Downe and out

Downe and out

Australia’s Clown Prince of Polyester, Bob Downe, will make his return to the Sydney stage next month after showing his wares at the Edinburgh Fringe, the Adelaide Fringe and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

It’s been a busy time for Bob — his alter ego Mark Trevorrow even got to hang with Our Kylie while on presenting duties for this year’s Mardi Gras Parade.

Downe will play 20 Golden Greats at the Sydney Theatre for five shows only, May 23 – 26. After some years working in productions with bands and dancers, the show features Murwillumbah’s own beige boy all on his Pat Malone.

The Star Observer caught up with Bob to find out what audiences could expect from these five shows of colourful campery.

Bob, you’re all about the glitz and glamour of a big show, so why the decision to just keep it to you on stage for 20 Golden Greats?

Because darling, I suddenly realised the something — I am the show! Complete with built-in glitz and glamour. My GLOBOS [cabaret group] co-founder Wendy de Waal said to me recently, “They’re fine with dancers and support acts and co-stars and bands, but really, they’re there to see you”. And I’m afraid I had to agree with her, so I’ve left the group and gone solo.

We’re guessing the 20 Golden Greats of the show’s title are all from a certain era.

They’re all classic hits from the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s. You’ll come in humming the tunes, I promise! I’m a one-man 2WS. It’s a sing-along, clap-along party every night.

Tell us about the trivia aspect of the night. It sounds like you’re planning on turning the prestigious Sydney Theatre into a pub quiz! Can we expect meat trays for winners?

There will indeed be the odd trivia question about some of the songs. It’s my way of making sure everyone stays awake. And the prizes are something much rarer and more precious than a meat tray — a Bob CD! Just try to find one of those in a shop — I’ve looked.

Are you nervous about opening yourself up to audience participation with the trivia part of the show? Do you have a contingency plan for hecklers and rowdy sorts?

Darling, just let ’em try and outsmart old Uncle Bob. I adore diving in to the auditorium. That’s why I added the trivia element. You think I’m scared? As Eartha Kitt used to sing, “I’ve seen ’em all, and my dear, I’m still here”. Or was it Lorrae Desmond?

Is there anything audience members should be doing to study up before the shows, if they want to win a prize?

Yep. Get into a Tardis for a week and do nothing but watch Donnie Sutherland’s Sounds, Countdown, and listen to 2UW and 2SM.

Your close personal friend Mark Trevorrow was last spotted hosting the Mardi Gras parade. Were you jealous you didn’t get to see Kylie? And why on earth didn’t we see YOU at the Parade?

I had a year off for good behaviour, apart from my Retro Gras cabaret show and hosting at Fair Day. And when I saw what the weather was doing, I gave the Parade webcast gig to Mark. He was as dreadful as ever so I guess it’ll be back to me next year. And I was very jelly beans about Kylie, I’ll admit. What a perfect little doll she is.

INFO: Bob Downe, 20 Golden Greats, Sydney Theatre, May 23 – 26. Tickets through Ticketmaster and www.sydneytheatre.org.au


Five golden greats you’ll never hear Bob sing

1. Shaddup You Face – Joe Dolce, 1981
2. What About Me – Moving Pictures, 1982 (editor’s note: but wasn’t that Bob crooning What About Me on an episode of Kath & Kim a few years back?)
3. You’re the Voice – John Farnham, 1986
4. Sadie (The Cleaning Lady) – John Farnham, 1967 (Clearly Bob’s not a Farnsie fan!)
5. Mah Na Mah Na (The Muppet Song)

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