What's On

Alakazam: What even is magic?

Nominated for Best Comedy: Melbourne Fringe Festival 2024

What even is magic?

A bunny out of a hat? A sunset? Cutting a good-looking lady in two? What IS magic? Let's find out together in the most magical place on earth, Trades Hall.

After a sellout season at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Ben McCarthy is back with a brand-new comedy show: Alakazam, a playful solo-comedy featuring clowning and interactive games.

In 2024 Ben debuted ‘Cadet Kelly is the Best Movie I’ve Ever Seen In My Friggin Life’ at the Melbourne Fringe which received a nomination for Best Comedy of the festival.

"A standout slice of silliness" ★★★★ – Chortle
"I have no idea what I just watched, but my cheeks hurt from laughing." Fringe Comedy Judge

DISCLAIMER: This is not a real magic show involving magic tricks. There is however magic all around us which means every show is a magic show.

Performing as part of Melbourne Fringe.
Recommended for ages 16+

Event details

Venue: Trades Hall, 2 Lygon St. Carlton VIC 3053
Bookings: https://www.melbournefringe.com.au/whats-on/events/alakazam
Start Date: Wednesday 15 October 2025

Date: 8-19 October
Times: 8:30pm-9:30pm Wednesday – Saturday. 7:30-8:30pm Sundays

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Most read Melbourne reviews

Retrograde | Melbourne Theatre Company
The script is based on a true story, although this dramatisation can feel somewhat contrived, with important assertions not interrogated, and credibility stretched as a result.
The Glass Menagerie | Melbourne Theatre Company
This Glass Menagerie is top shelf, and while blessed with an extraordinary cast and the highest of production values, it will not meet with everyone’s measure of how this play should be staged.
Waitress the Musical
There is a lot to love about this show; the cast are strong, and the onstage band who interact in the main diner setting is a fun touch.
Prima Facie | Griffin Theatre Company
Suzie Miller’s award-winning one-woman play, Prima Facie returns to Melbourne for a limited season.
Sweet Charity | Heirlume Productions
Heirlume’s production of Sweet Charity offers a fresh take on an iconic musical.

Most read reviews

Retrograde | Melbourne Theatre Company
The script is based on a true story, although this dramatisation can feel somewhat contrived, with important assertions not interrogated, and credibility stretched as a result.
The Glass Menagerie | Melbourne Theatre Company
This Glass Menagerie is top shelf, and while blessed with an extraordinary cast and the highest of production values, it will not meet with everyone’s measure of how this play should be staged.
The First Murder | Pinchgut Opera
In the care of Pinchgut Opera’s director, Erin Helyard, this music, formulaic as it indeed is in some respects, sprang off the page into an experience rich in emotions.
Waitress the Musical
There is a lot to love about this show; the cast are strong, and the onstage band who interact in the main diner setting is a fun touch.
Izzard: The Tragedy of Hamlet
To Shakespeare’s text be true is the obvious goal here, and writer, director and actor have each scored.

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