✦ Bob Downe's comedy cruise on board the Rhythmboat had the Hastings River rumbling with laughter!
Laughter is the best medicine, as they say, and Bob Downe was here to ensure everyone had a rip roaring great time on Sunday, 18th August on a comedy cruise with Port AdVenture Cruises.
The good news is Bob Downe has announced two more shows this year. So don't miss them!
Bob Downe's stage shows have played to acclaim at major events such as the Edinburgh Fringe, Adelaide Cabaret Festival, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and he has even performed for the Queen at the Royal Variety Performance!
Veronica Lind, CEO of Brilliant-Online got on board the Rhythmboat and managed to steal Bob Downe aside for a quick interview before the crowd clamoured for more.
How did the Prince of Polyester come about?
First of all, my real name is Mark Trevorrow, it's a Cornish name, though some may think it's Italian! And I wasn't always a comedian. I was born in Melbourne and I trained as a journalist at The Herald Sun and also worked as an actor and broadcaster.
It all started when my friends and I decided to put on a show at a party in our flat in South Yarra in Melbourne, and that went so well that we started working the cabaret circuit in Melbourne. We named our group The Globos and ended up getting a record deal with two hit records in 1982 and 1983. We set off for Sydney where we became quite a hit!
Bob Downe was created in 1984 when I started singing and lip syncing old records and TV shows. Bob was modelled after all the TV entertainers I grew up watching on TV in Melbourne in the 60s (at that time there was no national TV, only local TV). And that was how The Prince of Polyster was born!
Watch the interview
Why Bob Downe?
A name was needed for a sketch in a show I was doing with a friend, and for the interview in the sketch I needed a sign off name. Bob Downe came about naturally, even though looking back, I would have perhaps thought of another name that was more clever if I had known I'd be going on for so long. But the fact that it is a simple name makes it easy for everyone to remember and warm to.
I have always been obsessed with pop culture, pop media, newspapers, magazines, television, radio and pop music. I took whatever silly observational bits and bobs I got from being immersed in this world to make up things about Bob's family, giving him a history and a back story. Bob is like a little boy showing off, and can be childish as well.
Is comedy hard?
To be funny involves a lot of technique. What audiences see now in the show is the result of 40 years of hard work creating a live act. It takes 10, 15 years to become a really first rate comedian. When audiences see a comedian telling a joke, letting them know he's told a joke, and then waiting for the laugh has a lot of technicalities that are not obvious to the audience.
Even when a comedian nails it, it doesn't mean it is easy. It's a matter of knowing how to do it now.
Delighted passengers on Port AdVenture Cruise's comedy cruise.
Are you always funny?
No, I'm too exhausted to be funny all the time! I can be funny with my friends and family, though I have to say my husband's the only person who doesn't laugh at my jokes!
I grew up in a house that loved comedy. I think comedians are born from families that use humour and sarcasm, and yes I did come from a very sarcastic family on both my mum's and my dad's side.
We grew up with Monty Python, The Goons, Norman Gunston, Barry Humphries etc. We had comedy albums in those days when people listened to records of comedy, so everyone was naturally very funny and smart. My dad was funny, so was my mum. I think humour was also a way for families to cut tension.
How long will we get to enjoy Bob Downe's performances?
I'll probably be doing this until I qualify for pension! I'm scheduled to return in October, and possibly some performances in November and December. We'll see how we go. But 13th October is confirmed, so if you missed the one in August, you've got another opportunity to catch my act then!
I love doing shows on a Sunday afternoon. Everyone's so relaxed and in a good mood and they know they're not going to have a late night. So matinees are a great time for a show.
I've also got two Bob Downe albums on Spotify, do have a listen here!
Why should we go to the next Bob Downe show?
Because Bob is Australia's Prince of Polyster! He sings, he dances, and he takes very good care of his hair. You'll laugh until you don't! ❋
Book the next Bob Downe High Tea Cruise on Sunday 13th October 4pm or 24th November 4pm
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