Australian Comedy Review

They have faced off against George Negus, played charades with Harry Shearer, have multi platinum, award winning DVD’s, supported Take That just before Robbie left and N’Sync just before JT left (if you’d like Human Nature to break up just give them a call), performed for the Queen at the Royal Variety Performance, served a ball into Pat Rafter’s backside in front of thousands, appeared on Jay Leno with their second biggest US fan Robin Williams and are regularly stalked by American and Australian women after the success of their kids TV show ‘The Upside Down Show’ and sold out their debut season at the famous Tipi in Berlin.

Since 1991 The Umbilical Brothers have delighted fans around the world, as they twist theatrical rules and everyday situations into comedy triumph. Time Out NY called them ‘Australia’s hottest export since vegemite.’

From Hawaii to Tokyo, New York to Stockholm, audiences have laughed like idiots at this acclaimed performance, as Shane and Dave use the entire comedy spectrum to convey their craft in their signature show, Don’t Explain. In its incarnation as ‘Thwak’, their New York show which ran for a year Off Broadway, the show was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for Most Unique Theatrical Entertainment. Time Magazine called it “Pure theatre and pure fun”.

The appeal of the show goes across generations. The children in the audience were as enthralled by the physical comedy as the adults, and the more extreme or complex material merrily sailed over their heads. As the New York Times confirmed “You’re left only to shake your head and marvel.”

Awards

Winner Helpmann Award Best Comedy performance for Don’t Explain 2008

Nominated ARIA award Best Comedy release 2008

Logie Award Winner Best Children’s Comedy 2007

Emmy Best Title Design for The Upside Down Show 2007

AFI Nomination Best Children’s Show 2006

Winner Grand Prix Singapore Comedy Festival 2003

MO Award Winner – Best Comedy