For more than two decades, the boy from Murwillumbah has been punching out the funnies with a gag in one hand and a cheesy ballad in the other. His unique character brings comedy out of the closet and centre stage.

On December 31, the Prince of Polyester will present an hilarious 85-minute solo show: ‘20 Golden Greats'.

"There won't be a single song you don't already know and love," Bob promises, "but a couple of new jokes, though."

The show is jam-packed with hits, laughs, prizes and some very impressive costume changes.

Bob Downe is one of Australia's most loved and enduring comedy characters, the creation of journalist, comedian, actor and broadcaster Mark Trevorrow. Mark was born in Melbourne in 1959, trained as a journalist at the Herald Sun, and moved to Sydney in 1982 with the huge success of his cabaret group, The Globos. He created Bob Downe in 1984 and has toured the world as the Prince of Polyester ever since.

Since 2002, Mark has established a parallel career singing, acting and broadcasting as himself.

He is heard regularly on 702 ABC Sydney's Evenings program and his 2004 nostalgic talkumentary series The Way We Were was a ratings winner on the national broadcaster. Bob's most recent stage show, World War Bob, premiered to acclaim at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival in June.

Bob will be supported at The Big Gig – New Year's Eve Crack Up by Jamie Harding, while the grand dame of North Coast humour, Mandy Nolan, will MC the proceedings.

Two-course dinner and show is $59.90. To book the Ballina RSL Club on 6686 2544. Doors open 6.30pm. Dinner and show at 7.30pm. Bookings essential.

Mr Bartels said the Partnership would seek common ground between different sides of the debate about Kings Cross as a late-night entertainment precinct, and continue to promote and improve the district for businesses and residents.

"Most of us live here as well as work here so we understand both sides of the coin," he said.

The business association elected a new Board at the meeting, which was followed by a Christmas party at the Sugarmill Hotel featuring local comedian Bob Downe whose improvised act cracked up the crowd with gags and songs peppered with local references.
Michael Gormly

Bob Downe is back with his brilliant new show featuring 20 GOLDEN GREATS in a performance where you will swing your way through the show of hilarity, mayhem and song.

Dubbed, the clown prince of polyester, his success and popularity stretches all the way to the UK. Indeed, the former riotous host of the Sydney Mardi Gras has also received the coveted 'Cabaret Artiste of the Year' at the Green Room Awards in Melbourne in 1999 & 2000.

Bob Downe is proud to have worked with some of the most influential Australian comedians - Bert, Kerri-Anne, Don Lane, Andrew Denton, Rove, Ding Dong… and he's not afraid to spill the beans on all of them. Christmas never seemed so funny!!

PERFORMANCE DATE: Sunday 6 December 2009 – 2pm
TICKETS ON SALE: Friday 16 October 2009
WHERE: Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre
COST: individual $43.50 / Christmas VIP packages include xmas lunch and show: $82.50
BOOKINGS: 1300 788 503 or online @ www.shoalhavenentertainment.com.au
For further information please contact: Lauren Watson, Marketing, Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre on 02 4429 5760 email: watsonl@shoalhavenentertainment.com.au

Bob Downe, aka comedian Mark Trevorrow, greeted guests at the opening last night of the Quirky collection, dubbed a little "out there" by organisers.

TV and radio star Downe said he had made his first trip to Newcastle in two years: "to support regional art, and because they asked me. It's always nice to be asked."

Gallery director Ron Ramsey said the collection celebrated the weird and the outlandish.

"Unconventional thinking, like art, has a way of making us see the world through new eyes," he said.

Downe said the sculpture White Landscape Ledge, by Melbourne's Kathy Temin, was his favourite on display.

"Just the incredible tactility of it. I just want to touch it," he said. "But it wouldn't fit at my place."

Quirky runs until January 31.
Tim Connell

The aptly-named Quirky: from the collection brings together many of the Australia's most exciting contemporary artists in a single display that explores the different ways that artists use unconventional materials and ideas to make engaging and often humorous work.

The exhibition will be opened on Friday 11 December 2009 by the original perfect party animal, that Prince of Polyester, Bob Downe. Created by broadcaster and entertainer Mark Trevorrow, Downe is one of Australia's best-loved characters, and his effervescent take on the world perfectly encapsulates the laugh-out-loud mood to be found in this exhibition.

Featuring major names in Australian art such as Sean Cordeiro and Claire Healy, McLean Edwards, Hany Armanious, Mikala Dwyer and Juan Davila, Quirky celebrates the unorthodox vision of 26 artists, and proves that the world inside the art gallery can be both delightful and surprising.

Many of the artists represented in Quirky are mid-career practitioners who have received both national and international attention. Local artists such as John Turier, Michael Bell and Dallas Bray represent the vanguard of Australian art, developing their distinct visual languages in an otherwise conservative national art scene.

An added surprise for gallery-goers will be the Quirky Tactile Gallery, where visitors will be able to satisfy the tingling urge in their fingers to handle objects made by contemporary Australian artists, including Kate Rohde, Lionel Bawden and Patricia Piccinini. Great for families and kids-at-heart, the Quirky Tactile Gallery will run as part of the Gallery's weekly Artcart activities, and in the school holiday workshops. Group bookings can also be made by contacting Public Programs Officer Penelope Finnigan on 02 4974 5112.

Quirky: from the collection, New Sculpture by Caroline Rothwell and Kathy Temin and VARANASI: Recent paintings of India by Jane Lander will be officially opened by Bob Downe 5.30pm Friday 11 December 2009.

Quirky: from the collection and the Quirky Tactile Gallery are both on display at the Newcastle Region Art Gallery from 12 December 2009 - 31 January 2010.

A journalist, comedian, actor and broadcaster, Mark was born in Melbourne in 1959, trained as a journalist at the Herald Sun, and moved to Sydney in 1982 with the huge success of his cabaret group, The Globos. He created Bob Downe in 1984 and has toured the world as the Prince of Polyester ever since. Since 2002, Mark has established a parallel career singing, acting and broadcasting as himself. In 2003 he released an album of jazz and pop standards, It's About Time, for ABC Music. He is heard regularly on 702 ABC Sydney's Evenings program and his 2004 nostalgic talkumentary series The Way We Were was a ratings winner on the national broadcaster. He has also appeared regularly on Kath & Kim as Darryl, the menswear salesman.

"Trevorrow in exceptional voice... completely convincing... even moving." John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald

"Bob may be the king of synthetic fibres, but there's nothing fake or ersatz about the emotion Trevorrow instills into several of these songs. For his first and belated cabaret as himself, rather than as Bob Downe, his better-known comic alter ego, Mark Trevorrow sings an impeccably chosen set of pop and show tunes." Colin Rose, Sun-Herald

Mark Trevorrow - Live @ The Supper Club

Date: Wednesdays in November 4, 11, 18 and 25 at 8.30pm
Venue: The Supper Club, Oxford Hotel, Taylor Square
Bookings: $15 @ moshtix.com.au, $20 @ door. Supper available

WARNING! May contain traces of Bob.

The last time electric entertainer Paul Capsis performed on Oxford Street was at the now-defunct Albury Hotel over 15 years ago. But this weekend, he will descend on the Supper Club for his debut at the weekly Sunday night cabaret showcase, Showqueen.

"Saying I'm back on Oxford Street is a bit funny really because I live in Surry Hills," Capsis tells SX. "But I'm excited I haven't played to a strictly queer audience in a really long time. It's fun, because there's like a language. An understanding!

"That's not to say I don't have a connection with the general public that I perform to mostly now, because I do but there's something different with a gay crowd. I don't know what it is it's more of a celebration in a way. They become more hysterical!"

Capsis will be doing what he does best showing off his incredible vocal prowess. Indeed his voice is one of the most revered in the business an act of god', as a reviewer once wrote. He released his first studio album, the celebrated Everybody Wants To Touch Me, in 2007, and has sung with Richard Tognetti and the Australian Chamber Orchestra, the Soweto Gospel Choir of South Africa, and Judi Connelli, just to name a few. More recently, he played Riff Raff in the Australian production of The Rocky Horror Show alongside iOTA.

Indeed, Capsis is as much an actor as a singer he is known for assuming the characteristics of various artists, particular female singers, on stage. Channelling, he calls it. "That's become my thing," he says. "That's what I do I channel. But I haven't made my mind up yet about what I'm going to do.

"It's a chance for people to see me do what I do in a close environment because the Supper Club is incredibly intimate."

Showqueen, which celebrated its one-year anniversary in August, is the brainchild of Trevor Ashley, a long time friend of Capsis's.

"It's one of the most fun nights around," Capsis asserts. "I met Trevor when he about five years old! I had to follow him in a fundraiser for Shopfront Youth Theatre a long time ago! And he was this baby who sounded like Ethel Merman! And you know what they say never work with kids or animals.

"He's a very clever man and he's totally out-there and he makes it happen. And he's an arranger, which is a big plus for any performer to be able to create their own music. That's something I don't do I don't play music and I don't write music. To have that skill gives you a whole other dimension because he can say I'm going to do a Liza show Liza on an E and he just does it!"

Last night, Capsis was the surprise guest at the first of Mark Trevorrow's weekly gigs at the Supper Club this month.

"Mark's a good friend of mine," he says. "When I was starting out, he was established and he was doing what I was hoping to do, which was be a performer doing my own thing and singing what I liked to sing. And he had that wonderful character Bob Downe.

"It just inspired me because he's a singer, but he does something else too, which is what I identify with. I sing and I do acting. And the other thing about him is that he's a guy, doing it as a guy and not necessarily in drag."

For someone who is now celebrated for his unique vocal prowess, Capsis had a hard time starting out.

"People were like whoa you're really bizarre, you're really strange'. And also I don't write songs. Someone like Mika for example can use the songs they create as a vehicle for their unusual boy vocal range. I couldn't do that and just threw the voice out there and people didn't know what to do with it.

"So that's what prompted me to start my own work the fact that people in the theatre world didn't know what to do with me. But they do now! I had a wonderful time last year with The Rocky Horror Show playing Riff Raff, so it's come around full circle."

And the work keeps coming. Next year Capsis will be starring in Malthouse Theatre's production of Threepenny Opera in Melbourne, followed by a role in All About My Mother with Melbourne Theatre Company.

"I play Algrado, who's a transsexual," Capsis tells. "I know, it's a big leap!"
Garrett Bithell

"Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" gets the treatment, too. But why the nurse? Well, wheelchair-bound Courtney has broken her leg skiing and needs constant looking after. But it turns out Virginia has her own thoughts of stardom and can grab a mike, apply gratuitous anaesthetic to her patient and belt out a tune of her own.

The night is full of show routines, parodies and gags. Icons Madonna and Britney come in for some strong treatment early on, with song lyrics heavily re-written to include slagging references to African babies. A tiny Sonny Bono returns from the grave to gaze up at a very substantial Cher: "So put your great big hand in mine, you're like some great flesh mountain I can climb."

A pair of evangelising Southern trannies-for-Jesus burst onto the stage to implore us to "pray the gay away" (of course Courtney has made a miraculous recovery from her broken leg by now). They take it even further: "Let your souls go to glory, not to the glory hole".

But how do they make the transition from glamour queen to proselytising mayhem? The live show is broken up with parodies of a diverse range of films, including Whatever Happened To Baby Jane, Notes on a Scandal, The Devil Wears Prada, Beaches and Australia.

Bob Downe makes a guest appearance in one of these, and much of it is original and smart, for which writer Phil Scott should be congratulated.

Perhaps the best moments of the show come when the serious angle of relationships is explored and the three girls harmonise a straight version of Joe Jackson's Real Men. "Brilliant," said one member of the audience in perfect timing between the dying of the last vocal notes and the eruption of applause that crowned the evening. – Dunstan Playhouse
Robert Horne

50 Treasured Tunes! Including... PACK UP YOUR TROUBLES, WHERE HAVE ALL THE FLOWERS GONE, LAND OF HOPE AND GLORY, GIVE PEACE A CHANCE, LILI MARLENE, AC-CENT-CH-UATE THE POSITIVE, WE'LL MEET AGAIN, WAR (WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR?)... and Many More!

A Troop Show that's a Revue that's a Cabaret,

Featuring 4 Great Aussie Troupers:

MARK TREVORROW as Pvt. BOB DOWNE

JANE MARKEY as the Vamps & Heroines of War - and also MRS IDA DOWNE, leading a Community Singalong

Musical Director & Arranger JOHN THORN

Singing Percussionist & All-Rounder JEREMY HOPKINS

BOOK NOW!

Sneak Previews! Sat 13 & Sun 14 June, THE CLARENDON, Katoomba

Premiere Season at the 2009 ADELAIDE CABARET FESTIVAL: 17, 18 & 20 June, The Dunstan Playhouse

Well, not quite. It's believed Daddo is yet to sign to co-host Channel 9's upcoming This Afternoon magazine show, launching late next month. But that's expected to happen soon, switching the focus to who will replace him on Sydney's second favourite evening radio show.

O'Brien said there was a short list but would not reveal it, although Mark Trevorrow, a popular summer fill-in, is on it.

Confidential understands The Chaser's Julian Morrow, Sarah McDonald, Angela Catterns, Jennifer Byrne and even Wendy Harmer are also in the mix.

Lisa Forrest will fill in for the next month - a trial perhaps?

Downe - alias comedian and singer Mark Trevorrow - will perform World War Bob, an affectionate look back at Australian wartime songs and troop shows.

"It will be Digger Bob, Private Bob, as he goes through 150 years of songs from the wars," Trevorrow says. "It's a revue that's like a romp through the wars that Australians have enthusiastically taken part in."

Trevorrow, a regular star on the Cabaret Festival program, says it is a challenge to find new genres of music to perform each year.

"The songs from wars are some of the greatest and most popular songs ever written. The role of the popular song in wartime is to boost morale and for propaganda," he says.

"Everybody knows When Johnny Comes Marching Home - and it was written in the 1860s. Then we go into the post-nuclear era, where we're not so sure (about war), so there'll be things like Give Peace a Chance and War (What is it Good For?). It's going to finish with an Iraq rap."

Trevorrow's co-star Jane Markey will play "all the vamps and heroines, from Florence Nightingale to Mata Hari to Gracie Fields and Yoko Ono".

There will also be a special appearance by Bob's mother, Mrs Ida Downe.

Both Trevorrow's grandfathers served in World War I and he had a great-uncle who was killed at Gallipoli. His uncles and aunts on both sides were in the services in World War II, so Trevorrow grew up with family history and rhetoric about the wars.

He has enormous admiration for the performers who gave their time to entertain Australia's servicemen in trying circumstances and says Bob's act will follow the format of wartime troop shows.

"They put up the lights, they put up the curtain and off they went," Trevorrow says.

"We're going to use shadow-play and projection . . . it will be the troop show in Bob's head. The audience will all have a Boomerang songbook on their seat and they have to sing along with every single song."

Bob Downe has his own perspective on the art of war.

"As long as he's not in the direct line of fire, he's very enthusiastic about it," Trevorrow says.

Trevorrow was ready to retire the Bob Downe character five years ago, as he branched out into TV and radio as himself.

"I think I was a bit overtired and emotional at the time," he now says.

"The more I did the ABC radio and television work, the more I started to enjoy doing Bob again, because of the contrast."

After missing out on a radio gig last year, Trevorrow found himself playing smaller venues, including some RSL and workers' clubs: "It reignited the joy of doing a solo show."
Patrick McDonald

Bob Downe has been among the hardiest of perennials at the Cabaret Festival, but oh! how we missed him in 2008. Bob's ever so apologetic, and hopes to make amends this year. "I was distraught, not being in Adelaide last year," Bob gushes, "It's [alter ego] Mark Trevorrow's fault, he's been doing all this radio and these shows of his own, and it creates the most impossible scheduling problems! But this year I put my foot down and said that it was my turn, then I was able to turn my attention to a show, and World War Bob was born."

World War Bob will be an affectionate and no doubt occasionally riotous reflection on the troop shows of days gone by and to the continuing role music plays in time of war. "The troop show's been important all over the world," Bob explains, "and everyone remembers the Andrews Sisters and Vera Lynn, and I'll certainly be paying tribute to them. My 'Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy' for instance, has been commented on from coast to coast, and not just in Australia! (And by the way, there is no truth in the rumour that I am the hitherto unknown Andrews Brother!)

But it's not just the World Wars, there's been a lot of great music written since then. Look at John Lennon's 'Give peace a chance' which is a perfect Bob Downe song if ever I've heard one! But I'm extending myself, too, and I'm delving into soul with numbers like Edwin Starr's 'War (What is it good for?)' and I think you'll find there's a striking similarity between me and Bruce Springsteen."

So where does this inspiration come from? Childhood memories, perhaps? "Well, to be honest the only military installation in Murwillumbah was the Salvation Army," Bob admits, "but of course they had tambourines and as you know, I love tambourines and they've always played an important part in my shows!"

But will he be exchanging the safari suit for fatigues? "I admit that is a challenge," Bob says glumly, "I've been doing intensive research on the possibility of a camouflage safari suit but things aren't looking promising. And as for the slouch hat, I had some promotional photos taken for the Cabaret Festival show, and the damage they did to my coiffure hardly bears repeating. But you've got to give your all for our troops, and I'll be doing my very best."

The Andrews Sisters, in their wartime service, went so far as to dance with servicemen and according to some reports, "to treat random men to dinner." What, I wonder, is Bob's approach. "That would be telling!" he says with a laugh, "let's just say you need to have limitless devotion and a specialised technique."

World War Bob will feature lots of fun and games, including the comic recitations and singalongs that were so much a part of the traditional shows. "Traditional, but with a twist," Bob jumps in, "You'll go out with your morale sky high!"

World War Bob is on in the Dunstan Playhouse from 17–20 June. Session times vary, so check the program. Book at Bass.
Peter Burdon

Saturday, May 9, 2009 at 8:00pm
The Grand Hyatt Savoy Ballroom, Collins St, Melbourne
Phone: 0386986700
Email: moctigan@openfamily.com.au

Songs from New York, Russia, Germany, France and swingin' London! - with vocalists multi-lingual Fiona Thorn and suave Euguene Hamilton and your captain for the evening Bob Downe, backed by the fabulous B# Big Band.

The Open Family Australia's 'Night On The Streets' gala dinner, ball & fundraiser.

By Mark Trevorrow and Bill Harding (playwright & writer of the original Norman Gunston Show) Musical Direction by John Thorn.

Paying tribute to the troop shows of yesteryear Bob Downe and friends explore the role of popular song in wartime - for morale, diversion and propaganda.

A knockabout blend of troop show, revue and music hall favourites featuring songs and medleys such as It's a Long Way to Tipperary, Pack Up Your Troubles, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Give Peace a Chance and War (What is it Good For?).

World War Bob will be a fast paced romp that includes shadow-play, rear projection, comic monologues and audience participation.

Bob's the Bomb!

You'll come for the songs - and stay for the duration.

"...three encores were scarcely enough for a near-insatiable crowd." - The Advertiser

I can't decide whether World War Bob is a slightly exaggerated attempt to re-create the fun of wartime entertainment or a poor man's pantomime. There's no doubt that Downe is the central character but there are times when the other cast members step forward to demonstrate their own strengths – most notably, drummer (Corporal) Jeremy Hopkins, who took centre stage to sing "Lily Marlene", beautifully.

There are many costume changes throughout this 90-minute show, but the fillers sometimes lack continuity. Jane Markey plays numerous roles and does an impressive Marlene Dietrich-type character as she meanders menacingly through the front rows.

Musical director and on-stage pianist (Sergeant) John Thorn and Hopkins hold the show together but stepped out of their comfort zones at times to join Downe and Markey in song and dance routines.

"Flamboyant" is not nearly enough to describe Trevorrow's alter ego, and this is the character audiences know and love. A highlight was when he sat on the edge of the stage dressed in a laftan and long-haired wig, guitar in hand, and fired off some great comedy.

Mrs Ida Downe (Markey) leads the song sheet sing-a-long towards the end, with raw gusto against a projected backdrop of the inside of a village hall.

At the final curtain, Trevorow comes forward and dedicates this show to his father, who died just three months ago. A nice, but unusual, touch was a moment's silence for those that gave so much in the war.

"They are great songs," Mark says, "but perhaps it would be better if they never had to be written."
Pete Titchener

Until June 20.

EVER get the feeling you're watching a completely different show to the rest of the audience? Because at Bob Downe's World War Bob, the audience laughed, hollered hooted and applauded.

This reviewer – a good 30 years younger than the average age of the audience – was less impressed. I'm going to attribute this to the selection of songs rather than Downe's energetic all-singing, all-dancing performance.

The show is ostensibly a tribute to the troop shows of yesteryear with Downe dusting off music hall songs from as far back as the Boer War. You know how older folk complain that all modern music sounds the same?

Well, the same goes for the hits of World War 1 – which was ably demonstrated when the audience was split into two, with half singing Pack up your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag, and the rest singing It's a long way to Tipperary at the same time. They absolutely loved it. Again, this was not this reviewer's experience. Fortunately for me, the ancient and frequently stilted musical hall stuff started improving when they worked their way through the Second World War songbook.

Sure, they only mimed Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy (with mops for wigs) but it was one of the best songs of the night. And it must be said that Jane Markey was an entertaining offsider and young Jeremy Hopkins showed off a lovely voice every time Downe went off to change.

From my perspective, the war/peace songs of the sixties were the most entertaining of the night, particularly as something like Eve of Destruction and War (What Is It Good For) suit Downe's "Mr Showbiz" style quite well. The show wound up with a moment's silence for those who died in the wars. To sum up: if you think a show recounting ancient war time songs, with lots of sing-a-longs, sounds like an entertaining night, you'll love this show. If you don't, you won't.
Andrew Fenton

A quick digression: in Sydney there once was a club that was a restaurant that was a bar that was a theatre that once was a funeral parlour and it was wonderful. It was called Kinselas and it functioned as the unofficial Green Room for Sydney. This is where I first saw Mr. Trevorrow and Ms. Markey when they were performing as 'The Globos', the year was 1982; I have patiently waited twenty five years to see Ms. Markey, live, on stage again.

Ms. Markey is one of the great comic talents of Australia and it was mostly for her that I travelled the two hours to the Mountains. Did she disappoint – no siree Bob she did not. With a crooked smile and a knowing glance at the audience Ms. Markey had me – in fact she had me at Hello. As 'Ida Downe', she led us in a sing-a-long, that from now on every good show must have, just think how much more enjoyable 'Sweeney Todd' would be with a little audience participation.

What can one say that hasn't already been said better by others about Bob Downe? He has the comic genius and timing of Humphries, he has the wit of Kennedy, (Graham not JFK), and the classic good looks of Barry Crocker… with better hair. If John Waters, (Hairspray), had been born in Australia then Bob Downe would have been his muse.

To dismiss Bob Downe as merely a spoof of every bad club performer you've ever seen is to miss the point. Bob is an over the top tribute to a time and era when things were simpler, when a holiday away was a trip in a caravan with Mum, Dad and Aunty Merle, or when 'el dente' was an Italian comic appearing, third on the bill, at the Murwillumbah RSL. Bob is to entertainment what Bakelite is to radio.

From the Crimea to Iraq in 75 minutes the publicity blurb said and it didn't lie. No war is too small for this band of military minstrels. Armed only with an Oral B toothbrush and his very own special WMD's, (Words of Musical Distraction), Private Bob and chanteuse Markey embark on an epic journey through the music of the wars. Pro war – anti war you name it they sing it and boy do they sing it well. It's exhausting; from the sexually charged 'Dance of the Seven Veils', performed with great subtlety by Ms. Markey, to the soulful 'Lilli Marlene', sung by the very sweet Jeremy Hopkins, World War Bob is a hoot. An old fashioned cabaret/revue that's proud of its roots.

This is the out of town tryout before WWB hits the big smoke of Adelaide. Sure there were problems; lighting cues that didn't work and a microphone on the fritz but Mr. Trevorrow's incredible professionalism and determination kept us laughing until the very last minute.

Conceived, written and directed by Mark Trevorrow, with Bill Harding, musical arrangements by John Thorn and choreography by Jack Webster. WWB is indeed the campest of camp shows.

'World War Bob' will be playing in Adelaide at The Playhouse, June 17 through June 20.
Peter Cross

"The concert will see about 2, 000 volunteers soak up world class entertainment - for free. It's a sign of the State's gratitude for the valuable contribution South Australia's 600, 000 volunteers make."

The concert will be hosted by the ABC's Peter Goers and features performances by two acclaimed Adelaide Cabaret Festival acts; comedian and musician Mr Bob Downe and jazz singer and vocal artist Mr Percival.

"The concert is also a time to praise this year's winners of the Volunteers Day Awards. These generous individuals and organisations inspire others to give their time and skills to the community."

Premier Mike Rann and the Governor of South Australia, His Excellency, Rear Admiral Kevin Scarce AC CSC RANR will present the awards

So Bob, tell us a little bit about Retro-Gras. What are we are likely to see in the show?

Sydneysiders and Mardi Gras visitors will taste the glam cabaret feel of yesteryear as we turn the clock back to Les Girls and Chequers, with top notch lip-sync drag and popular singing between 8 to 10pm, featuring the stars of Oxford Street and beyond, followed by dancing until late! I'll be personally spinning the retro discs, along with Mister Tina (direct from San Francisco) and our very own Richard Weiss.

The prices are yesteryear-ish, too: $20 for the cabaret, then $10 after 10pm for drinks and dancing! And I give you my personal guarantee there will not be a single new track or song in this show!

You're often called "The Prince of polyester" do you feel this is all you are?

I could never be just that. I'm an actor, singer, dancer, and a hand model too.

You often bring us back to the "songs of yesteryear". Are we likely to expect a little memory rewind from Retro-Gras?

Darling, by the time we're finished with you, you won't know what decade it is! You'll stumble out and down the strip, trying to get into Patch's and Flo's Palace.

Tell us a little bit about your guests in the show.

My regular Oxford Street classical performers include Cindy Pastel, Joyce Maynge, Miss 3D, Toni 2000 and Monique Kelly. My headliner guests will blow your mind: this Thursday it's the wonderful, brilliant Shauna Jensen. As for the other two Thursdays well, you'll just have to show up and see, won't you? I like surprises and I know you do too.

What does Mardi gras mean to you?

It's like Christmas, Easter, ANZAC Day and my birthday, all rolled into one.

Will there be plenty of costume changes throughout the night?

What kind of a question is that? We won't be working nude, that's for sure!

Patch's and Flo's Palace here we come!

Bob Downe's Retro-Gras is on Thursday nights at Supper Club, 134 Oxford St, Darlinghurst. Cabaret from 8pm ($20) dancing from 10pm til late ($10). Tickets are available through Moshtix.
ophelia072

Pam Ann is the comic creation of Australian comedian Caroline Reid who portrays the 1960s-clad air hostess with a mixture of comedy and glamour. Fresh from a major UK tour, sell-out shows in New York, a sell-out 25 date European Tour and a hit run at the Edinburgh Festival, Pucci-clad Pam has also toured with Cher, crewed private jets for Elton John and even Madonna is a fan!

Alex Ristevski, The Comedy Channel Manager said: We are delighted that Pam Ann has decided to park her jet in the Comedy Channel studios. This show reaffirms our commitment to quality local comedy production and ensures that we continue to work with the cream of comedy talent both locally and internationally. This is truly the best in-flight entertainment you are ever likely to experience.

Pam Ann said: I'd rather cry in a Rolls Royce than be happy on a bike, I'm Pam Ann, Fly me! Pam Ann Airlines the worlds most experienced airline - the fact is we don't make the same mistake more than three times... maybe four. Fasten your seatbelts your in for a bumpy ride.

In each of the 8 x 30 minute episodes, Pam Ann flies to a different international destination and welcomes celebrity guests aboard her Boeing 747. Complete with her cabin crew and the Pams People dancers, The Pam Ann Show features musical numbers, sketches, celebrity interrogations and all manner of mile-high surprises. Joining Pam in the air is a galaxy of stars including Peter Morrissey, Jonathan Coleman, Leo Sayer, Julia Morris, Simon Burke, Dr Cindy Pan, Tania Zaetta and special appearances from Dannii Minogue, Bob Downe, Tina Arena, Darren Hayes and many more.

Pam Ann will touch down in Australia direct from the UK next week and will co-host Foxtel's Live coverage of the 2009 Mardi Gras Parade alongside Charlotte Dawson and Alex Perry on Saturday March 7 on Main Event.

Passengers, theres likely to be turbulence, so fasten your seat belts as THE PAM ANN SHOW arrives in Australia exclusive to The Comedy Channel.

Comedian Bob Downe and Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore will join expected crowds of more than 70,000 this Sunday to mark the beginning of the world-famous festival's 31st year.

"Fair Day has proven itself year after year to be one of the favourite Mardi Gras events so it makes sense to mark the launch of the whole season in front of what we expect to be a massive crowd," New Mardi Gras chair David Imrie said.

Mardi Gras Launch will take over the main stage at noon. Performer Shauna Jensen and broadcaster Julie McCrossin will host Launch with Neighbour Day founder and GLBTI advocate Andrew Heslop providing the keynote address.

On the Broadway stage drag queen puppet Queen Miss Left Titter invites you to spend some time with the Carpenters and Lesbian Supergroup.

The Lounge Tent by Bitch will return with a full line-up of smooth sounds in the afternoon with the tempo going up in the evening.

The Doggywood pooch show is back and will provide free dog obedience training sessions. Team Sydney will be up to their athletic best in the popular Sports Village and ACON will be doing its annual survey.

The Sydney Gay Community Periodic Survey is designed to improve understanding of gay and health issues by gathering data on sexual behaviour, sexual health, drug use and community engagement.

The Periodic Survey occurs twice a year and is conduced by the National Centre In HIV Social Research and the National Centre In HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research in collaboration with ACON and People Living With HIV/AIDS (NSW). The study forms a vital part of NSW's HIV response, enabling ACON and other organisations to measure the level of risk behaviour in the community every six months.

People interested in contributing to the study can do so at one of several stalls at Fair Day including one at ACON's fabulous outdoor pavillion, ACON Alley

In addition to filling out the survey, visitors to ACON Alley will be able to find out more about ACON's Adventures In Pleasure Mardi Gras campaign and get lots of tips and info about staying healthy during the party season. They can also pick up some cool giveaways, help out by becoming an ACON volunteer or become a financial supporter through the ACON Angels program.

For more info check out the ACON website: www.acon.org.au/mardigras

Top Aussie comedian Julia Morris is set to join mad cap Bob Downe and five other Sydney side-splitters as they tackle the contentious issue of same-sex marriage during Mardi Gras' The Great Debate.

Arguing "Is same-sex marriage worth the price of the rice?", the line up of celebrity debaters also includes stand-up comedian Jackie Loeb, drag superstar Mitzi Macintosh, and authour/journalist David Marr.

The perennially popular event is a fundraiser for ACON (AIDS Council of NSW) with all proceeds helping the organisation to carry out its work in the community.

ACON Event Coordinator David Wilkins says this year's debate is set to push past the taffeta and lift the veil on the pros and cons of tying a same-sex knot.

"Same-sex marriage is one of the biggest civil rights issues in the country right now so we felt that an cheeky and completely disrespectful debate on the subject would be a great way to explore the issue during Mardi Gras," he says.

"With so many , it's a topic that's ripe with comic possibilities and I think we can expect this year's Debate to be one of the most entertaining ever."

So join celebrity celebrant Bob Downe as he pulls out the shotgun for a bridal party that Mardi Gras will never forget.

Bouquets and brickbats will be flying from both sides of the aisle with no one expected to hold their peace.

Where Everest Theatre, Seymour Centre, Cnr Cleveland St and City Rd, Chippendale When Wed 13 Feb, 8pm
Cost $37.60
Bookings (02) 9351 7940

Some of Sydney's most beloved comedians including Julia Morris (pictured), will ask themselves if 'same sex marriage [is] worth the price of the rice?'

The event will be hosted by, and raise funds and awareness for ACON NSW.

Tickets for The Great Debate - Bride + Prejudice, on February 25, are available from The Factory Theatre.

Pop band Chasing Bailey, Melbourne electro pop trio She Said Yes, comedian Bob Downe and Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore will join expected crowds of more than 70,000 on Sunday 15 February to mark the beginning of the world famous festival's 31st year.

"Fair Day has proven itself year-after-year to be one of the favourite Mardi Gras events so it makes sense to mark the launch of the whole season in front of what we expect to be a massive crowd," New Mardi Gras chair David Imrie said.

Mardi Gras Launch will take over the main stage at noon following an opening spectacular throughout the park.

Performers Shauna Jensen and broadcaster Julie McCrossin will host Launch with Neighbour Day founder and GLBTI advocate Andrew Heslop providing the keynote address.

The main stage will be full letting Fair Day goers kick back and listen to the likes of singer Brecik and The Super Supremes.

On the Broadway stage Queen Miss Left Titter invites you to spend some time with the Carpenters and Lesbian Supergroup.

Imrie said Fair Day would have some new features this year following a survey amongst members.

"Our survey showed many people were looking for more fun activities on the day and a wider variety of stalls. So we're pleased that in 2009 Fair Day will feature the 'Play Pen' with a variety of games - like a bucking bronco and giant Twister. While a new gourmet food and wine area will see a Nations United of tastes from organic olive oils to connoisseur wine tasting," he said.

"Following frequent requests we're also pleased to announce you'll be able to get a frothy coffee on the park too."

The Lounge Tent by Bitch will return with a full line up of smooth sounds in the afternoons with the tempo going up in the evening.

And Fair Day wouldn't be Fair Day without our favourites the Doggywood pooch show is back and will be providing free dog obedience training sessions. Team Sydney will be up to their athletic best and when park goers are finally done Newtown's Bank Hotel will be hosting the official after party.

Details
Location
The Supper Club 134 Oxford St Darlinghurst
When
19 Feb 2009 - 05 Mar 2009 Thursdays from 8:00pm
Cost
$20 8-10pm, $10 after 10pm at door only
Booking Information
Book online at moshtix.com.au or at the door