Mario Marchese, known to his adoring fans as Mario the Maker Magician, is a fireball of energy. This is what you will expect for the 60 minutes he graces the stage in his high-octane magic show. Not only is Mario the Magician absolutely hilarious, but he is also the most friendly and personable man you could ever meet. Even before the show started, he walked up and down the stairs greeting everyone, beaming the whole time. He took selfies and spent time to say hello and get to know the little people who came to see his show.
Targeted at children from 4 years and up, Mario the Maker Magician is a show for everyone, including the adult chaperones that accompany the little ones. Mario is a gifted magician, with trickery that even gets past the grown-ups who have seen many a magic show in their time. You will see card tricks, disappearing acts, balloons, water spraying, set pieces falling apart, and Mario, running around hysterically.
Mario’s show is very interactive. He is always engaging the audience by asking them to shout out, raise their hands, and volunteer to come up on to the stage. In these moments we learn about scientists and inventors, get a little practice with our Italian American expressions, and roll on the floor with laughter.
This show travels across the world and Mario expressed his gratitude, that his show has made it to the Sydney Opera House. Mario the Maker Magician is a family-run business, with his wife Katie popping out at the opening of the performance to say hello to the crowd. She is also the producer, and they travel with their two children, Gigi and Bear. Mario has been on Sesame Street and toured with David Blaine and is the humblest, most down-to-earth magician one could ever meet.
Mario the Maker Magician is the perfect school holiday outing that children of all ages will enjoy. The parents and guardians will also get a kick out of it too. They even get the chance to participate in the audience and on stage (whether they want to or not!).
Also, a note that it is worth arriving early, as there is an opportunity for the little ones to create their own magic in the foyer with the Funny Flower Magic Trick. They will get to design and colour in their own flower and assemble it to take home with them. It is a very sweet souvenir to help them remember such a wonderful magic show.
FIVE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Reviewer attended on 2 October 2025.
Mario the Maker Magician is playing at the Playhouse, Sydney Opera House until 12 October 2025.
Tickets available here: Mario the Maker Magician | Sydney Opera House
Header image credit; Sydney Opera House.
