KAPUT brings wordless circus comedy to Adelaide Fringe 2026

A man holds a pulled reel of camera film with a face of dismay in the chaos.
KAPUT is a multi-award-winning family show combining slapstick, acrobatics and clowning in a joyful, wordless circus experience at Adelaide Fringe 2026.

What would happen if Mr Bean stepped into the circus ring? The answer is KAPUT — a multi-award-winning family show that has melted hearts around the world with its glorious brand of slapstick, acrobatics and total silliness.

A visual comedy masterpiece, KAPUT blends physical theatre, circus skill and clowning into a heartfelt, wordless story that speaks to audiences without saying a word. It’s a show where laughter and tenderness sit side by side, creating moments that are both uproariously funny and unexpectedly moving.

At the centre of the chaos is Tom Flanagan’s larger-than-life character, an “elegant buffoon” whose lonely, dust-covered world is constantly working against him. Alone on stage, Flanagan commands attention with astonishing physical control, expressive movement and brilliant physical comedy. His character is instantly relatable — a well-meaning soul navigating a world that seems determined to trip him up at every turn.

A man grips a wooden ladder while performing, showcasing his focus and balance in the activity.

This clumsy “Mr Fix-it” takes one step forward and two steps back in a highly skilled, hilariously funny and beautifully poignant bit of madness. Through tumbling, balancing, manipulation and meticulously crafted slapstick, everyday tasks become epic struggles and small mishaps snowball into spectacular chaos. Beneath the silliness, KAPUT gently explores resilience, hope and the universal desire to connect.

With its wordless storytelling, KAPUT is accessible to everyone, regardless of age or language, making it an ideal first theatre experience for children and a nostalgic delight for adults. The show has toured internationally and earned critical acclaim for its universal appeal, including Mervyn Stutter’s Spirit of the Fringe Award at Edinburgh Fringe and Best Children’s Event at Adelaide Fringe.

As The Scotsman perfectly put it, “This show just reaches in and puts a string of coloured lights around your heart.”

When: Saturday 21 February – Sunday 22 March

Location: The Bunker at Fool’s Paradise


For tickets, go to: adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/kaput-af2026

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