Winni Wizard and Her Magical Smells is a high-energy, interactive comedy magic show that brings a burst of “wizarsterous” fun to Perth families these school holidays. Set in Winni’s quirky family magic shop, the show is full of enchantment, calamities and laugh-out-loud moments that keep kids giggling and parents genuinely entertained from start to finish. Having finally earned her Real-Life Wizard Badge, Winni’s biggest challenge is now running the shop – and unsurprisingly, things don’t quite go to plan. The result is a winky-wonky adventure where she has to undo what she always does, with plenty of magical mishaps along the way.
From the moment Winni appears – literally arriving as part of the crowd rather than from the stage – the kids are hooked. The pace is fast, the energy is big and the action is constant. Children are frequently invited to help with tricks and potions, including concocting messy mixtures like “Green B-Gone” and joining the quest for Gary, the missing frog.
The audience participation feels organic and inclusive, with Winni reading the room beautifully and making every child who goes on stage feel like a star. Even little ones too shy to go up are drawn into the story, calling out clues, reminding Winni about Gary, and gasping at the magical reveals.
What impressed me most was how well the show catered to different ages at once. My 11-year-old loved the clever character work and the way Winni “got lost” in the crowd at the start. My 7-year-old was absolutely thrilled to be part of a messy onstage experiment, grinning from ear to ear. My 3-year-old was completely invested in the hunt for Gary the frog, scanning the set and whispering theories. And my 2-year-old was emotionally all-in, shouting reminders to Winni that Gary was still missing and cheering for his safe return. It’s rare to find an hour-long show that keeps toddlers, primary schoolers and tweens equally engaged, but Winni manages it with ease.
Parents won’t be bored either. The humour lands solidly with adults, with jokes that are knowingly silly but smarter than your standard kids’ entertainment. There are plenty of cheeky asides, references to “stinky goblin brothers” and even the odd gag “so funny it makes you fart”, all delivered with sharp timing and a warm, playful presence. The show has the feel of a seasoned festival hit, and it’s no surprise that Winni has sold out runs in Melbourne and Sydney before making her way west. Reviews from across Australia praise her audience interaction and high-energy style, and it’s easy to see why – she has the crowd laughing within seconds and never really lets them go.
Winni Wizard and Her Magical Smells is playing at the Old Mill Theatre in South Perth during Fringe World, with a 50-minute runtime that’s just right for younger attention spans. Sessions run across selected dates in late January with a choice of morning and afternoon times, making it easy to fit around naps or other Fringe adventures. Standard tickets are $26, with additional options like Friends Frenzy discounts, family pricing and group rates for larger parties. The Old Mill Theatre offers step-free access through the main entrance and has an accessible bathroom, and while the venue is technically 18+, minors are welcome when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Facilities on site make it easy to manage snacks and bathroom breaks. Once doors open, toilets are available inside the theatre, with additional public toilets located just behind the building. A simple snack bar sells water and poppers for around $2, soft drinks for about $3, and kid-friendly treats like chips and chocolate from about $1, which is handy if you’ve rushed in from another activity and forgotten supplies. Seating is unreserved, so it pays to arrive early if you’d like to sit close to the action, especially if you have children hoping for a turn on stage or you’re attending with a wheelchair user who’d benefit from the reserved front row.
Parking in the immediate area is limited but manageable if you plan ahead. There’s a small nine-bay car park outside The Station restaurant opposite the theatre, which can fill quickly during popular Fringe sessions. If that’s full, you’ll find more spaces at the Wilson Parking on Mill Point Road, just a short two-minute walk away, or at nearby shopping centre parking on Harper Terrace. If you do end up early, the grassed area near the public toilets behind the theatre is a great spot to let kids burn off some pre-show energy – it backs onto the zoo, which adds a bit of extra excitement and atmosphere.
Overall, Winni Wizard and Her Magical Smells is a standout choice for families looking for a Fringe World show that’s genuinely funny, gloriously chaotic and thoroughly engaging for kids and adults alike. With its mix of magic, music, slapstick, and smart crowd work, it’s easy to see why this wacky wizard has been such a hit interstate. If you’re chasing a show that will have your children talking about it all day – and possibly trying to recreate potions and spells at home – this magical misadventure at the Old Mill Theatre is well worth adding to your school holiday plans.
Winni Wizard and Her Magical Smells
Address: Old Mill Theatre, Mends Street, South Perth, WA
Opening Hours: Show duration 50 minutes; sessions across selected dates during Fringe World (e.g. Fri 23 Jan 2:00pm; Sat 24 – Sun 25 Jan 11:30am & 2:00pm – check current Fringe program for exact 2026 dates and times)
Official Website: Winni Wizard and Her Magical Smells – Fringe World
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