The Trash Test Dummies have become a mainstay of the kids Fringe, offering a staple, reliable show with a bit of everything in it: slapstick, acrobatics, juggling, chaos and silliness. It really would be a wonder if a kid came out of the show not having had a pretty good time. The theme is in the name and the stage is set with wheelie bins, bin liners and bits of rubbish. This trio lark about with the crowd, gathering up rubbish in bags with holes in the bottom, nicking people’s sunglasses (and even a baby at one point) to throw into the trash. Soon we’re in clowning territory as they parody their way through the cygnet dance from Swan Lake (with wheelie bins). 

All of the performers are multi-trained and segue smoothly between clowning and slick skills. Their punchlines are mostly pain-related (slapping, clonking, trapping fingers), and after a while it does all feel a bit one-note. There’s also an ill-judged cartoonish skit about war zones and bombs that I wasn’t sure about in the current global climate. But as a solid bet to keep kids entertained, this circus does pretty much exactly what it says on the bin. 

Trash Test Dummies Circus, Underbelly Circus Hub, until 24 August, 12.05pm.