Matt Hollywood Unveils a Brand-New World-Class Magic Spectacular on the Gold Coast, Australia

I once watched him make a whole Caravan disappear at the main Sydney Caravan Show at Rosehill some years back, and even though I ‘know’ how the trick worked, I still don’t know how the trick worked!

That friendship might make me slightly biased—but it also means I know just how much work, imagination and sheer determination Matt has poured into becoming one of Australia’s finest entertainers.

Now, he has raised the curtain on an entirely new production at the Illusions Magic Show in Surfers Paradise—and if you live on the Gold Coast or you’re travelling through on holiday, this is one show I genuinely believe you should see.

Purpose Built Theatre for your enjoyment

Performed inside Matt’s purpose-built theatre at Cavill Lane, beneath the Hilton Hotel, the new show brings together spectacular Las Vegas-style illusions, close-up magic, comedy, audience participation, mesmerising visuals and even death-defying escapes. It is a big, polished production presented in an intimate theatre where every audience member feels close to the action.

One moment might involve a huge illusion filling the stage; the next, Matt is standing just metres away performing something that leaves you wondering whether your own eyes have started telling fibs. In one terrific routine, an audience member writes their name on a playing card. The card vanishes, only to reappear somewhere seemingly impossible—sometimes even inside that person’s shoe. You may want to keep a close eye on your footwear!

While Matt’s technical ability is extraordinary, the real strength of his shows has always been his personality. He is naturally funny, wonderfully quick with an audience and knows how to create genuine moments of surprise without ever making people feel uncomfortable. It makes the show equally enjoyable for couples, groups of friends and families with children.

Matt’s career has taken him around Australia and overseas, entertaining international audiences, major Hollywood stars, visiting artists and guests at high-profile celebrity and corporate events. He has appeared on numerous television programs, including The Footy Show, Today Tonight, Good Morning Australia, Studio 10, Australia’s Funniest Home Videos, Ready Steady Cook and my old TV Show What’s Up Downunder. He has also shared the entertainment bill with some of Australia’s best-known personalities, including Eddie McGuire, Rove McManus and the late, great Bert Newton.

His achievements include being named Australian Champion of Magic, Australian Entertainer of the Year and becoming a three-time International Merlin Award winner—recognition that places him among the world’s leading illusionists. Experience Gold Coast (opens in a new tab)

Knowing Matt as I do, I’m enormously proud of what he has achieved. He has taken a lifelong passion and turned it into a genuinely world-class Gold Coast attraction.

Matt says the new production is about “creating moments people will never forget—where the impossible feels real.” That sums it up beautifully.

Illusions Magic Show is performed every Friday and Saturday in Surfers Paradise. If you’re visiting the Gold Coast, make room in the itinerary. It is funny, spectacular, thoroughly entertaining—and a little bit impossible.

I have loved literally every performance I have ever seen of Matt’s and I know you will too!

TICKETS & INFORMATION - ILLUSION SHOW