This show will be anything but garbage – the Trash Test Dummies are coming to Queanbeyan

Posted on 13 March, 2025

The humble household wheelie bin is getting its moment in the spotlight this April when the award-winning Trash Test Dummies bring their rubbish-inspired revelry to Queanbeyan.

There’s a sentence we’d never thought we’d write. But there’s a first time for everything, including a wheelie-bin inspired circus show.

Image: Michael Aiden Photography

Combining the exceptional skills you’d see during Cirque du Soleil with a household wheelie bin as their muse, these three dexterous dummies aren’t just talking trash – they’re turning it into pure entertainment gold.

Coming to The Q – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 April, for one hilarious hour, the Trash Test Dummies will take audiences on a journey filled with side-splitting slapstick, daring acrobatics, and dexterous juggling.

Image: Michael Aiden Photography

And with a little imagination, ordinary wheelie bins are transformed into an extraordinary playground of possibilities – from sleek cars to secret hideaway trenches, majestic chariots, and even rocket ships bound for the stars.

All we can say is one person’s trash really is another person’s theatrical treasure.

Image: Michael Aiden Photography

Starring Jamie Bretman, Jack Coleman and Rowan Thomas, since their Melbourne debut in 2013, the Trash Test Dummies have been collecting accolades faster than garbage day – including Best Children’s Presentation at Adelaide Fringe Festival in both 2015 and 2016 and earning runner-up honors for the Children’s Choice Award at Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2016.

Often likened to a Pixar film, according to Dummies Corp co-founder, CEO, Artistic Director (and original Trash Test Dummies creator and performer), Jamie Bretman, the show is perfect for all ages.

Image: Michael Aiden Photography

“It’s targeted at young people, but it is just as enjoyable for adults. This means that kids can come with their parents and grandparents and there’s something for everyone,” says Jamie.

“Full of laughs and plenty of surprises, this world-class troupe will take fun to new heights with riotous stunts and an astonishing display of balance, acrobatics, slapstick and juggling. Our audiences tend to laugh their way through the whole thing.”

And with music, dance, and what promoters describe as “epic immersive action,” this performance promises to be anything but a waste of time.

Image: Michael Aiden Photography

Blurring the lines between the impossible and possible, Jamie says that the Trash Test Dummies believe in encouraging imagination expansion through play, audience engagement, and just being silly.

“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.”

This might just be the only time you’ll tell your children, “Yes, you can play with the trash.”

Tickets are selling fast – and unlike your household waste collection, this is one pickup you won’t want to miss.