REV25: WHOOPEE BLUES

Mic and Jim Conway have been playing together since they were at school, co-founding the Jellybean Jug Band, which became the Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band, a joyous celebration of twenties and thirties ragtime, vaudeville and jazz that became an unexpected success in the seventies.

Whoopee Blues tells the brothers’ story, from these early bands to through to their subsequent careers which saw Mic Conway embrace vaudeville, children’s entertainment, stage magic and much more, from the National Junk Band to performances with The Wiggles and appearing on Humphrey B Bear. 

Meanwhile, besides his collaborations with Mic, Jim Conway devoted himself to harmonica, performing jazz and blues with Brownie McHee and Jim Conway’s Big Wheel. 

Cochrane’s film focuses on both the brothers’ careers and personal lives, and Jim’s multiple sclerosis diagnosis, weaving these elements together to create the powerful testament to the enduring power of music, family and brotherhood.

Feature Documentary | 2025 | Australia