coffin which acts as a door to the otherworld.
Push aside the skeleton and enter if you dare
Once inside, you can see many of Tim's accomplishments as the numerous trophies and awards displayed; or rifle through his photographs through the decades which fleetingly capture moments of his life.
One of Tim's many photogenic poses
Awards galore
There is a merchandise room where you can purchase decks of cards and other things to remember The Laneway Theatre and Tim by. It is also decorated beautifully with a surreal butterfly window display. Watch out for the hand coming out of the ceiling!
The Laneway Theatre merchandise
Watch out for the creepy hand
The stage is intimate and every audience member has the opportunity to observe Tim at work. From what I recall, there are four or five rows of seats, so not many at all - hence the great views. The seats are plush and soft - very comfortable. The velvet red matches the curtain backdrop and lighting.
Comfortable seats and close view
Tim's show changes every few months to keep things fresh. However, there will always be a mix of tricks on schedule for the evening; ranging from card tricks and classic cups and balls (with a twist) to new unseen before deceptions.
Tim entertaining guests before the show
Charisma and flair is paramount in magic shows and Tim connects with the audience, making them laugh and draw them into the world of sleight and illusion.
Tim on stage doing his patter
Tim's expertise and comfort on stage is one of a veterans. Calm and poised even in the face of disruptions - a phone call - catered for with a joke leaving no one embarrassed and everyone chuckling.
Puppet sitting on a chair
If you have the chance to catch one of the Laneway Theatre shows, you would be in for a treat.
Morbid props set the atmosphere
Playing cards on a piano
On street parking can be found; not difficult but some patience required when manoeuvring the narrow streets.
Parking requires some effort
The venue is a one minute walk from Tram Stop 30 (Route 11) and a five-minute walk from Northcote Station.
I have been asked to keep the exact location a secret but
here is where you can find out more.
Costume cupboard
