A brand-new touring program to hit the road, Artback NT is proud to announce the lauch of Roadshow NT – set to light up stages across the Northern Territory this July and August 2025.

An exciting celebration of talent from the Northern Territory, Roadshow NT will deliver an unforgettable lineup of theatre, music, circus, cabaret, comedy, and dance to audiences in Mparntwe/Alice Springs, Katherine, and Tennant Creek.

Designed to connect communities with exceptional independent artists, Roadshow NT showcases the power and diversity of the Territory’s performing arts scene—bringing bold, funny, moving and unforgettable stories to regional and remote audiences.

“Roadshow NT is about shining a spotlight on the creative energy that defines the NT,” says Artback NT’s Performing Arts Manager, Evan Saunders. “We’re thrilled to take some of the Territory’s best performers on the road and strengthen the connections between artists and communities.”

This year’s program includes:

Katanga Junior’s Bongo Tour: East African beats, global grooves, unstoppable energy, in a live band.
Big Dog Salad’s Showcase of Shorts Vol.2: Short sketch comedy, theatrical, funny and outrageous.
Desert Diamonds – Razzle Dazzle in the Desert: Glitter-soaked variety theatre & cabaret.
Michael Connell: Pure undiluted juggling stand-up comedy mayhem!
Shalom Kaa: Asian Looking Maori with a Jewish Name: Darwin’s sassiest kiwi-import reflects on 50 years of KFC trips!

Whether you’re a long-time arts lover or new to the scene, Roadshow NT promises something for everyone—live, local, and under the Territory sky.

Audio descriptions

Big Dog Salad 
A Darwin-based comedy collective of six under-30s making sharp, silly and heartfelt work across stage and screen. From sold-out Fringe shows to award-winning films, they’re all about collaboration, chaos, and community—serving up bold new laughs wherever they go.

Desert Diamonds 
A high-energy cabaret collective from Alice Springs, The Desert Diamonds NT are a teaching company blending variety dance theatre with community spirit in an electrifying variety experience. Their hit show Razzle Dazzle in the Desert  is a glitter-soaked fusion of Fosse flair, Old Hollywood elegance, Big Band Sounds, and Bluesy Dulcet Tunes. Cabaret Queens and Crooner Charm perform a shimmery starlet showstopper under the desert stars.

Katanga Junior 
Katanga Junior, along with his 5-piece band brings East African beats and global grooves to the NT. Born in Tanzania and based in Mparntwe, his multilingual fusion of afrobeat, hip-hop, and soul delivers unstoppable energy, culture, and connection. Dance, feel, and celebrate a sound that bridges continents.

Michael Connell 
Michael Connell is a stand-up comedian and juggler whose smart, clean comedy has taken him from cruise ships to the outback. Based in Darwin, he blends sharp wit with circus skills, performing across the NT with laugh-out-loud stand-up by night and high-energy juggling shows by day.

Shalom Kaa 
One of Darwin’s most dynamic entertainers—a singer, comedian, actor, MC, and all-round showman. From cabaret stages to community events, he brings heart, humour, and harmony. Whether hosting, performing or producing, Shalom lights up every room with talent, charm, and unapologetic flair.