MICF: Bob Downe

From the promo photo, you may guess that describing Bob Downe as “fabulous” isn’t just a comment on his talents as a cabaret entertainer. Mark Trevorrow’s now venerable character is almost a one-man Mardi Gras of costume changes, highly individual dancing and the ultimate show biz grin. Even though the songs chosen for 20 Golden Greats may not all tally with your views of greatness, they were campy dynamite in this entertaining evening.

Downe’s shows frequently undermine the conventions of show biz, bringing a humorous and unexpected element of truth to his cabaret world. His upbeat persona means that he can get away with an awful lot, such asking the audience about Barry Manilow, “Do you think he’s a poof?” before bursting into song.

[pull_left]Trevorrow is also clear that his primary mission is to entertain, so he knows how to make a point such as on gay marriage without dominating the show with political sentiment.[/pull_left]

It’s no accident that Bob Downe is a long-running character. He makes sure that he gives his audiences what he’s known for, such as his lounge-infused vocals of cheesy songs such as ‘Afternoon Delight’, but keeps things fresh through the odd “surprise” guest, this time songstress Pastel Vespa. Keeping fans updated with family events back home in country NSW Murwillumbah, helps give continuity to the Downe story.

Trevorrow is also clear that his primary mission is to entertain, so he knows how to make a point such as on gay marriage without dominating the show with political sentiment. Downe displays a good understanding of his audience, cleverly dropping in the odd pop culture reference; his line on punters getting tanked up at Young & Jackson’s before the show because of the Spiegeltent’s drink prices got one of the biggest laughs of the night.

They sure do pack ‘em in at the Spiegeltent, so try to get close to the front or to the elevated sides to marvel at Downe’s fancy footwork as he powers on in polyester.