Dec 17 – Dec 21, 2025 Sheila and Hughes Potiker Theatre
Created and performed by Pony Cam
Produced By Dans Maree Sheehan for Parrot Ox
Pony Cam: Claire Bird, Ava Campbell, William Strom, Dominic Weintraub and Hugo William
A La Jolla Playhouse WOW Experience
After a hit run at WOW Festival 2025, Burnout Paradise returns to La Jolla Playhouse for one week only in December.
Four performers mount four treadmills. What begins as a simple wager between performers and audience becomes a frantic attempt to complete a series of escalating tasks that push the limits of human ability.
Burnout Paradise is part comedy show, part endurance feat, part performance art – but more than anything, it’s a euphoric, visceral celebration of our tendency to run full tilt towards life’s endless challenges.
Can they cook a three-course meal, wash their hair, recite Shakespeare, walk the dog and more — all while running 12 miles before time runs out?
Don’t miss this international hit by Australian artists Pony Cam. Audiences from Melbourne to Edinburgh to New York rave that it’s one of the most fun theatre experiences they’ve had.
Buzz about this show spread far and wide earlier this year — people clambered to get tickets, dragged their friends back for more, even tried to sneak in once it was sold out! The competition to get a seat rivalled the chaos unfolding on stage. Don’t wait to get your tickets — it will sell out again!
“One of the most frenetically uproarious shows of gloriously demented ecstasy.” – Time Out
“Magnificently chaotic, breathlessly frenetic fun” – The Scotsman
“A truly exceptional theatrical experience” – British Theatre Guide
Eager to join the chaos? If you’re keen on audience participation, we recommend selecting a seat near the front or on an aisle for ease of access to the stage – this will all make sense when you get here.
Ticket Information
Single tickets are now on sale. La Jolla Playhouse is the only authorized ticket seller for this production.
Begins: Dec 17
Content Guidance
This show is recommended for ages 12 and up. We understand sensitivities vary from person to person. Read about our age recommendations here. If you have any questions about content or stage effects, please get in touch with our Patron Services team at [email protected] or (858) 550-1010 and we’ll be happy to give you more info.
Audience Participation
This experience encourages audience participation. For guests eager to get involved in the chaotic fun, we recommend selecting seats near the front or on an aisle for ease of access to the stage. Feel free to call our Patron Services team at (858) 550-1010 for assistance selecting tickets.
Ticket Discounts
Discounts are limited for this show due to the limited number of tickets available. Rush tickets may be available in person 1 hour prior to performance time, but are subject to availability. Please call Patron Services at (858) 550-1010 for more info.
Useful Information
Duration
Approx 65 minutes with no intermission. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the performance time.
Parking
UC San Diego operates the Theatre District Parking Structure and requires a valid parking pass to be displayed at all times. Burnout Paradise ticket buyers can pay for parking on-site with the pay stations located on each floor of the structure or digitally with the ParkMobile app. Find all parking information here.
Health and Safety
La Jolla Playhouse no longer requires patrons to wear masks indoors while attending our theatres. However, we recommend indoor masking while at La Jolla Playhouse. Please visit our health and safety page here for the latest information.
Dining
James’ Place
La Jolla Playhouse’s on-site restaurant, James’ Place, will open for dinner service at 5pm nightly (Tue, Dec 17 – Sat, Dec 20). Please note, James’ Place is not open prior to matinee performances. James’ Place offers full bar service and a selection of specialty sushi, Asian fusion, steak & coastal cuisine items. Reserve your table on OpenTable or by phone on (858) 638-7778. Indoor and outdoor seating available. View the menu here.
Dora Ristorante
Dora, across the street from La Jolla Playhouse, is now accepting reservations for dining dates Tue – Sun. A new southern Italian coastal concept from Chef Accursio Lota and the team behind Cori Pastificio Trattoria in North Park, Dora Ristorante offers handmade pastas, Mediterranean-style seafood and pre-theatre dining in a transportive space by Bells + Whistles. See their website for opening hours. As you exit the parking structure walking towards the Playhouse, Dora is on the left. Learn more at doralajolla.com and make a reservation through OpenTable.
Concessions
Concessions opens 60 mins before showtime for all Burnout Paradise performances (Tue, Dec 17 – Sun, Dec 21). Come early to relax outside and enjoy a selection of beer, wine, cocktails, sodas and individually wrapped snacks. All food must be consumed before entering the theatre while concession drinks with lids will be allowed in the theatre.
Access
The Playhouse caters for a wide range of access and special requirements. Please call (858) 550-1010 or email [email protected] and we will work with you to address your access needs. Find more info about access here.
Without Walls (WOW) is La Jolla Playhouse’s signature performance program that takes art outside traditional theatre walls and into unique spaces, including the annual WOW Festival and WOW stand-alone productions. Read more about WOW here.
PONY CAM
Pony Cam are an award winning experimental collective of five theatre makers from around Australia.
Their work is driven by a desire to bring people together to create experiences that could not otherwise be had. By subverting well-known forms, activating unexpected spaces, and inviting audiences into our work in unexpected ways, we create moments where audiences are challenged to question their assumptions, laugh at themselves, and reject habitual recourse.
As an ensemble they have trained together for over five years, and their practice is instinctive, physical, and highly playful. No two of our works are formally the same, but each is driven by a desire to reimagine our impact in the world, find joy in community, remain utterly silly and laugh in the face of tragedy.
Gallery
