'Trash Test Dummies' are doing something you didn't realise you wanted until you heard about it – they're combining circus tricks and acrobatics with wheelie bins and hardhats.
The three members – Jack Coleman, Jamie Bretman and Simon Wright – are all world-class circus performers in their own right who've collaborated to deliver a dump truck full of hilarity in their award-winning show.
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Their ridiculous stunts and astonishing displays of balance, acrobatics, slapstick and juggling will dazzle and amaze audiences of all ages. Their act has consistently drawn praise from critics as well as crowds, receiving awards at the Perth and Adelaide Fringe Festivals as well as the Gasworks theatre showdown in 2014. Jamie deliberates on the debris:
When did you realise you wanted to be performers?
The three of us came from different backgrounds including: swimming, gymnastics and theatre. When we met at the National Institute of Circus Arts (NICA) we quickly realised that we shared a passion for performing, in particular comedy and absurd acts.
How long have you been performing together as a mini-troupe?
We have been working together for about six years but only formed as a troupe just over two years ago.
How do you explain your show to people who have never seen it?Comedy acrobatics with wheelie bins. Perfect for families and people of all ages. Winners of the Best Children’s award 2015, 'Trash Test Dummies' is as full of laughs as their bins are full of surprises. They deliver a dump truck full of hilarity and an array of incredible circus skills.
Where did the idea come from to combine circus and wheelie bins?
In our third year of NICA we were part of an ensemble show called 'Lucy & The Lost Boys'. The three of us were assigned bin men characters and given a wheelie bin each. The audiences loved these characters so we decided to take them further and create what is now 'Trash Test Dummies'.
Do you get the best reactions from kids, or from parents who are kids-at-heart?
We get a great reaction from everyone. We have tailored the show so that some stuff goes over the kid’s heads and is just for the parents. We have been likened to Pixar films in that regards.
Trash tumble dummies
Posted by Trash Test Dummies on Saturday, 5 December 2015
You guys also teach circus tricks in workshops – how rewarding and fun is this?
Although it is not our passion we do love sharing our abilities with others and it gives us great joy to see a student’s pleasure when they learn something new.
Any injuries sustained during 'Trash Test Dummies'?
There are many sustained injuries from 'TTD', but you would not know so when you watch the show... The show must always go on!
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Any signature guaranteed show-stopping tricks you have up your sleeve?
Now that would be telling, wouldn’t it? One of us rides the wheelie bin like a surf board...
How are the Australia crowds different to international crowds, seeing as you toured Asia recently?
The crowds tend to laugh at different points of the show. But no matter where you come from you will love the 'Trash Test Dummies' show!
'Trash Test Dummies' performs Arts Centre Gold Coast 20 & 21 January and Adelaide Fringe Festival's Garden Of Unearthly Delights 12 February - 14 March.
