Bob Downe - 20 Golden Greats

Bob Downe known for his polyester outfits and huge laughs. Last night was the opening night at the Sydney Theatre.
Bob pranced around the stage like a small child, full of energy and fun. It was a show that made you feel exhausted just watching it. He interacts with the audience making you feel more like a conversation with Bob, rather than a straight show (not that it is that straight, if you get my drift!). This show had me laughing, singing, clapping and waving so if you are not feeling energetic this might not be for you!
I interviewed Bob on The Hubbub last Monday and he did tell me that you don't sweat in Polyester, well sorry Bob I didn't believe you, and now I have seen the show I know it wasn't true. Mind you with the amount of energy that Bob puts in I think if he had been naked (what a thought!) he would have been sweating!
20 Golden Greats is a show every loosely based on 20 songs, whether he actually sang 20 I have no idea. I can tell you he can sing, dance and entertain all at once, quite a feat. I can't tell you the names of any of the songs, one I was too busy laughing and another as he told me on Monday he would have to kill me! There is trivia in the show, so a chance to win some great prizes, I won't say more than that otherwise I will spoil it!
The audience last night loved the show so much we didn't want him to leave the stage, begging him for more, I must say the time flew by.
This is only a short run and will close on 26 May so get your tickets now, it is such a hoot!
https://boxoffice.sydneytheatre.org.au/EventSBandPrices.aspx

Sam Simmons - the Precise History of Things

What makes a good comedian?

Funny? Check.

Truthful and observant? Check.

A little toilet humour? Check. (An oldie but a goodie).

How about one who begins by lecturing you on the rules of the show; namely, no ‘yellow’, no running with scissors and no looking like flight centre attendants; and who ends by forcing you to query the never-ending meaninglessness of this somewhat existential life?

Throw in some unnerving audience participation, sound effects, talking Llamas, lonely pinecones and most importantly – a chubby bald man wearing (rather short) pyjamas and a pair of thick-rimmed glasses, and you have Sam Simmons – The Precise History of Things.

I placed a lot of trust in this bald, sweaty, cursing man as he repeatedly told us there was a point to his random yelling, abnormal props and sing-songs. He asked us to bear with him and that it would all make sense in the end.

And it did.

My thoughts varied from wondering why so many people were laughing at his crude, nonsensical humour when I was about to walk out (no, I probably wouldn’t have for fear he would make a scene!), to cheering, clapping and praising this man – not because he was finished – but because he had me pondering the meaning of 45 minutes of self deprecation, brilliant facial spasms, musings and a shopping trolley full of groceries. And I got it!

Watch it. You won’t be disappointed.

Well, that’s not entirely true, but you won’t leave feeling disappointed by the performance or cheated out of $30 and that’s the most important thing.

Reviewed by Lana Hilton http://thefirsttimer.com