2022 SHOWS
Bah Ha Circus
The Nickels
The Nickels are always on time. For Max and Daisy, showtime, the timing of a trick, the timing of lunch and the time of your life are all part of their family tradition. Join them for their handed down hands acrobatic comedy set off the back of the family trailer. An outdoor duo comedy show involving, acrobatics, acro-balance, juggling, hula hoops and hand balancing.
FAMILY SHOW
CHEEKY CABARET
In a beautiful, sleepy beach town called Brunswick Heads sits a theatre that sat empty for over 30 years…. And it’s here in this unlikely little venue where some magic really happens.
This town had no idea what to expect when the Brunswick Picture House flung open its doors with an outrageous, genre-bending, two-hour adult variety show, the Cheeky Cabaret. Its reputation has since spread like wildfire with its often weird but always fabulous line-up, selling out every month and attracting international artists who would ordinarily play much bigger stages.
STRICTLY 18+
LIMITED VENUE CAPACITY
DETAILED NOSTALGIA
Ellen & James grew up in the mud of Mullumbimby playgrounds & the black mirror of Saturday morning cartoons. As they leave the world of adolescence, they’ve decided to explore the ways in which they revere, homage, mimic & build upon their foundational influences. Stories, images & ideas that got seared into their impressionable young brains, spew out of them onto the stage in a haphazard, absurd & emotional manner.
Circus has been continually woven into their lives in one way or another since childhood, so it seemed the only appropriate medium to unravel their detailed nostalgia.
Photo Credit: Hamish McCormick
ROOKE
Interloper
An exploration of belonging, connection, humanity and identity in this new world we are all coming to terms with. These five will drop your jaw to the floor, then pick it back up for a good laugh, only to take your breath away all over again. The arrival of an uninvited stranger; a complex individual with baggage and wisdom, love and depth, struggles and triumphs. Interloper invites you to walk into a world you never knew existed, a place of harmonious dissonance. Using circus as our tool, ROOKE will reimagine what all of this means in 2022. A blurring of genres, a destruction of stereotypes, a welcoming for humankind into this new era.
Otto & Astrid
The brother and sister electro-pop/punk rockers are the self-proclaimed “Best Band in the World”. Orphaned as kids when Astrid was 12 and Otto was 9, the duo found shelter in a Berlin squat and never rockin’ well looked back. An Otto and Astrid gig is a wild, rock‘n’roll cabaret ride, full of hilarious, truly catchy and award-winning pop songs, constantly interrupted by absurd squabbling.
The teutonic twosome travel the world rocking everywhere from The Roxy in LA, to Soho Theatre in London and Joes Pub in New York. Recently they have also been performing with Australia’s own Circus Oz in Rock Bang: a circus rock opera with acrobats, stunts, high falls and dancing lions featuring Otto & Astrid. They’ve also made a web series chronicling their rehearsals which has so far had close to half a million views.
Otto & Astrid will be one of the most irreverent and hilarious gigs you are ever likely to see. A lipstick-smeared, tantrum-loving, sonic collision between The B-52s, The Pixies, Kraftwerk and early Ramones with ridiculously infectious songs, Otto and Astrid are truly one of a kind.
Shep Huntly
Dr Hubble’s Bubbles
Dr Hubble, Australia’s Favourite Bubbleman is the world-renowned circus and sideshow artist, Shep Huntly. All his life Shep knew he wanted to be on stage. He did his first performances in primary school, was in all the school plays throughout secondary school and studied acting at University. Dr Hubble brings twenty five years of international show biz experience and a new found love of bubbles together to create a wonderful show for all ages.
FAMILY SHOW
Wilks & Wolk present:
A Wolk & Wilks double bill
Rodeo Clown
A short unhappy life as a rodeo clown. Life is like a rodeo; the trick is to ride and make it to the bell. You can get bucked and go to hell!
A short, new work in progress by Nicci Wilks, Susie Dee and the creators of Caravan.
Coarse language used in this performance.
Scruffy Knight
Once upon a time... There was a very successful Cabaret called 137 which was performed by the UK’s oldest existing performance group - the People Show. They all had hoped to have it as their pension but alas EMIL is now the only one left alive performing it- alone, forlorn and broke - until his agent HARRY phoned with news of unimaginable hope. A true story … almost.
Warren Brophy
The Wheel of Death
Warren Brophy takes on The Wheel of Death, a 12m high, 500kg steel pendulum that reaches a height of 12 metres. This thrilling act will see Warren perform acrobatics, skipping and even walking blindfolded all while maintaining his balance atop the rotating cage. This high adrenaline act is performed without the aid of safety nets or wires, making it a truly on the edge of your seat experience.
FAMILY SHOW
Treetop Arts
Little Black Sheep
Directed by Charlie Truscott
Little Bo Peep has lost her sheep and instead of finding her sheep, she finds a bunch of cowboys and cowgirls who are trying to find their horse. Cowgirls/boys with no horse? Bo-peep with no sheep? We find ourselves in the middle of an identity crisis between these misfitts. There's the crazy one, the nurturing one, the bossy one and of course the one who is in their own own little world, oh and now Bo Peep (still with no sheep) but somehow this family works. Mixing up spanish web, unicycle, skipping, juggling and clowning, meet these characters and see if perhaps you can help them find the sheep, not to be confused with a tumbleweed.... you might need to come watch the show to figure that one out ;)
Batton & Broadway
Back by popular demand, Circus veterans Debra Iris Batton and Sue Broadway tread the boards with a new line up of fellow quinquagenarians (folks over fifty that is) in The Classics. Daring, hilarious, playful, and like good wine, The Classics prove that vintage is better. Together with their special guests, Batton & Broadway will charm you with their wit, fearless presence, circus classics and new acts of age rejoicing brilliance!
Dale Woodbridge-Brown
FESTIVAL MC
Dale Woodbridge-Brown is an award-winning Kamilaroi man and circus artist from Mugindi. He was awarded the NAIDOC performer of the 2019 and Indigenous circus performer 2021 by the Australian Circus Festival. Dale’s career as an athlete began at a young age when as a teenager, he won awards for gymnastics and baton twirling at state level. In his late teens Dale attended NAISDA (National Aboriginal Islander Skills Development Association) and ACPA (Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts) where he began his journey as a performance artist. Dale sports an impressive resume as ensemble member for international powerhouses Circus Oz, Briefs Factory and Casus Circus as well as holding his own as a formidable independent MC and artist. Dales’ dedication thrives due to his strong connection to his family, culture, and love of making people laugh.
Don’t Mess with the Dummies
Lions and tigers and dummies, oh my! Set up camp and stampede into the jungle for an outlandish, circus filled extravaganza that will leave you chuckling like a monkey and roaring for more. Pack your bag, tie your shoes and get ready as the Dummies swing through treetops and skip past foliage, with a rockin’ soundtrack, unbelievable acrobatics and trademark Dummies frivolity, let’s get ready to rumble!
FAMILY SHOW
A Good Catch Circus
Casting Off
Dynamic and gutsy with an abundance of absurdity Casting Off is circus-as-conversation that boldly challenges convention and topples expectation with raucous and poetic beauty. Casting Off stereotypes three generations of spirited women who talk, tumble, fly, and balance precariously. The personal is political, the furious is funny, and the acrobatics are downright dangerous. Self-directed and hand knitted. An exuberant accumulation of moments that shine a light on women in playful, fruitful, and radical relationships.
The Pitts Family Circus
Beginning in 2005 with the addition of a newborn baby to Cessil and Sandy Pitts, The Pitts Family Circus is a quirky acrobatic comedy street theatre show. The Pitts have evolved over time to include three children, two dogs, two circus tents, various family and friends, a caravan and a truck. They have travelled the world performing and teaching many times over and present a wide variety of acrobatic circus acts including, risley, bottle walking, kendama and knot throwing. Since the pandemic they have slowed down considerably, spending a lot of time at the family home in Barkers Vale N.S.W, developing new acts and working out different ways to stack up the children now that they have gotten bigger.
FAMILY SHOW
CORIE HURRY
Planet Lava
Planet lava is comedy circus for kids where the floor is made of lava and a handstand on a bunch of chairs is the only way to get in touch with headquarters. The show is intended to help kids feel smart and important while having fun. Watch as a very silly space explorer climbs out of a rocket that is way too small for an 80kg astronaut.
Originally from Wollongong Australia, Corie Hurry mastered chair handstands at Australia’s National Institute of Circus Arts and has performed for Hudsons Circus, The Great Moscow Circus, Circus Monoxide, Circus Phoenix and Circus Aotearoa.
FAMILY SHOW
The Space Cowboy
The Space Cowboy is a Multidisciplinary Artist from Byron Bay, Australia. A natural performer, he started presenting his unusual skills at the local markets at the age of eight and went on to shock and amaze audiences in 40+ countries around the world. His numerous television appearances including ‘Officially Amazing’, ‘Outrageous Acts Of Science’ and AGT have solidified his fame as a Sideshow Celebrity.
The Splash Test Dummies
Rub-a-dub-dub, The Dummies are here with some splish splashing circus set to drown you in tears of laughter. With a brilliant array of catch-your-breath stunt work, dazzling acrobatics, dexterous juggling and side-splitting, slapstick comedy, the Dummies are ready to roll out their beach towels and spring into an exciting hour of circus-filled hilarity for the whole family.
FAMILY SHOW
Brunswick Heads or Tails
An all new, all star, kids against grown-ups circus game show. Smarts, sass or agility could win you amazing prizes. Starring Joel Salom (The International Man of Circus, Circus OZ) and circus royalty Malia Walsh (Werk it, Circus Trick Tease), delivering an action packed, cheeky spin on those classic game shows!
FAMILY SHOW
Circus Trick Tease
WERK IT
WERK IT is an all-star circus comedy romp. Celebrating working with high-vis, spandex and 9 to 5 with vitality and vigour! It’s the low carb love-child of a tradie, a spin instructor and a cross-fit fiend. Werk It is big tricks delivered by a hip thrusting cast with more sass and swagger than a TLC videoclip.
SOME ADULT THEMES
Daniel Oldaker ‘Dandyman’
Daniel Oldaker is ‘Dandyman’ Australia’s prince of circus & physical comedy. A true clown and improvisational ingenious idiot who’s been instrumental in providing platforms for many artists over the years in Australia’s variety scene. Catch Dandyman create absurd madness at the festival when he serves up something entirely fresh and just a little bit chaotic.
East India Magic
Jaardu the Magic of India
Andrew Elliott has created the character of Jaardu from both his Eastern and Western heritage. He is, by turns, cheeky and provocative, irreverent, and flirtatious. Straddling both worlds, Andrew is able to gently poke fun of Eastern and Western stereotypes, provoking humour and goodwill. Catch this unique performance which encompasses magic, comedy, and a very original snake charming routine. An energetic show of intrigue, suspense, mystique, and humour.
FAMILY SHOW
Photo Credit: Chris Herzfeld
Gravity & Other Myths
A SIMPLE SPACE
Brought to you by award winning company Gravity & Other Myths, A Simple Space, has achieved momentous international success, having performed more than 850 times across 34 countries and receiving multiple awards, most notably the IPAY Victor Award for People's Choice.
Seven acrobats push their physical limits without reserve; this performance is simultaneously raw, frantic and delicate. Supported by driving live percussion and presented so intimately that you can feel the heat, hear every breath, and be immersed in every moment. A Simple Space evokes real responses in audiences, something visceral rather than cerebral.
FAMILY SHOW
Na Djinang Circus
Common Dissonance
In a world where it is common to believe in both spirituality and science – how can we navigate the complex dialogues that consume contemporary culture? Common Dissonance is a contemporary circus work exploring the struggle between traditional and modern modes of reasoning. Featuring two contemporary performers with shared and distinctly individual experiences, this work not only explores the harmony and conflict of contemporary Australian reasoning but finds a Common Dissonance.
Seesaw Circus
The Outhouse
Meet Luna and Hope. Two clowns on a quest to give our planet the rest and rejuvenation it needs, leave planet earth in their outhouse rocket. The Outhouse will take you on an interactive journey into the ridiculous and sublime. This two-woman physical comedy combines shadow puppetry and animation, creating an experience that will touch your heart and make your spirits soar.
FAMILY SHOW
Image Credit: Anais Stewart-Long
SPAGHETTI CIRCUS PERFORMANCE TROUPE
Bails of Hey!
The Spaghetti Circus show is busting at the seams with local talent. A new cast investigates and collaborates on this show, looking into a teenager’s world. Inspired by a reaction to climate change protests, this show is a middle finger response to being ignored and looked down on by politicians, media, and the adult world. The show is action-packed with acrobatics, aerials, teeterboard, and most of all - fun. The sea is rising, and so are we - Bails of Hey! Is not to be missed!
FAMILY SHOW
Circus Arts Byron Bay Performance Troupe
The Grand "Whodunnit" Hotel!
Directed by Alex Frith, the creator of the famous Shield Maidens, this murder mystery, set in the glamorous 1930s, is packed with aerials, acrobatics and various circus acts to keep you entertained and on the edge of your seats!
FAMILY SHOW