The Illegitimate Love Children of Bob Downe and Magda Szubanski

This is a delightful, light and lively show that is just right if you are looking for some clever but not too darkly complicated laughs.  It is a  refreshingly replenishing show with great catchy vintage songs sung beautifully.  Significantly, it is a homage to our Australian comic history and particularly to two of our most interesting, unique and couragous ‘talents’ - Mark Trevorrow and Magda Szubznski.

A wacky parody in which siblings Steph and Dan Teitelbaum play twins Benjamin Downe (Bendown) and Carmel Downe (Calm Down).  Both miraculously have almost exactly the wooden posture with chenched teeth of Mark Trevorow morphed into Bob Downe.  Perhaps that is because they are dressed in the same type of flashy polyester.

Their astounding and totally outragous conception is recounted to us in such a pat and flat way that is both hysterical and memorable.  Bob Downe is inseminated by Szubznski in a wild moment of lust and passion, at the Mardi Gras afterparty (of course!).  Downe later gives birth to the twins and takes on the role of principal carer for much of their childhood. 

Steph and Dan Teitelbaum play the part of loving appreciative prodigy, refering with respect to their prestigious comedian parents and, reminding the audience of their rich careers.

Their storytelling as Calm and Ben is executed in a such a matter of fact way that, although at times full of ridiculous imagery, it just carries the audience along.

We are reminded of Szubznski’s ilustrious performance history from shows such as Big Girls Blouse to Kath and Kim.  More tricky and acutely personal material, for instance her biography, is literally skirted around.

Ben and Calm sing a number of catchy songs such as ‘The Joker’, ‘Hit the Road Jack’ and ‘I Will Survive.’  They are backed by a truly excellent trio with musical director Boris Conely, who also plays piano.  On drums is Ben Charmley and on guitar Grodon Li.

This is the sort of show that is outragously funny in a nice way because it is a loving reverent parody of a parody and a person.

It is certainly fun and engaging cabaret.  Timed at around a comfortable 60 minutes, it could perhaps be lengthened with the inclusion of a few more breezy, catchy songs and a bit more wacky dancing.  It is the kind of treat that you could confidently use as an excellent catch-up with friends and or family for a relaxed happy - not too deep or troubling - but just right night out.

My plus one and I loved it.

Suzanne Sandow