The Umbilical Brothers: The Distraction

The Umbilical Brothers, the Australian comedy duo of David Collins and Shane Dundas, bring their live show "The Distraction" to Newcastle Upon Tyne. Known for their unique blend of physical comedy, mime, and vocal sound effects, the pair have been performing together since 1988, honing a style they describe as "microphonic mime." Their shows are highly scripted and feature puppetry, slapstick, and audience participation, with minimal props and lighting.

In "The Distraction," Collins and Dundas use props and green screens, incorporating special effects to create a visually dynamic performance. The show originally toured Australia in 2021, including stops in Brisbane, Western Australia, and Sydney. Audiences can expect the duo's trademark surreal humour and inventive stagecraft, which has earned them appearances on late-night television in the US and Australia, as well as at major festivals like the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Just for Laughs.