The annual DIVA Awards honoured the Sydney's best wigged-out drag queen showgals at the Museum of Contemporary Art, while nearby at the Opera House the Helpmann Awards recognised the year's best theatre actors and crew.

Camp funnyman Bob Downe helped a colourful parade of queens reveal who took the year's coveted awards, with few surprises in the night's announcements. The shows at gay superclub Arq were particularly praised with gongs, along with The Stonewall Hotel and its wicked-witted hostess Polly Petrie. Drag stalwart Trudi Valentine was inducted into the DIVAs Hall of Fame.

The Helpmanns night included shows from members of the casts of popular shows Jersey Boys, Avenue Q, The Wizard Of Oz, The Drowsy Chaperone, West Side Story and the upcoming Mary Poppins. The Avenue Q cast was prized, along with actors from Richard III. Pink's Funhouse Tour was announced as Best International Contemporary Concert.

Our drag celebs quaffed champagne at Oxford Street gay haunts Nevermind and Stonewall afterwards, while the theatre luvvies enjoyed their swanky after-party at Argyle in The Rocks.
Matt Akersten

The Awards were launched last night at Oxford Street's Stonewall Hotel, where MC Miss Candy Box revealed 2010's stunning DIVA poster, showing Verushka Darling (pictured) decked out in black with white pearls in an eye-catching Art Deco 1920s theme, in keeping with the mood of the MCA Foundation Hall venue for the glittering upcoming event.

Following the traditional 'red carpet' entry into the most glam night on Sydney's drag calendar, the evening's four hosts will be Bob Downe, Tora Hymen, Carman Geddit and Polly Petrie, Same Same can confirm.

Ticketing and voting details will be released soon.
Matt Akersten

The function raised $42,500 plus donations for Labor's financial war chest ahead of November's State Election.

Last year, Premier John Brumby declared members of his Cabinet would no longer hold private meetings with companies in exchange for donations.

But for $250 a ticket or $2250 for a table of 10, guests at Mr Hulls' "Niddrie Fundraising Dinner" came to meet him, Mr Brumby and several government heavyweights.

It has been confirmed 170 people attended the dinner at South Wharf's Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Tuesday. Guests included several legal firm representatives with an interest in rubbing shoulders with Mr Hulls.

The night also included entertainment by comedian Bob Downe.

A note Mr Hulls sent to invitees said: "I'm sure you'll agree it's a worthy investment."

The invitation said: "Your support will greatly assist the local campaign in Niddrie and represent a significant contribution in the effort to secure an historic fourth term Labor Government in Victoria."

In December, Mr Brumby announced Labor's fundraising group, Progressive Business, would stop closed-door paid meetings, but continue to hold "forums" where companies could meet ministers in public.

A spokeswoman for Mr Hulls, Meaghan Shaw, said "a room full of people" attended the evening.

"It was a light-hearted evening compered by Bob Downe, who sent up quite a few pollies," she said.

"Hullsy didn't want the usual boring speeches and so interviewed the Premier in an entertaining exchange.

"It was a hoot of a night and everyone enjoyed themselves."

The Niddrie State Electorate Campaign Committee would declare income to the Australian Electoral Committee, as required annually, she said.
Peter Rolfe

Attending Murrumbeena Primary and then Murrumbeena High School, he faced a few battles during his school years.

"My first year at high school was pretty miserable, typically, for a young, emerging and obviously gay boy", he said. "I wanted to leave but luckily, my parents held out and things settled down brilliantly."

Growing up in an era of changing social rules, Trevorrow said he remembered it as a time when hair length and uniforms were barely enforced, lots of smoking went on behind the shelter sheds and "naughty young teachers let us call them by their first names" and "sneaking off home for toasted sandwiches and The Young and The Restless".

Making his own newspapers at home, Trevorrow was soon selected for a cadetship at the Herald Sun and his dreams came true.

Starting as a copy boy in 1977, he went on to become a segment producer on Together Tonight, a nightly magazine show for Channel 10 Melbourne.

He then started a cabaret group, The Globos, with his friend Wendy de Waal, and the pair scored a record deal with Mushroom. Their first single, Tintarella di Luna, took off in 1982, and by early 1983 he was living in Sydney and working in show biz.

Appearing on Kath and Kim as Darryl the men's wear salesman, his funniest moment on the show was his acceptance speech at the Fountain Lakes Retail Awards night.

"I used a whole lot of real drag queen names in my thank yous. Gina and Jane are among my oldest mates and so watching their success, and then taking part in it, has been a deep thrill," he said. "I've done three episodes and the telemovie as Darryl the men's wear salesman and it's always a hoot. Especially when people don't realise it's me!"

Trevorrow is starring in a cabaret and dance evening, Bob Downe's Retro Gras: Anzac Day Special at the SUpper Club, in Taylor Square, Oxford St, Darlinghurst on April 25 at 7pm. Tickets $20 at the door. Phone 9331 3467.

He didn't need to think twice when the ACT Branch of the RSPCA came calling for a host for its annual fundraising ball.

Ross put it to Bob that perhaps his pulling power could entice the federal Opposition Leader to attend, lycra and all.
Adam Shirley

After attending 25 parades and eight stints hosting the television coverage Downe has become an integral part of the annual Mardi Gras.

'Well, it's certainly a wild and crazy gig, that's for sure!' he told OUTinPerth. 'Trouble is- the Parade is going past BEHIND you while you commentate off a TV screen. A bit topsy turvy, even for me.

'The Foxtel broadcasts have been the best yet, I think - great crew, great production team and co-hosts.'

For the second year in a row Downe performed alongside local and international artists in his hit cabaret show, Retro Gras as part of the Mardi Gras Festival line up. Not one to let the intense fame go to his head, Downe likes to keep a balance in his life.

'I've been learning the crochet in between my Mardi Gras Festival commitments,' he said.

'I get the odd 5 or 10 minutes off every third day or so. I'm also doing Back to School fashions in the window at Grace Bros, Murwillumbah. You have to keep up your day job!'

Downe said he is looking forward to his visit to the Wild West and often pops over in secret to visit old pals.

'Haven't you seen me dancing around my man bag at Connections?'

If you don't catch him on the dance floor, tickets are available for Club West on Saturday, March 20, where is planning to regale audiences in traditional Downe family style.

'(I'm planning) a good, nice, old fashioned slide show. I'll be boring you to tears, just like my Nana Downe and Aunty Bev have done for decades. Every dull detail. Plus a few songs so we don't all go to sleep!'

Club West tickets and enquiries: http://www.clubwest.com.au/ or 9440 5226
Amy henderson

This year's theme, History of the World, was hard to discern amongst the Michael Jacksons, George Michaels, Marilyn Monroes and Bondi Beach lifesavers.

"It's people having fun and trying to put on a bit of a show, so it's all out there, but that's the point of it," said Mardi Gras spokesman Damien Eames.

Begun as a civil rights protest in 1978, the Mardi Gras is now a massive street party with lots of mainstream participants.

Firefighters and social workers mix with marchers wearing not much more than sequins, glitter and body paint.

"We want to celebrate the diversity we have in our workforce," a beaming Sydney fireman said. "The crowds are unreal, it's a top night, it's like being a rock star."

Australia is one of 28 countries that don't openly exclude homosexuals from the armed forces and contingents from the army, navy and air force were out and proud.

"We love Australia. We can serve openly and nobody cares," a marching serviceman said.

A particular cheer went up for an Osama bin Laden aboard a float that a carried the slogan "Putting the FUN back into fundamentalism."

Against the complaints of Mardi Gras morphing from protest march to fancy-dress party were those commending the parade as a show of solidarity and a demand for acceptance.

Graeme Browning, whose alter ego is drag queen Mitzy, said the fight for equal treatment had not been won.

"I actually think there are elements where we are worse than 10 or 15 years ago," he said. "You can't walk between venues in drag any more. People yell at you. I can be terrifying."

Comedian Mark Trevorrow, 51, said that for young people struggling with their sexuality Mardi Gras could be a beacon of light. "There's such power in finding your tribe," he said. "When you are young you think you are the only person who's gay."

"Bob Downe" is ready to party at the 2010 Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. Again.

The camp-tastic performer is one of six commentators for the broadcast which will beam the glitzy parade live into living rooms across the country via Arena.

Downe is a regular fixture on the Mardi Gras calendar, not just performing his show in the festival, but in commentating the parade for television.

"I've done about eight broadcasts and about 25 parades. It's all a blur. A rainbow blur!" he says. "My best memory is marching on foot with my babydyke niece and her GF playing my SecuriDykes! The crowd was terrified of 'em! The worst memory was forgetting my sunnies for the party morning after. Yikes!"

Downe will be joined by the beloved Molly Meldrum, Australia's Next Top Model judge Charlotte Dawson, former Good News Week panellist and Mardi Gras veteran Julie McCrossin, Australian Idol's Ricki-Lee Coulter and Sydney drag diva Mitzi Macintosh.

"I adore them all. Especially Molly, who's a family aunt of mine," he laughs.

And while 10,000 revellers squeeze into lycra and don elaborate costumes for the 2km route, Downe isn't giving away what retro outfit he will be donning.

"It's a top secret, natch, but something off the shoulder and cut on the bias I think. With a sweetheart neckline. No, wait a mini. That's my wedding dress!"

Arena's coverage will feature behind-the-scenes interviews with some of the creative forces behind the parade and float designers, many of whom represent some of the different community groups from across Australia.

Downe says the messages behind Mardi Gras are still important, particularly for those who are unable to attend the big night in person.

"Every young emerging gay person still thinks they're the only one in the whole world. There's huge power and joy knowing you're part of a historically invisible tribe. Invisible until Stonewall, anyway."

In 1978, Mardi Gras emerged after a local parade in support of the Stonewall Riots in the US was shut down by Sydney police. The anarchy led to what we now recognise as Mardi Gras, albeit with a few more sequins.

As Downe says, you can never have too many dancing Kylies, Ab Fab Patsies, Dykes on Bikes and Asian Dancing Boys.

"Perhaps at a bah mitzvah or the opening of Parliament -- but even then it's a borderline call."

Finally, for any first-time attendees, Bob Downe offers a tip for your very own Mardi Gras Survival Kit.

"Good solid shoes for dancing and walking. A safe spot for keys and phone. And those SUNNIES!"

The 2010 Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade airs live 7:30pm AEDT Saturday on Arena.
David Knox

If Mark Trevorrow ever gets sick of playing his flamboyant alter-ego Bob Downe, it won't be the glamour or the audience adulation that will keep him going. It will be his mortgage.

"Bob has been paying my mortgage for 25 years and here I am sitting in my terrace in Elizabeth Bay," he said. "If I ever think not doing it anymore, I just look around and down at the waters of the bay. That makes me think I can."

Fresh from a summer hosting the evening show on ABC Radio, the self-proclaimed "clown prince of polyester" will be everywhere this month, on stage for the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and, performing his successful "20 Golden Greats" tour at North Sydney Leagues Club on Feb 20.

"People associate Bob Downe with Mardi Gras because I've been doing the (parade) broadcast for so many years, even if I wanted to bow out I don't think they would let me," said Trevorrow who, in addition to broadcasting the parade, will also host the annual Great Debate at the Factory Theatre in Marrickville and run his popular Friday night cabaret program Retro Gras at the Supper Club in Darlinghurst.

One of Australia's best-known comedians, Trevorrow cofounded the cabaret comedy group The Globos before "finding" Bob in 1984. Four years later, he took Bob to the Edinburgh Comedy Festival and became an instant success. He has since picked up two Green Room Awards for cabaret artist of the year and performed with Bert Newton, Kerry-Anne Kennerly, Don Lane, Andrew Denton and Rove McManus, and even in a Royal Command Variety performance for the Queen.

His last performance of "Twenty Golden Greats" at Norths in August 2008 almost sold out and this year is expected to be even bigger.

"Doing Golden Greats reminded me why I like performing so much," he said. Half cabaret, half trivia quiz, the show pits audience members against each other to guess the songs Trevorrow will be singing and to name the original artists who performed them. "There are even prizes for people who guess them all," he said.

As for those who don't laugh however, Trevorrow is philosophical. "You just move on to the next joke," he said. "When you're just starting out, you tend to get a bit forensic about why people don't laugh. But now I've been doing this so long, I just get the giggles."

Bob Downe will be on stage at North Sydney Leagues Club on February 20 at 8pm. $33. Ph: 9245 3000; norths.com.au.
Polly Simons

The effervescent host joins Charlotte Dawson, Julie McCrossin and Sydney drag queen Mitzi Macintosh, all of whom covered the 2009 event.

Downe has certainly been a popular feature on the Mardi Gras circuit and has commentated previous parades across its television history.

Last year the parade was a pay-per-view event but this year the live coverage can be seen on Arena at Saturday, February 27 from 7.30pm (AEDT).

The coverage will also feature behind-the-scenes interviews with parade creatives and float designers.

Just don't tell Steve Price

Arena invites you to the biggest party of the year with its exclusive parade broadcast

As thousands of visitors from around the world line the streets of Sydney to watch the gay calendar's night of nights, the best view will be from home as once again FOXTEL puts its audience right in amongst all the mayhem and high voltage action of the parade.

With Sydney's Oxford Street set to sparkle as 10,000 parade participants squeeze into lycra and don elaborate costumes, this year's Mardi Gras will be bigger, bolder and sexier than ever. Extra cameras will be located along the 2km route to give exceptional viewing vantage points and the Arena broadcast headquarters will be atop Lattouf Hair and Body Spa right in the heart of Taylor Square.

Mardi Gras is the world's premier gay and lesbian cultural festival and one of the must-see events on the global 'fun' calendar with over half a million spectators expected to join the colourful and cultural parade celebration.
David Knox

On the set of this week's SX cover shoot, it's hard to get in a word in edgewise. Minnie Cooper, resplendent in a glittering red-sequinned gown, keeps offering instructions on how to extend the sprouting tule at the end of her dress. The larger-than-life Bob Downe, dapper in a navy polyester suit, continually shares his enthusiasm for his never-before-seen ensemble. Comedian Jan Van de Stool, meanwhile, fires off hilarious quips, most of them at friend and fellow entertainer, Garry Scale, who replies back with verbal punches of equal bite and wit. With four such flamboyant personalities in the one space, the SX crew was going to be in for a fun ride.

After Sydney photographer John McRae captures their individual portraits, it was time for the group shot. But as they jostle into position, Bob yells, "Wait! Don't forget the hat! How should I hold it?" To which everyone unanimously agrees: "Hold it as if you're tipping the hat off!"

It's a fitting and symbolic gesture as the fab four have come together for the annual charity event, Hats Off!. A highlight of the Mardi Gras Festival, the star-studded concert raises much-needed funds for ACON and the Bobby Goldsmith Foundation. It is organised by the charity fundraising group, Oz Showbiz Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Joining Bob, Minnie, Jan and Garry on Monday, February 22, at the Seymour Centre, is a cavalcade of stars from the fields of musical theatre, comedy, dance and cabaret, all of whom are donating their time and talent for free.

"We are always so grateful to the very talented performers and creative team that pull these magical nights together," says Jonathan Mill, President and Co-founder of Oz Showbiz Cares/Equity Fights AIDS (OSCEFA). "It is such a fun way to raise money and awareness for two great organisations."

This year's theme, 'History of the Showstopper', is inspired by the historical tune of the 2010 Mardi Gras season. It is being helmed by director Margi de Ferranti, an old hat in the Hats Off! family.

"Hats Off! was created in 1998 as an opportunity for members of the show business community to donate their talent and time to help raise funds to help mitigate the circumstances of those living with HIV/AIDS," de Ferranti tells SX. "Over the years, on the smell of an oily rag, the brightest stars of the musical theatre industry have offered their services and entertained thousands. This year will be no different. We decided on the theme 'A History of Showstoppers' in other words, it's a musical theatre lover's dream concert."

Among the musical treats to be served up on the night are tunes from Gypsy, Wicked, Dreamgirls, Carousel, Jesus Christ Superstar, Funny Girl, A Little Night of Music, Guys and Dolls and Mame.

This year's event is being hosted by the hysterical Jan Van de Stool. Acerbic, quick-witted and hilariously funny, she will be joined by co-host Garry Scale who, in his words, "will be apologising for Jan's gaffes". The two have both been previously involved with Hats Off! Jan emceed last year's proceeding and Garry says he's been part of Hats Off! "probably since its inception".

Minnie Cooper is also no stranger to the Hats Off! family. This year marks the third time the drag star will be taking to the Hats Off! stage. Asked what she will be performing on the night and she replies: "Some A-list drag queens and I will be performing a camp rendition of 'I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair' from South Pacific". A showstopper, no doubt it will also be.

Bob Downe, on the other hand, is a bit more coy when it comes to his appearance, declining to give details about his number. But he does reveal that it will be Bob's Hats Off! debut. "I'm thrilled to be finally doing it."

Bob and Minnie are, of course, just two morsels of a much larger showstopping banquet. Among those confirmed to perform are Judi Connelli, David Campbell, Sigrid Thornton, Toni Lamond, iOTA, Peter Cousens, Monique Montez, Hayden Tee, David Harris, Helen Dallimore, Amelia Cormack, Lucy Durack, and members of the cast of Wicked.

"We have a program jam-packed full of unbelievable numbers," de Ferranti says. "And we are hoping to create some show stopping moments of our own."
Reg Domingo