Hot Dub Time Machine – Sydney Festival

Overview

If ever there was a dance party you could take your folks to, it's Hot Dub Time Machine. While they'll get their dose of Bill Haley and the Comets, you'll get your Skrillex or whatever it is from the recent charts that compels you to move.

Over the course of one long set, Sydney DJ Tom Loud spins, mixes and mashes his way through the story of dance music — since 1954. The catch is that the entire operation is 'powered' by energy generated by the crowd. Whether you're dancing, singing, talking or yelling, you'll be helping to keep the action rolling. But if, at any point, the people's contribution drops to a level lower than that of a "fully sick party", the Hot Dub Time Machine will come to a grinding halt, meaning you'll be stuck in time — repeatedly listening to "when-ever" you've landed.

First performed at the Sydney Fringe Festival 2011, Hot Dub Time Machine has since been a hit at festivals and clubs in Australia, New Zealand and the UK. It'll be making several appearances at this year's SydFest, with three ticketed midnight shows in the Spiegeltent (January 11, 18 and 25) and two free shows — Friday, January 10, as part of the Parramatta Opening Party and Saturday, January 11, as part of Summer Sounds in the Domain. You can also try the Tix for Next to Nix booth for $25 tickets on the day.

Want more Sydney Festival events? Check out our top ten picks of the festival.