Bob Downe: Mark Trevorrow Celebrates 40 Years of High Camp Fun
Bob Downe, the fabulous alter ego of comedian Mark Trevorrow, is marking an impressive 40 years of entertaining fans with his unique blend of camp humour and upbeat tunes. After four decades of bad wigs, loud shirts, and quick wit, Trevorrow might be expected to stick to a familiar routine, but he has embraced new challenges to keep his act fresh and engaging.
Embracing New Audiences on Comedy Cruises
In recent years, Trevorrow has taken his comedy to the seas, performing on P&O comedy cruises for the past eight or nine years. He explains that this experience has been incredibly beneficial, as it forces him to play to audiences where the majority have never seen him live before. "It's incredibly good for you as a comedian to play to audiences who don't know who you are because you've got to start from zero," Trevorrow says. "You have to tell them who you are, where you're from and what you're about. It's incredibly good for you as a comic."
He contrasts this with many comedians who only perform for their existing fans, noting that such an approach can lead to a self-referential style. The cruise ship gigs have sharpened his skills and provided a sensational platform for growth, helping him avoid becoming spoilt or stagnant in his performances.
Origins and Evolution of Bob Downe
Trevorrow developed the character of Bob Downe, a hilariously camp cabaret singer and host of the fictional morning TV show Good Morning Murwillumbah, during the 1980s in Melbourne comedy clubs. As an openly gay man in a less accepting era, he faced challenges both backstage and with audiences. "I was the only gay in the village," he jokes, adding that these experiences made him tough and adept at facing down bullies.
His career truly took off when he moved to the UK, where high-camp humour has a long tradition. British audiences instantly recognised and embraced Bob Downe, which surprised Trevorrow and helped solidify his success. Over the years, Downe has become a staple on comedy stages and TV screens in Australia and the UK, with Trevorrow continuously evolving the character for modern times.
New Show: Choose Bob! 40 Ridiculous Years!
To celebrate this milestone, Trevorrow is bringing Bob Downe back to Western Australia for the Perth Comedy Festival in May with a new show titled Choose Bob! 40 Ridiculous Years! Instead of a greatest hits compilation, he has opted for a fresh approach, featuring 80s bangers and power ballads that he has never sung before. "I wanted to do a brand new show of old classics that I have never sung before, rather than do a greatest hits," Trevorrow explains. "Because honestly, if I have to sing Yeah Yeah Yeah or I Will Survive one more time I might jump off the Great Australian Bight on my way over."
Inspired by the Wham! Choose Life era, the show will include songs from artists like Wham! and Rick Astley, chosen for their singalong appeal. Trevorrow will be joined onstage by long-time music director Bev Kennedy on keyboard and singer-comedian Rupert Noffs, who will play Bob's nepo nephew. Trevorrow praises Perth audiences for their enthusiasm and has tailored the setlist to ensure a high-energy, party atmosphere.
Reflecting on Four Decades of Performance
Looking back over 40 years, Trevorrow notes significant changes in his performance style. "The way I perform now is so different," he says. "Looking back at these old TV performances I'm shocked at how shy and low energy it all was. It's so different now, the character is so over the top. It's very high energy. It's contemporary comedy dressed up as retro."
This evolution highlights his commitment to keeping Bob Downe relevant and entertaining, blending nostalgia with modern comedic sensibilities. The show at the Regal Theatre on May 1 promises to be a vibrant celebration of his enduring legacy in the comedy world.
