I think most of us are in awe of magic tricks and juggling, wondering ‘How on earth do they do that?!’ Here, we talk to JAMES BUSTAR, who has made these circus skills his business, travelling around the world, making people laugh. We talk to him about how he got into this world of entertainment.
Where are you from and where do you live now?
I was actually born in the UK but moved to Australia when I was 11. I joined the Flying Fruit Fly Circus in Albury-Wodonga at 14, which is kind of like running away with the circus… but legally. It’s one of the best circus schools in the world, and honestly, that’s where everything changed for me.
I now live in Roselands, Sydney – although “live” is doing a lot of heavy lifting there. I bought my apartment in January and I reckon I’ve spent a total of three weeks in it. At this point, I basically live on the ocean.
How did you get your start?
My very first show was with the Fruit Fly Circus in my first year, and before long we were touring all over the world – performing at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and World Expo. I remember getting paid $50 for a local roving gig in Albury, and I thought that was amazing. Then I won $1000 at a street festival called the Applause Festival and felt like I’d made it! That kind of money felt massive back then – these days, it wouldn’t even cover excess baggage for the 50kg of props I travel with.
I got into magic first, but mainly because I wanted to know how the tricks were done (lol). I wasn’t the popular kid growing up – more the odd sheep – but I think I was always destined to be a performer. Whenever the circus rolled into town, I used to beg my parents to take me.
Where do you perform?
I’ve been performing professionally for nearly two decades now, and for the last 18 years I’ve mostly been working on cruise ships. I’m lucky to be one of the most regularly booked acts, performing on ships like Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Disney, and Carnival. When I’m not at sea, I also do festivals, theatre shows, corporate events – anything really, although I’ve definitely got sea legs.
A proud moment recently was producing my own solo show, Caught in the Act, in Sutherland. It was my first time putting a full show together myself, and it sold out, which was a really special moment. I also just did a 13-day cruise from Japan to LA – so much fun and an amazing crowd.
I’ve honestly performed in too many countries to count. And ships always seem to schedule the juggler for the roughest night at sea. Makes things… interesting.
What do you love about it?
I just love making people laugh. It’s that simple. The best part of my job is that my show can connect with everyone – it doesn’t matter if you’re five or eighty-five. I love seeing an entire room light up, no matter what kind of audience it is.
My show’s purposely chaotic. I rely on the audience a lot – they’re basically part of the show. I’ve had fake legs handed to me mid-show, people pretending they’re seals, and even once accidentally threw a juggling club at a blind man. His response? “It’s alright, I didn’t see that coming.” Still one of my favourite moments, that.
People often come up after a show and say things like, “If ADHD were a person, it’d be you!” – and they’re probably not wrong. But the comments that really stay with me are from people who’ve been through grief and say my show made them laugh again for the first time in ages. I’ve even had people who saw me on their first cruise 18 years ago come back and watch again with their kids. That kind of connection is pretty incredible.
Any challenges with this line of work?
Travelling with my gear is a whole show in itself. I’ve got juggling knives, axes, bowling balls, a 5kg pogo stick, and occasionally some adult-themed props for burlesque shows… you can imagine the looks I get at customs.
I’ve been pulled aside in Singapore. Tunisia, Turkey, Noumea – you name it. In Singapore a few years ago, I had to apply for a weapons permit for my gear. And one time, I was detained for seven hours while customs, police, and eventually even court officials tried to figure out if I was allowed into the country. I guess “comedy juggler” raises some red flags.
I’m away around 75 to 80% of the year, constantly flying. And I’m nearly six-foot-four – so, airline seats? Not designed for people like me.
Can performing be a challenge too?
Corporate crowds can be tough. No one’s really there to see you – they’re there for drinks, dinner, and to celebrate with their mates. So winning them over takes a bit of extra hustle. International crowds who don’t speak English can also be tricky since my act leans heavily on verbal comedy. That said, physical comedy still works, and people are usually super supportive.
What keeps James Bustar going?
V Energy Drinks, coffee and sleep when I can! With undiagnosed ADHD, I’m always “switched on” – which helps with the performing part, but not always with the resting part.
And yep – shows fall apart all the time. But honestly, that’s kind of the point. My show is built for chaos. I love it when things go wrong and I get to improvise something totally unrepeatable. That’s when I feel most alive.
James Bustar
Hilarious Juggling Antics and Mayhem
info@jamesbustar.com | IG & FB @jamesbustar
jamesbustar.com
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