Junklandia is a high-energy production that blends drumming, dance, circus, clown and mime into a fast-paced, joyfully chaotic celebration of “creative recycling.” Developed by Australian ensemble Junkyard Beats, who founded in Sydney as a street act in 2015, the group regularly tours internationally and earns awards for their electrifying kids’ shows.

The loose story follows three brave Junklandia residents on their quest to reach a spaceship, so they can traverse the solar system and visit Earth, overrun with waste, and teach us how to turn “junk” into “funky music”. In Junklandia, generations have lived in harmony with rubbish, transforming them into extraordinary inventions: periscopes, stethoscopes, jewellery and, most importantly, musical instruments. Even the casts’ colourful costumes are adorned with found objects, adding flair and texture.

The imagination and energy of Junkyard Beats is boundless. In their intrepid hands, a spray painted cardboard box becomes a jukebox of sorts, playing a series of sounds and musical genres. There are “recycling trees” that spring to life from sorted bins and glow to light the path through a haunted forest. A plastic bag monster looms menacingly before being defeated with drumming batons. The young audience watches the stage, eyes glued on the cast, excited to see what they will create next.

Breaks from the story are woven into the show, whether through energetic singalongs or body percussion tutorials. Children get the benefit of a wriggle and reset without even realising it – although the volume certainly does not drop, with these intervals matching the same loud booming as the rest of the show. But for most families in the audience, the volume is part of the thrill. 

While they are youth performers, Junkyard Beats are professional and exceptionally talented artists, moving rhythmically and perfectly in time with each other. They do not just perform – they ignite the audience. With genuine enthusiasm and an infectious sense of fun, they deliver a colourful, high-octane reminder that creativity and sustainability can go hand in hand. Junklandia will even inspire the parents to transform their kitchen pots and pans into a drum kit.