It's always tempting to, imagine that performers who adopt personas for any length of time eventually become their characters, the dividing line between fantasy and reality blurring so that these egos come to dominate their off-stage lives. Especially for Mark Trevorrow, whose comedy product, Bob Downe, has been around so long now that the character's grinning peccadillos interrupt his creator's sleep.

Initially, however, there's little sign of the camp, kitsch Prince of Crimplene in this bloke in the baggy Gap jeans and Doc Martens. "G'day," he says, emerging from his 10m Winnebago-cum-tour bus. "Did anyone tell you I was a size queen?"

Once wedged into a tiny dressing room backstage at art English provincial theatre, the tall, fit 40-year old embarks on a metamorphosis even Kafka would be proud of. Two coiffed ash-blonde wigs sit like disembodied heads on stands in front of the make-up mirror. Flared polyester suits in a riot of lurid colours hang stiffly from their hangers.

Trevorrow begins dabbing on layers of heavy foundation, his direct, gaze switching from me to his reflection. The more he evolves into the characLer he's been performing for nigh on 13 years, the more he answers my questions through the looking glass. When the wig goes on the transformation is startling. "Bob has a high impact first entrance," he offers, smiling that the real whiter than white grin, "which is still true to this day."

This was certainly true for those of us who witnessed Bob Downe's solo debut at Melbourne's Last Laugh in 1987. His safari suited, Hush Puppied parody of a regional television presenter from Murwillumbah, who moonlighted as a shop dummy, brought the house down. Part Don Lane, part Ken Doll, he sent up a celebrity, 70s suburbia and himself in between a series of ridiculcius song and dance routines, oozing insincerity and a fake Arnerican accent all the while.

The daggy yet glamorous Bob Downe was an instant sucess. Trevorrow's winning formula has played to larger audiences ever since. Now dividing his time between Britain and Australia, he tours both countries with alacrity. There have been annual pilgrimages to the Edinburgh Festival, sell-out shows in London's West End, gigs at the Melbourne Comedy Festival and his role as compere of Sydney's Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras for the past two years.

There have also been a book, albums, a host of TV shows and guest appearances including a 1997 Royal Variety Performance, and a cameo as a refrigerator salesman in the forthcoming Yahoo Serious movie Mr Accident. He performs regularly alongside his best mates Julian Clary and Paul O'Grady, also known as the popular British drag act Lily Savage, with whom he toured Australia in 1995.

Having recently and triumphantly completed his "Million Sellers" tour of Britain and Ireland with co-star Pastel Vespa - a ditzy Brazillain cocktail singer, played by fellow Australian Fiona Thorn - Bob Downe's star shows no sign of waning, The transition from playing stand-up comedy bearpits to theatres, coupled with a fictional family history (including his mum and dad, Ida and Neil) and a relatively recent emphasis on Bob's closeted homosexuality have given the character a new lease on life.

here are those who dismiss the act as derivative.

"How could it be when it's exactly what I've done since I was about four?" responds Trevorrow. He once met a graduate of France's famed Le Coq mime school who told him that he was only doing naturally what Le Coq professes to teach. He'd found his inner clown. "And Bob is childish because he's my clown. When I started he was pretty controlled. Now he's more mercurial, with sudden mood swings and foot stomping tantrums. So the more I allow him to be like I was as a kid, the funnier he gets." If he's derivative, he adds vehemently, he's only derivative of a junior version of Trevorrow himself.

Born and raised in Murrumbeena in suburban Melbourne, the third of four children to a builder turned teacher and a housewife, his childhood was the stuff on which acts (well, his anyway) are built. What for many of us was the suburban norm - caravan park holidays, Tony Bartuccio dancers on the Don Lane show, school rehersals for Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat - Trevorrow would later channel into Bob's hilariously inane patter. He says he knew he was gay from the age of eight - a crush on Davy Jones from the Monkees gave him a clue - but deflected any bullying with his big gob and ability to act the fool. He came out as gay at 19.

These days his sexuality is a "non-issue" with his family. He wishes it were the same with the media. "It's certainly something that interests journalists, because there are so few people who are prepared to come out and say they are gay. Which amazes me really, in such a poofy profession as performing in theatre. So the ones who do come out often regret it 'cos they end up talking about nothing else. But the thing about Bob is that his gayness absolutely informs the work, as it does with Julian Clary or Lily Savage. So it's an irony within an irony. And I know how provocative that is."

After all, Trevorrow is a journalist. He joined the Melbourne Sun as a copy boy in 1977 and was staff writer, then freelance arts editor, of Vogue in the mid-80s. But his love of performing was paramount. In 1982 he co-formded the comedy group the Globos, who enjoyed hits with Tintarrella di Luna and The Beat Goes On; in 1984 he launched a character sketch duo with his friend Cathy Armstrong in which Bob Downe was born.

It was only a matter of time before he went solo - in a stretch far exceeding the lifespan of most comedy characters. One of the keys to Bob's longevity, Trevorrow says, is his paradoxical nature. "He's sexless but sexy. Which is like his relationship with the female audience. I'm an out gay man playing a closeted character, so I'm winking out from behind that facade in the same way that Barry Humphries [as Edna Everage] is always reminding audiences that he's a straight man playing a woman, that he's not a drag queen. It's that grey realm, which is contradictory and mysterious."

Trevorrow pauses and adds wryly, "Although I'm sure a lot of people are mystified by the fact I'm still doing the act". Now that you mention it, isn't 13 years a long time to do only one character? Trevorrow's talent, wit and intelligence are there in spades. so why not dispatch Bob Downe to that great retro graveyard in the sky?

Granted, Trevorrow has appeared as himself on Channel Ten's Good News Week, and eventually intends to move into radio and recording under his real name. But as far as the character goes, he's still having the time of his life. "Bob's got a lot darker and bitchier, so he's a lot more fun to play. And people appreciate it on different levels - I get mums and dads who love it for its surface entertainment value. and dykes, fags and students who are totally hip to it."

"Bob's perennially popular because he's so stupid," says Clary. "He's the silliest act in the world. He could go another 50 years if he wants to. O'Grady points to the current plethora of cheap imitators, notably Britain's cheesy lounge singer Lenny Beige, with whom Bob is often compared. "It's easy to pull on a pair of flares." O'Grady says. "But it always amazes me when Bob goes on so full of enthusiasm. He's never phoney.

You see the stand up comics at the Edinburgh Festival struggling to stretch to their five minutes into an hour, but Bob Downe is endless. He has so much material."

Trevorrow reckons the character's good for at least another 10 years. At no point has he thougt it it was time to finish but, he states with a shrug, he won't be mourning Bob's passing when it does: "I'll know I took it as far as I can go."

A more permanent, move to Australia is on the cards, "before I get cut off from my culture". He keeps in daily touch with Australian news on the Internet and is proud of the fact, that Bob Downe is able to play both the Melbourne Comedy Festival and the Sydney Mardi Gras.

"They're expressions of the cultures and attitudes of each of those two cities. I just feel so fortunate that I'm integral when I'm there doing it. It's a great tribute to me, to what I've achieved."

A recent article in The Times alleged that Bob Downe wasn't a popular figure on the stand-up comedy circuit. His character-based comedy, it implied, was an easy cop-out. "Stand-up comedy is a real cul-de-sac anyway," says Trevorrow.

"They'll hate me for saying that. But they think of camp and gay humour as a cul-de-sac. We're very Balkanised about it. Eighty per cent of the stand-up audience are drunk young males; here's this incredible atmosphere of aggression. Thankfully I stopped playing those environments years ago."

Melbourne comic Greg Fleet agrees that many of his colleagues have been only too ready to dismiss Bob Downe as a lightweight. Have been, that is, until they see him perform. "No matter how much people want to hate him," Fleet says, "they can't. In a way he brings people together, because he's just so bloody hilarious."

I'd come along to Bob Downe's show feeling that maybe, after 13 years, Trevorrow must be flogging the proverbial dead horse. He might have had me in stitches back in 1987, but surely tonight I'd be seeing the last gasp of a character well past his used by date.

But here they are in the audience - the mums, dads, kids and grandparents, the hip-to-it gays and students laughing uproariously right from Bob Downe's high-impact entrance in orange safari suit with fly-awat collar. We laugh uproariously, holding onto each other during the jokes, ad libs, faux innocent put-downs and oblique references to his sexuality. We crease up at the hilarious, arm-thrusting dance routines, marvel at the arch ad libs and wildly clap the velvety voice that belts out everything from Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves to, fittingly, I Will Survive.

There's a telling moment, however, right at the very end. As the curtains slowly close over our hero, he whips off his wig and dangles it out through the gap. Standing there grinning ear-to-ear is the real Trevorrow.

Good morning, Murwillumbah!

He’s the king of Polyester, the Queen of Cabaret and the jack of all trades: Bob Downe brings his own brand of retro-fueled fun to TV1.

That smile, that dress sense, that voice, it has to be Australia’s very own Bob Downe. Murwillumbah’s favorite son is poised to make his debut on TV1, fronting his very own show called, funny enough, ‘The Bob Downe Show’.

"It’s a bit of comedy, chat and variety. Simple as that. A sort of Friends meet Jerry Springer meets Ground Force, with a lot of Penthouse Club. It has that regional late night talk show feel," explained Bob. "And best of all, it’s filmed at my local nightclub the Classy Lady Bar and Grill."

So why has it taken so long for Bob, who is undoubtedly one of this counties biggest talents, to get his own show?

"I’ve been too busy living with my mum Ida in the Caravan Park and Traveling overseas. I’ve had lots of shows in England, which is very ironic. I’m like Lorrae Desmond, she had a show in England too."

Video clip shows a big New Years’ Eve special for TV1 and a show about Australia kept Bob busy. Until TV1 came knocking.

"It’s the most perfect channel for me that you could think of," laughed Bob. "I love being on with Gidget and the Mary Tyler Moore. It’s totally fine by me, they’re all the shows I watch."

Bob will bring family and friends to the show, to bask in the spotlight.

"Ida will make regular appearances by phone from Murwillumbah and occasionally she’ll come down on the coach. She can’t get away from the Caravan Park too often, she has responsibilities. She’s got announcements to make at eight in the morning; she’s got to get all the 10 cent pieces out of the shower blocks and she’s got to lay down a fresh film of athlete’s foot every morning."

Bob can’t wait to start his show, which will screen Sunday nights in December. "On the first show. I’ll have the gorgeous Marcia Hines and my childhood sweetheart Coralee Hollows."

Coralee, who looks a lot like Gina Riley, will make regular appearances, as will some of the biggest names about.

"Coming up are Paul McDermott and Richard Fidler, the Wiggles... and I get invested as Beige Wiggle! We’re going to have a Christmas Eve special and a New Year’s Eve slumber party. It’s going to be just Choc-a-block."

As Bob so succulently summed it up: "At last, a reason to get cable!"

The Bob Files
Born: Murwillumbah, N.S.W.
Marriage status: confirmed bachelor
Family: Parents Ida and Neale, sister Di, Brother Mark, Auntie Bev.
First performed: Age 6
Greatest fear: Naked Flame
Car: Metallic blue Hillman Imp
Most embarrassing moment: Caught buying own album at HMV

Congratulations on your Green Room award for best cabaret artist. Does this mean lounge/cabaret/Downe-ry is now high art?
Darling, and when WASN'T it? By the way, my bronze medallion spells it Artiste - like the song says, everything ends with an E! Yes, I really started something, didn't I? Just ask Mike Flowers, Austin Powers, Frank Bennett... and that geezer in the Kia commercial. What's his name again?

We know how much you love the tune I'll Tumble For Ya, but Bob, just who would you tumble for?
Hmm, let's see... Alex Dimitriades. Sir Ian Mckellen (What a good kisser!) Oh yes, and Human Nature - actually, I'd strap them on, all at once. My mum's not going to read this in Murwilumbah, is she? Good

The legendary Tony Bartuccio is your showbiz compatriot in your Comedy Festival show WHITER! BRIGHTER! What can we expect from this most stylish of TV dancers?
Who would have thunk it? After years of taking the piss out of Tony. running past every imaginary Channel 9 camera, I could find here we are - collaborating in the most stunningly successful kind way... Even if I do say so myself, which I most certainly do. Tony is a genius of movement... Prahan's own Bob Fosse. For this show, he's dragged out some moves and steps that go back to the Paleolithic era (That's BEFORE Don Lane). As for what you can expect - think Fairstar floor show, think Jupiter's Casino, and you're practically there.

What's your previous leading lady, Pastel Vespa, up to? Has she gone back to Brazil?
No, she's stuck in Vanuatu, a little spot of bother with those lovely folk down at Aussie Immigration. Can't say too much, but the Oriana won't wait for her FOREVER ...

Who are the Apple Fresh Dancers in your now show and just how fresh are they?
They are Amber and Ash, and boy, are they FRESH! They're shiny, kicky and new... GORGEOUS is the word. And young? I'm older than their combined ages... which isn't hard, as they've only just split into four cells each. They actually live on a petri dish backstage.

Will lounge music ever die?
No, it will simply fade away, like a long, languid evening at the Gin Palace. And CERTAINLY not while Burt Bacharach is still alive and cooking! I saw his concert at the Albert Hall in London - real strings, the LOT - and Swing Out Sister opened. And people were coming up to ME, getting my autograph. I still wonder - was I actually in heaven?

You recently did 60 shows throughout the UK. Whose audiences understand cabaret better: Australia or Britain?
Now, that's a toughie. Both lots are very appreciative, in their own ways. Australians do tend to go the toilet during the songs, though. Which is a MAJOR danger with me, especially when I've got a radio mike - I just go right on in after'em!

What is the most stylish laundry product you own?
My original, pink 70s Cuddly bottle. "Nice, mummy".

You hosted Ten's Mardi Gras coverage - what did you think of this year's Mardi Gras fashion?
Can you really call teeny weeny sequin stretch shorts 'fashion'? In Sydney, I suppose you can. My fave float was the Happy Little Sodomites. Piers Akerman, naked, on a cross, was a bit spesh, too. And do you think Ewan McGregor might have had a Junior Disprin before our interview?

Finally Bob, can you supply the name and address of your hairdresser? Beat has been deluged with requests.
Now, I'd LIKE to help, really I would, but this really is a no-go, top secret area. Can't I keep something private? However, think Toys R Us and you're not too wide of the mark.

April 6 2002, New Idea, Monique Butterworth, thanks to Miranda!
Get Downe With Bob

Murwillumbah's favourite son Bob Downe is back to 'rock' Australia. The king of camp's alter ego Mark Trevorrow talks to New Idea about Bob's fabulous new show.

Tell us about Bob's new show Cold August Night.
Bob Rocks! He's got a rock'n'roll band. I've been working towards this show for a long time. We're doing halls and it's my dream come true to play the State Theatre. I've had this dream ever since Bette Midler had that legendary run in 1978, which I didn't see, but knew all about. I was too young to get up to Sydney to see it, but it was just wild. It became this nightly party. It was like a dance party before its time.

I've always wanted to do this - it's a parody of a concert, but it's a concert at the same time. So there's me a a three-piece band. The band play live for five or six songs as well as playing along to some backing tracks. We're opening the show with the disco version of 2001: A Space Odyssey. It's thrilling. Even before the band starts playing, the hairs go up on your arm. Musically, the show will be as good as my previous shows. People think of Bob as sending up the songs - which I do - but I don't violate them. The point is the songs have to be really enjoyable and they have to be done well.

How did you come up with the concept for the show?
This show's been in my head for about three years. I keep these huge song lists and the hardest thing is to whittle it down. I didn't want disco or jazz so I've narrowed it down to pop and rock.

What inspires you?
My shows are designed around where I'm playing and how many people are going to be watching it. On top of the band and me, I've got Jane Markey - she's an old friend of mine, her sister is married to my brother. Jane is a natural comic genius who steals the scene in everything she's in. She's been playing Ida, Bob's mum, in the Foxtel series. Before you see Ida, Jane's going to play other characters including a rock'n'roll bum-crack roadie, a guy and a sexy north coast back-up chick. I think people won't realise it's all Jane. I'm really thrilled about that. She's so brilliant. It's a comedy concert, which I think is quite an original structure.

How long did it take to put the show together?
There are parts of my brain that are always working on the show. I've got different folders in my computer for different show ideas. I've got a very weird way of working. It's great that my manager and people around me trust me. I don't furnish a script to anybody - I never write the act out. I've only ever written the act out when I had to transcribe it for a TV appearance like the Royal Variety Show in London, where they want to know every word.

I think comedy is something you need to say. You can always tell when comics are 'reading' something they've written - it sounds like writing instead of speaking. I know what the subjects and the gags are in my monologues, but the monologues are very much free form. I just sort of 'download' them on the first few nights! I plot gags, obviously, but it's very free form. So I work from the outside in. It's a weird way of working which people find disturbing because I don't really give them much in terms of what the actual running order is. Techie people hate that.

Is Bob a big Neil Diamond fan or is this just a coincidence?
Bob is a huge Neil Diamond fan. He's the only artist that the whole family can listen to together - Bob, Ida, his nanna and Aunty Bett, they all love it.

Will there be any Neil tunes? Can we expect Crunchy Canola Suite?
I've already done a lot of Neil Diamond. As I worked out the song list, Irealised we didn't need to do any Neil Diamond. The opening instrumental is like Crunchy Granola Suite except I think it's better! It's really quite thrilling, musically.

Does Bob have any new outfits?
There are five costume changes and they're all new outfits. I have these contacts in New York and San Fransisco who do all the thrift stores for me. Bob gets a bit contemporary in this show, you might see a little bit of a 'Mullet Bob', a little bit of Driza-Bone, a little bit Jimmy Barnes, a little bit acid wash. There are some contemporary songs in the show too - a bit of Mambo No. 5.

Will there be a team of dancers?
No, but we dance. Jane's an incredible mover and I am as well. My normal way of performing is free form, where I work up a routine with my own kind of silly dancing and go anywhere I want. It's a much more fun way to make a show.

Is there any truth to the rumour that Network Ten newsreaders will be your back-up dancers?
No! I wish they would! Wouldn't it be great - Sandra Sulley and Jessica Rowe! Wouldn't that be cool?

How did Bob get to teach newsreaders to dance?
I've got a few fans at Network Ten and they asked me to do it. I flew up to Sydney and we did it in an hour. I think it shows how much we need a Bob Downe sketch variety show! People ask me if it's a Parody of the Channel Nine promo, but I hadn't even seen it before I did that for Ten.

What sort of person would enjoy Bob's show?
Three generations of family. The mums generally organise the tickets and bring the kids, and the husbands and the boyfriends are always dragged along to sit there with their arms crossed for the first 10 minutes until they start to realise it's something they can enjoy as well. And grandparents come along too. The songs in the show are very Gold FM - songs I've always wanted to do as Bob.

Is Bob still the down-to-earth boy from Murwillumbuh, or has fame changed him?
Absolutely. He's as idiotic as ever. Fame has not smartened him up at all. He hasn't got wise in the slightest! He hasn't become bitter or cynical - he was always bitter and cynical!

Has Bob made any unreasonable demands backstage for this tour?
What does he want? Oh yes, a bathtub full of Ribena!

Does Bob have a tour bus?
No, he arrives by public transport. He makes a lot of demands, very few of which are met.