About the Bums

The Shiny Bum Singers perform the work songs of the Public Service in traditional working dress.

They sometimes stray into political satire, and other life experiences such as rugby and visiting the dentist.

We sing parodies and encourage audience participation by projecting the choruses for singalongs. We have over 300 songs in our repertoire from versatile writers in the group. From fire drills to audits, system crashes to ministerial interference and even office romances, no subject in the workplace is safe – nor any song!

We were first created to perform at the National Folk Festival in Canberra in 1999 and have been performing to packed audiences ever since.

Over recent years we have also been writing and performing our own musicals: “Rodgering Hammerstein”, “Rampant Bureaucracy”, “A Four King Close Thing” and “Seize the Day” to sell-out crowds. “Rampant Bureaucracy” and “Seize the Day” have been very successful fundraisers for local charities.

We encourage audience participation. You may notice some shambolic choreography, adhoc harmony and consensual anarchy – that’s what makes us such fun!

To book us for events including festivals, conferences and functions, or, If you are interested in joining the group, contact us via the Contacts Page.