Umbilical Brothers

Hey guys, thanks for taking the time to chat with GenQ!

No worries, pleasure to be here.

Firstly, let’s go back to your roots when you guys first formed the Umbilical Brothers. Was this when you realized you had a knack for loud mime or were you aware of it from a younger age?

Well really, it’s all an extension of the way boys play. They act out scenarios, and make sound effects while they do it. Or at least we did.
(Separately, as we didn’t meet until acting school). So it feels like we’ve done it since forever, before we even met. We just structured it more now and used a mic. And we get paid for it. Sweet.

The definition of Umbilical is: Any of various external electrical lines or fluid tubes which connect one portion of a system to another. Do you guys intend to come across to the audience as a connected being, or was the name choice for totally different reasons?

You’ve pretty much got it. The full idea won’t be conveyed without the two of us working together, really in sync.  Watch our performances and you’ll see what we mean.

You’ve been performing for almost 2 decades now, how do you keep your routines fresh and your passion strong?

We try not to remind ourselves of how long we’ve been doing this. Thanks a lot!

How much training does an Umbilical Brother undertake to pull off a typical routine?

Ummm, no training. We’re really undisciplined in that sense. We talk about an idea, then we try it out live. And the show evolves that way. So calling this show “The Rehearsal” is our little joke, because it’s the only way you’re going to get us near an actual rehearsal situation.

What’s the hardest sound or part in a show that you’ve ever done?

We just did a show at the Melbourne Comedy Festival where we skydived on roller chairs. That was hard! And this NZ show has a cool fight scene at the end that is pretty punishing. Sounds are easy actually, sound effects aren’t part of this show. It’s quite different.

What’s the weirdest thing you have encountered from a fan?

We made a kids’ TV series with the Sesame Street people, and since then we’ve had an unexpected fan base among American mothers. They send us stuff, they even fly to Australia to see our shows. Support is nice, but surely there are better ways to spend your cash! Also, the other day a couple of guys came to our show dressed as us. Bit freaky. And some foreign fans lip-sync to our routines and put it on youtube.

calling this show “The Rehearsal” is our little joke, because it’s the only way you’re going to get us near an actual rehearsal situation

You’ve traveled the world, showcasing your talents and bringing a smile to all kinds of people. Is there the same reaction given to your routines around the world as you get from the Southern Hemisphere?

It’s pretty much a universal reaction, apart from a few cultural references.
The Americans don’t always get the self-deprecating humour, or ‘taking the piss’.

What advice can you give to all the aspiring future Umbilical Brothers out there?

Don’t be us, be yourselves! Lots of young comics start off imitating people they like, which is great, but it’s even better when they develop their own style. That’s what gets you noticed. And if you enjoy it, go for it.
That’s how we started,­ we were just having fun.

In terms of your New Zealand tour, ³The Rehearsal² as part of the Comedy Festival, what can Kiwi’s expect from you guys?

We have carefully planned it so you don’t know what to expect from one moment to the next. We’ll play with your minds. Having said that, in the Rehearsal you will see wind-tossing jazz monkeys, moonwalking and a huge wild animal. We’re not kidding. We may also tour later in the year, and that will be different material again.

Do you have anything else to say to your Kiwi fans, ahead of your shows?

Can’t wait to give you the chuckles.   This Rehearsal isn’t like shows

you’ve seen before. Just go with it and you’ll be fine.

Thanks so much for your time and we look forward to seeing you in Auckland!

Thanks a lot, see you in the theatre.

Tags: International Comedy Festival, New Zealand, Umbilical Brothers