Back of the Bus

— happening now!
— happening now!
— being created!
— coming soon!
24-28 January 2025
Bus Stop 301 Montreal Street

Back of the Bus is a magical mystery tour of the unexpected. The audience ride on a moving bus through the streets of your city as dancers propel themselves along the aisles and hang from the roof. Physical comedy, pure kinetic energy and outrageous scenarios combine to create an intense intimate journey. Back of the Bus has performed 22 seasons including, Singapore, Wellington, Edinburgh, Shanghai, Lancashire, Seoul, Oamaru, Auckland, New Plymouth, Dunedin, Rotorua, Adelaide, Nelson, Tauranga, Perth, Christchurch and Mackay.

Performance & credits:

Choreography by Sacha Copland. Music by Sigur Ros, Lila Downs, Vivaldi, Bach, Paris Combo, Riccardo Tesi, James Brown, Jane Birken, Terem Quartet. Original Cast and creators Rosanne Christie, Emma Johnston, Salena Govind, Natalie Hona.

Honest conversation reviews:

“I have never really seen anything like it before; the connection with the audience was electric.”
Sameena Zehra
"Somewhere between standup comedy, a physical competition, an intergenerational back-and-forth and a celebration of mauri / life force."
Audience member
"The audience loved it, the terrain of the conversation and the honesty exhibited was compelling."
Theatreview
"A wonderfully fresh, wildly funny ride"
Donna Banicevich Gera, Theatreview
"This delightful dance piece oozes charm and captures the imagination"
Broadway Baby, Edinburgh
"Opening up dance to hitherto untapped audiences"
The Scotsman, Edinburgh
"This has to be one of the best shows on offer at this year’s fringe"
Kryztoff Raw, Adelaide
"Back of the Bus is sure to delight and astound you"
Buzzcuts, Adelaide
"This is site specific choreography at its best”
The Press
"Java Dance Theatre have dramatically altered what a dance show can be by making it site-specific, promenade and interactive"
Broadway Baby, Edinburgh