Where does Bob live and is it always 1984 there?
Bob lives in the caravan park of my mind where the children scream in the pool, the shower block is still 20c in the slot and Bob’s dad Neil reads the headlines from the Irrigator every morning over the PA system.
Why do you think polyester outfits are as fresh today as the day they hit the racks?
Because they’re made from forever chemicals. Alien museums, in galaxies far far away, millions of years hence will show human society dressed and living in mid-century Palm Springs splendour.
What is your secret to looking so chic, so youthful, so camp, after 40 years?
It’s easy! Just hurl yourself around a stage for 75 minutes, singing classic dance hits and telling dad jokes. Anyone can do it. (Wait a minute…!!?)
In your line of work, you must get hit on all the time. How do you deflect the attention?
When they turn and snarl “You don’t remember my name do you?” I simply reply “Well, how long did we go out for?” Then while their mates laugh I make a clean getaway.
What easy fix could most Aussie men do to improve their appearance?
Firstly, remember that Movember is just ONE MONTH. Secondly, lose the baseball cap pulled over the long unbrushed hair – unless you’re going for that timeless Dickie Knee look.
Did you love all things kitsch when you were a child? If so, could you please give us an example?
Absolutely!! Local live TV was nothing BUT kitsch! I mean, our morning TV show before school was titled ‘Fredd Bear’s Breakfast a Go-Go’ …I rest my case.
What are your all-time favourite tracks to perform?
‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’… ‘Fame’ (Irene Cara, not Bowie)… ‘Cracklin’ Rosie’… ‘Down Under’… ‘Love Is In The Air’… NONE of which I’m singing in my 40th anniversary show! This one is all ’80s bangers & merch.
What’s one track you’d like to perform but never have (and why not)?
‘Barcelona’ by Freddie Mercury & Montserrat Caballé. I mean, who’s got the range for that one?
You’ve been to paradise, but have you ever been to me?
No, but I stayed next door for a time.
What other comedian makes you laugh the hardest?
So many! Lily Savage. Alan Carr. Nina Conti. Judith Lucy. Tommy Cooper. Totie Fields. Jane Turner & Gina Riley!
What’s the biggest difference between 1984 and 2025… and one thing that’s the same?
Ansett and Virgin. And Qantas still being annoyingly the same.
What three ‘80s bangers will we definitely hear at your show?
‘Take On Me’… ‘Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)’… ‘Careless Whisper’… ‘To All The Girls I’ve Loved Before’… ‘Gloria’ (Laura Brannigan, not Van Morrison)!
Book tickets to Bob Downe’s ’40 Ridiculous Years’ tour at https://www.bobdowne.com/tickets
-Danny Corvini
