Perth International Comedy Festival, Sunday 12th May 2013
Bob Downe (aka Mark Trevorrow) wasted no time in firing up his appreciative crowd with the ‘Mother’ of all shows on Mother’s Day last night at the Astor Theatre.
The air was almost palpable as the countdown began for the 7.30pm start. Some latecomers rushed to their seats, best they find them in the dark than have the wroth of Bob unleash his displeasure. Alas, there was no need to panic as this Master of Mirth had the audience right where he wanted them, in the dark; we were all just putty in his hands.
The 90 minute show was total class from the first tick of the pendulum until the last stroke at 9pm. Wearing what I would best describe as an unwanted fur ball from next door’s ‘moggy’ cat Chloe, although Bob lovingly referred to it as Butterick Pattern 138-1, the fluoro orange collar on the grey woolen jump suit looked like radioactive yellow cake, bedazzling yet never understated. This was classic 70s camp fashion. A true badge of honour that only the true ‘poofs’ could get away with, as no one else dared. They were a more elite tribe and this is reflected and centered in most of his material.
Daggy dancing numbers were meshed with classic 70s hits styled with new twists, Bob style. With a rubbery, expressive face and a stick-insect body to match the seasoned comic’s timing was a gem to watch and a lesson to any budding young comics in the audience, in fact Joel Creasey clearly enjoyed watching the Master at his craft, although was a butt of Bob’s nephew joke, in a loving way of course. The ‘rellies’ all got a mention, Aunty Bev, Mark Downe (retail) Ida Downe (Mum) Neil Downe (brother) and Di Downe (lesbian nurse sister) with family anecdotes taking the material in another direction.
Gay marriage, Julie Bishop and her infamous stare, Gina Rinehart, and a host of other Perthonalities got a rubbing but one of the best gags of the night was when Bob announced that he sweating ‘like a glass blower’s arse’ under the woollen jumpsuit and synthetic blond wig.
Ably assisted in his strip to another 70s ensemble by a member of the audience in the front row, Bob had the audience in stitches, completely ad lib and free-wheeling. He was on a roll. Sing-along’s with the audience to timeless hits like ‘Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head’ and ‘Sleepy Jean’, added another dimension.
We were not only witnessing a true homemade comic genius, but we were all now lifelong fans of the phenomenon that is Bob Downe. This show I believe would have to be the most entertaining and engaging show so far this year. A true feel-good experience!
Terry Larder
