Performers were told the tent would need to be constructed and removed every week. Photo: Infamous the Show.
A popular variety show has been deterred from returning to the Illawarra after a bungle about the placement of its big top tent resulted in a month-long performance schedule being cut back to just one weekend.
Performers from Infamous the Show were set to delight audiences at Bulli Showground throughout November with a combination of burlesque, circus, cabaret and impressive skills uniquely coming together in the award-winning show for over 18s.
But as they were setting up the big top tent for their last run of shows for the season, they were informed they would need to take down the structure before the greyhound race the following Tuesday.
“My face went white and I had to sit down,” cast member Michelle Jarman said.
“I just was stunned; I could not believe it.
“This year has been a horrible year for us anyway, we’ve been pretty much living week to week paying wages – this has been a real devastating blow.”
The show’s cast said they had arranged an agreement with Bulli Showground licence holders NSW Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers’ Association (GBOTA), but upon arrival the GBOTA representatives indicated the tent was to be set up and taken down around weekly events.
For the Infamous cast, that task would be too difficult, with around a four-day set-up and two-day pull-down of the tent required, which would also exhaust performers before they engaged in stunts.
“It is a massive job because we have such beautiful infrastructure inside our tent,” cast member Bekki Ashton said.
“There are circuses that can set up and pull down their big top in a hurry – unfortunately ours is not one of them.”
“Some people don’t realise how many pieces there are,” Michelle said.
“And it’s us, the performers that do it.”
Tickets were on track for the whole month, with momentum expected to grow. Photo: Infamous the Show.
Show organisers scrambled to find an alternate location, with venues at Dapto and Darkes Orchard offering to help, however required paperwork with council and liquor licensing made the quick turnaround impossible.
The difficultly of the whole experience is now a major deterrent for the show returning in future years.
“It has put a sour taste in our mouths for sure,” Bekki said.
“I do believe that it will be a long time unless we get invited back and I do believe that it is very hard to get a big top up, not just our type of entertainment with the adult content and the bar, but circuses in general are having a hard time finding a location in the Illawarra.
“We want to bring city entertainment to the regional areas, we just can’t.”
“It’s not the people, it’s just disappointing that you have other elements and red tape that you have to deal with,” Michelle said.
“The development applications that you have to fill out – it shouldn’t be as hard as what it is; that can take months to go through.”
The show held one weekend of performances before packing up until next year.
While the performances were a success, Michelle said the first shows were usually quieter than those at the end of the month as excitement and momentum grew.
They also often sold many tickets at the door for those wanting an impromptu fun night out.
“We rely on word of mouth,” she said.
“Bookings were looking on track and they would’ve been getting better.
“By the last weekend is usually the best weekend because word has spread, so there’s definitely a huge loss of revenue there.”
Not only have they had their 2025 season cut short, they will also start 2026 on the back foot.
“One of the big things for us too is these last few weeks we were actually going to be rehearsing new numbers for next year, finishing off the final touches on the new acts,” Bekki said.
“Those won’t get polished now ready in time for the next season.”
To stay up to date about Infamous the Show’s future tours or to get in touch about refunded tickets, visit its website.
NSW GBTOA was contacted for comment.
