The featured image above is taken from the Canberra Theatre Centre’s official website. Please note that taking photos or videos is strictly prohibited during the show.
🥁 My First Impression of DRUM TAO at Canberra Theatre Centre
About two and a half months ago, my husband said we should go see a show since we haven’t done anything cultural for a while. We booked the tickets and completely forgot about it until the day of the performance.
We went to the Canberra Theatre Centre without looking up anything at all. But as soon as the show started, the vibration from the drums totally hooked me. It was a modern take on traditional Japanese drums called “Wadaiko”, and the power was way beyond what I expected.
🅿️ Parking Tip for Canberra Theatre Centre:
If you aren’t worried about finding free street parking, the best spot is the Canberra Centre shopping mall right in front of the theatre. It’s super close, has plenty of space, and is very secure.
Cost: There is a $4 flat rate if you enter after 6:00 pm and leave before midnight (this includes weekends and public holidays), so it’s a great deal.
DRUM TAO Australia Tour 2026: Ticket Prices and Show Details
This show was special because it has been 16 years since DRUM TAO last came to Canberra.
- Show Times: Part 1 (50 mins) – Intermission (20 mins) – Part 2 (50 mins).
- Ticket Prices: For regular adults (no discounts), it was between $79.90 and $109.90 depending on where you sat.
- Quick Note: There is hardly any talking during the show. The performers only say a quick hello and share some news right before the very last song.
The Great Mix of Drums, Shamisen, and Koto
The performance by the eight artists was perfect. They didn’t just hit the drums; sometimes the drums were the main star, and other times they stayed in the background to set the rhythm. When the drums were in the background, they used soft and loud sounds to make the music feel deeper, helping the other instruments stand out even more.
I liked how the short 5-minute songs flowed so naturally into each other. It wasn’t just drums either; the sharp sound of the Shamisen, the beautiful Koto, and the flute were all so cool. It was amazing to see traditional instruments feel so modern and trendy.
A Fun Interactive Show with Samurai-Style Moves ⚔️
There were all kinds of drums on stage, and you could feel the air shaking from the sound. The moves reminded me of Samurais, and the dancing was so sharp that I couldn’t take my eyes off the stage. Even though they didn’t say a word until the very end, they communicated with the audience through their movements.
We followed their cues to clap and cheer along, which made me feel like I was part of the performance. It was a really fun, interactive experience that kept everyone excited.
Incredible Energy and Hard Work from the Team
The theatre was full of locals of all ages, and I saw a lot of families with kids too. Even though most people in Australia might not know much about Japanese drums, everyone was clapping and cheering after every song.
Even though the Canberra show was near the end of their Australian tour, their energy was still massive. I was especially surprised by the only female performer—she had amazing muscles, and you could tell she must have practised so hard. It was really impressive.
As it turns out, DRUM TAO is so popular worldwide that they actually run three different groups: Team A, Team K, and Team S. The one we saw in Canberra was Team A, which is their main group specialising in international tours. No wonder they looked so professional and world-class!
A Few Things to Note: No Programmes and Merch Info
One thing that was a bit of a shame was that there were no programmes or booklets to explain the songs or the story. As it turns out, the show doesn’t really have a specific plot; it’s more of a “Show” where high-energy music just keeps going.
If you like to know the exact story, you might find this a bit confusing, but it also means you can just enjoy the loud drums and energy without needing to know anything.
Outside, they were selling T-shirts and signed performance DVDs. If you’re interested, you should check out DRUM TAO’s social media. Their 2026 Australia Tour finishes on the 3rd of May in Melbourne, and it looks like there aren’t any more tour dates for now.
🎁 Who is this show for?
| If you are… | You will love it because… |
|---|---|
| Looking to get rid of stress | The loud, powerful drum sounds will totally clear your head. |
| A fan of active shows | It’s not a boring show where you just sit still; you get to clap and cheer. |
| New to cultural shows | You don’t need to know the language or history to have a great time. |
| A fan of fitness and passion | You can see the result of years of training through their incredible energy. |
💡 Looking for more to do in Canberra?
You can find my full experience and what to expect at the Canberra Maze right here if you’re looking for another unique local activity!
*This review is based on my personal experience, and results may vary for others. Please take it as a friendly reference.
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