Synchronised swimming on unicycles? Splash Test Dummies is coming to The Q

Posted on 29 May, 2026

Fresh from international waters and armed with pool noodles, beach balls and what sounds like an irresponsible number of bubbles, Splash Test Dummies is heading to Queanbeyan these school holidays.

Running at The Q from Thursday 2 until Sunday 5 July, the family-friendly circus show comes from the award-winning Australian trio behind Trash Test Dummies – and yes, it’s every bit as chaotic as the name suggests.

Think synchronised swimming on unicycles. Bathtub shenanigans. Beach volleyball inside a theatre. Water pistols. Acrobatics that make you briefly forget to breathe. Then throw in puppetry, juggling, magic tricks and slapstick comedy that will have both kids and parents absolutely losing it.

The show has already made waves overseas, picking up rave reviews for its mix of physical comedy and seriously impressive stunt work.

“A creative triumph, blending slapstick comedy with daring acrobatics,” wrote The AU Review in its five-star review.

The success that this Australian circus trio has seen both home and abroad is remarkable. Performer & Creator Jamie Bretman – who also has a background as a youth worker – says a lot of it comes down to the approach the performers take with their audience.

“We blur the lines between the impossible and possible. If we can get even some of our audience members to run with the idea that anything is possible, we have achieved what we set out to do,” he says.

Full of laughs and plenty of surprises, this world-class troupe will display a brilliant array of catch-your-breath stunt work, acrobatics, juggling and the side-splitting, slapstick comedy for which the dummies are famous. New to this production is the inclusion of unicycles, incredible magic tricks and inspiring puppetry.

Jamie is passionate about using circus to improve the lives of young people across the country. He believes in encouraging imagination expansion through play, audience engagement and just being silly.

“We don’t talk down to kids, I’m a firm believer in this – It’s important to us to make the work excellent,” he says.

“We are constantly improving the show and giving kids permission to be involved (or not), but to trust us. It’s a really safe space and it’s really interactive.”

The performance runs for 60 minutes and is for audiences of all ages. Be prepared to have your funny bone well and truly tickled and your mind blown by what the human body is capable of.