SpeedMouse is a performance stage show by the Australian comic duo The Umbilical Brothers. The show follows the brothers as they fall under the control of a remote control that can freeze, reverse, and fast-forward their motions. The original version of SpeedMouse was aimed at an adult audience and featured repeated scenes of violence and vulgarity; the Brothers later performed a more family-friendly version with less swearing.[1]

SpeedMouse
Created byDavid Collins
Shane Dundas
StarringDavid Collins
Shane Dundas
Country of originAustralia
Production
Running time90 minutes
Original release
Release1999 (1999)

Devised in the late 1990s, the Umbilical Brothers performed the show regularly until 2006.[2] The duo revived the stage show in 2016 in celebration of their 25 years performing as The Umbilical Brothers.[3] The show was an influence for their later television programme The Upside Down Show (2006).[4] Their performance at the Sydney Opera House was filmed for a live DVD, which was released in late 2004.

Plot

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Taking advantage of the “latest advances” in performance technology, the boys have upgraded their acting to digital. Using this technology, they are able to jump immediately to any routine or fast forward through the boring bits. Unfortunately, the remote control has gone missing. Tensions arise when their newly hired roadie clashes with David — he points out that there is no need for any roadie, as there are no props or scenery to move. The situation worsens when their show controller Tina starts playing mind games with Shane.[5]

Cast

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  • David Collins as himself
  • Shane Dundas as himself
  • Roadie, performed by Tina
  • Tina, performed by Roadie
  • Mr Fluffy as himself (cameo)
  • The Koala as himself (cameo)

Certifications

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Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[6] 2× Platinum 30,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References

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  1. ^ "The Umbilical Brothers – Speedmouse: The Kings of Physical Theatre… and then There's the Roadie – Adelaide Fringe Review | the Clothesline - Digital Arts Magazine".
  2. ^ Collins, Dundas (7 July 2009). "The Umbilical Brothers: Speedmouse". Time Out New York. Archived from the original on 29 November 2012. Retrieved 26 February 2021.
  3. ^ Bell, Steve (9 February 2016). "Why The Umbilical Brothers Are Bringing Back 'Speedmouse'". themusic.com.au. Retrieved 12 October 2020.
  4. ^ Blanch, Catherine (25 February 2016). "The Umbilical Brothers – Speedmouse: The Return Of The Roadie at Royalty Theatre – Adelaide Fringe Interview". theclothesline.com.au. Retrieved 15 December 2022.
  5. ^ Denton, Martin (12 November 2006). "Speedmouse – The Worst Of The Umbilical Brothers". NY Theatre. Retrieved 21 May 2013.
  6. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2005 DVDs" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 17 December 2021.
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