Melbourne International Comedy Festival comedian Q&A: Steph and Dan Teitelbaum, The Illegitimate Love Children of Bob Downe and Magda Szubanski

Get set for an energetic and upbeat night full of comedy story-telling

What can people expect from your show at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival?

An energetic and upbeat night filled with music (3-piece band) that will stick in your head and get you moving (but leave the dancing to us).

We’ll tell the story of a lifetime (ours) and the story of Australian comedy.

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What have you been up to since last time you were here?

We (Steph and Dan) started working together on radio in 2017, with our show Velcro Couch — a show that promotes Melbourne art and culture through reviews, what to dos and interviews with anyone doing anything interesting.

We met before that, living together as siblings for 27 years, sharing a pair of parents.

Who should see your show, and why?

We were lucky enough to sell out six nights at the Fringe Festival in a room too small for us. Everyone who came walked out buzzing from the music and hurting from the laughter.

It takes about three days for the show to wear off, and a few weeks to stop hearing the music. We’re in the Speigeltent now, so the show is bigger and better.

What’s your No.1 tip for people coming to see a show at the comedy festival?

Get to the venue early enough to enjoy the anticipation of going to see a show.

Give yourself time to spot the comedians all around you (professional and otherwise).

Take a flyer for a show you would never choose to see and consider seeing it.

Which other comedians/shows are you keen to see at this year’s festival, and why?

Son of a Bitch — mother son duo. Can’t beat the family connection for authentic hilarity. Josh Glanc — “Glance you for having me”. We’ve seen him a few times, he’s a one-man comedy troupe. It’s absurd and you’re laughing not knowing why much of the time.

Jake and Ella — “Twenties”. Jake is Josh’s brother, not so relevant. We saw them a few years ago, they had an incredible rapport that is naturally funny but were just starting. They could only be funnier now.

What do you love about Melbourne?

We love Melbourne. Our radio shows always include “What’s On” and so I’m aware of what Melbourne has to offer every walk of life.

There is so much to choose from any day of the year, for anything you’re interested in.

We’re very lucly.

Who or what is your comedic inspiration, and why?

The generation of Australian comedians that came before us. Particularly mum (Magda Szubanski), dad (Bob Downe) and their friends — Jane Turner, Gina Riley, Paul McDermott, Glen Robbins etc. We also love Lano and Woodley. And The Castle.

Anything else you want us to know about you or your show?

It’s a seriously fun night of entertainment with a 3-piece band, a big stage, great costumes, dancing (us, not you) and comedy storytelling.

STEPH AND DAN TEITELBAUM, THE ILLEGITIMATE LOVE CHILDREN OF BOB DOWNE AND MAGDA SZUBANSKI, MARCH 31-APRIL 7, THE MELBA SPIEGELTENT, BOOK TICKETS