by Bobby Goudie.
Coming to the 2014 Feast Festival is the ever-effervescent and Safari suit-clad king of cabaret Bob Downe, not only to perform the return season of his successful Adelaide Fringe show Bob, Sweat And Tears, but he will also play host at the Feast Opening Night Party. ‘Born’ in 1984 as the brain-child – and quite possibly the love-child of Mark Trevorrow – Bob Downe has been charming audiences ever since with his cheeky wit, big teethy smile and his absolute fabulousness.
We spoke with Bob via email about his outfits, the classic hits that audiences will be treated to and his move to Olympic Diving! But first we ask him how he has stayed looking so young after decades on stage and screen.
“Oh, you must be mistaking me for someone else. Mark Holden perhaps? Or Red Symonds? I’m only 29 and just starting out in the business. It’s very tiring sometimes but as long as I sleep in until 11am, I look pretty fresh.”
Tell us what can Feast audiences expect from Bob, Sweat And Tears?
“More of the same old campy retro nonsense! Classic hits, silly jokes and the odd surprise. I can guarantee the evening will fly by and you’ll be furious it’s over so soon.”
And what classics hits will they be?
“There’s 37 of them! Including Leader Of The Gang, 24 Hours From Tulsa, Dream A Little Dream Of Me and many more! I’m like a one-man 5AD.”
Will there be sing-a-long opportunities?
“Yep! From about 30 seconds in until the very last song. It really is one of the most fun bits of this show – and saves ME so much energy!”
What would be your advice to less experienced cabaret performers at the 2014 Feast Festival, like Feast Ambassador Matthew Mitcham?
“My advice to Matthew is to stay at home; he’s taking up far too much of my publicity! I haven’t told him I’m taking up diving – just to get my own back.”
You are hosting the Feast Festival Opening Night Party. What will you be bringing to the Party? Is your fabulous outfit sorted?
“Something simple, flowing and comfortable I think… Perhaps a kaftan from the Don Dunstan patio wear range. I’ve kept them all.”
You’ve recently returned from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. How was the show received by audiences there? Why do UK audiences love Australian comedians so much?
“Coz we’re funny! I mean – who’s going to fly 24 hours on Malaysian Airways and not bring any jokes? You’d think it was like bringing Chardonnay to McLaren Vale, but UK audiences just love our fresh faced, cheeky wit. And our sophisticated accents help too.”
Is there anything else you would like to say?
“Yes. Could somebody buy me a nice local pinot noir after the show?!”
Bob Downe performs Bob, Sweat & Tears! at The Grainger Studio, 91 Hindley St, from 9pm on Fri Nov 28 and Sat Nov 29.
Book at Feastix on 8346 0684 or www.feast.org.au.
