Dame Edna and a bridesmaid...

You little darlings!

Isn't it spooky how the seasons speed by, Possums? It's hard to believe that the summer is upon us once again.

And as always, with the arrival of summer, comes the busiest season for weddings!

How gorgeous!

When planning for their big day, every bride-to-be hopes to achieve the kind of megastar magic and excitement that Dame Edna has known in her life.

But everyone doesn't have a New Zealand bridesmaid to help them with their preparations, and they worry that their wedding won't have that gigastar glamour they've been dreaming of.

After all, so many brides look at their guest list and think, who are all these non-entities? Others fear that the sheer boredom of the event will make their guests want to take back the gifts! And who could blame them, Possums?




So it comes as no surprise that couples all over the country beg Dame Edna (or rather, a reknowned gigastar impersonator) to attend their weddings, to care and share with their guests, and impart a few magic pearls of Australian wisdom as they set out in life together.





Luckily for them, our very own Dame Edna impersonator Simon Whitehouse is only too happy to come to the rescue! Every year he is invited to weddings up and down the country, adding a dash of gladioli glitz and glamour everywhere he goes.

And so, dear reader, if you're planning a wedding, or hoping to be invited to a celebration blessed with the presence of Edna, you might like a little look at some of these gorgeous photos. Simon's Dame Edna Everage has shared some hilarious moments with her grateful Possums at weddings all over the UK:

Dame Edna as Nancy?

You little Darlings!

Well, Possums, the search is over. We have our new Nancy.

The winner of BBC's "I'd Do Anything!" is that gorgeous little minx from Blackpool, Jodie! Regular readers of our "I'd Do Anything" blog entries might have guessed we were crossing our fingers (and gladis!) for her, and we're thrilled that she was victorious!

But wait, Possums....could this be the wrong result? Dame Edna recently revealed a startling secret during her triumphant appearance on The Graham Norton Show last week...

We'll let Edna explain in her own words:

"They've got the wrong idea about Nancy.

I believe in the past life thing. I've had had many past lives. I've been many famous, wonderful people..... I was once married to Charles Dickens!

So I know what he wanted Nancy to be like... He modeled her on me.

Nancy, in his mind, was a mature Australian woman. Graham, I could have been Nancy!"

So now we know the truth about Nancy. But never mind. Even though Cameron Mackintosh has decided not go with an Australian Gigastar in the role, we'll be thrilled to have Jodie taking centre stage. Congratulations, Possum!

And speaking of Dame Edna's visit with Graham on his gorgeous little show this week, wasn't it fantastic? In addition to spots with Ray Mears and Alanis Morissette, Dame Edna's glittering brand of caring and sharing made for a truly hilarious night.

One of our favourite lines came when Edna was discussing "I'd Do Anything!", and Barry Humphries' fellow judge, John Barrowman. Edna told us:

"I bumped into John Barrowman the other day. I said a few lovely things to him; paid him a few compliments.

But you know, there isn't any compliment you can pay to John... that he hasn't paid himself."

Classic Edna. Brilliant!

Here's a quick look at another fabulous segment of the show, courtesy of our friends at the BBC, in which Edna discusses Australia and her beloved Norm. Til next time, Possums, enjoy!

Dame Edna on The Graham Norton Show!

Hello Possums! Hello Darlings!

Isn't is exciting? International Phenomenon and Gigastar Dame Edna Everage will be featured on "The Graham Norton Show" tomorrow night (BBC Two, 9:45 pm)! Mark your schedules and don't miss it!


It seems likely that Dame Edna took pity on poor Graham, as he has had to work with Edna's 'manager' Barry Humprhies on "I'd Do Anything" these past weeks. Everyone knows that Edna doesn't think much of little Barry, and so probably agreed with a glad heart to save Graham's show this week in a typical act of selfless giving.

But wait! There's another exciting TV moment this week... Gorgeous Julie Walters is starring in Filth (the story of Mary Whitehouse) tonight on BBC Two. We mention this not only because we adore Julie, but of course because Dame Edna interviewed Mary Whitehouse on her history-making series The Dame Edna Experience.

Mary looked slightly bewildered throughout her time with Edna, poor little mite. Anyone could tell, looking at Mary's sensible wardrobe (well, at least they were washable fabrics!), that she had never come across anyone so glamorous as Gigastar Edna before. Sadly, Mary's life was probably all down hill after meeting Edna. It happens to so many...

It's a week of fabulous TV highlights, Possums! Rejoice!

Dame Edna with a Hint of Chrome?

You little darlings!

We all know that Dame Edna Everage is giver. She's a humanitarian. She's a healer. After all, theatre ushers the world over have found countless sticks and zimmer frames left behind after her legendary shows. She has a gift, it has to be said.

And so it is no surprise that the little non-entities in Cambridge were thrilled by the recent appearance of Edna at an open day at one of their hospitals!


Dame Edna graced the proceedings as the good people of Cambridge joined her in a look behind the scenes at the workings of the city's hospital facilities. There might have even been a little probing...

No doubt there were a few laughs along the way. As Edna always says, she stays healthy thanks to a large dose of Vitamin L - laughter. Yes, she's always been able to laugh at the misfortune of others, and it keeps her going every day!

So it's no great surprise that it was with a joyous heart that she bestowed a little of the Gigastar glamour on the folks of Cambridge. How thrilled those little institutionalised non-entities must have been to be blessed by a visit from Edna! The very memory of her caring and sharing will unquestionably have a miraculous healing effect in the days and months to come!!

We wonder if this hospital visit brought back any painful memories of her dearly departed Norm? Norm was, of course, the world's first internationally known prostate sufferer...and always had a hint of chrome about him. In tribute to his memory, Dame Edna is now Chairwoman of the Friends of the Prostate, and is always happy to give them a hand....to further their cause of course (don't twist my words!).

Dame Edna interviews Boris Johnson!

Hello Possums! Hello Darlings!

With news this week of the election of Boris Johnson as London Mayor, we thought it would be gorgeous to have a look at the interview Dame Edna did with little Boris on last year's "The Dame Edna Treatment".


Few people know that the Conservatives begged Dame Edna to be their London mayoral candidate, but she refused, saying "...ask Boris, he needs a proper job!"

We also hear that they beseeched her to offer Boris some political advice (no great surprise, as we all know that leaders around the world from Hilary Clinton to Nicolas Sarkozy phone Edna daily after a tragic gaffe or floundering error in the public eye...). Sadly for Boris, Dame Edna was (of course!) too busy, but she offered her dysfunctional daughter Valmai as his personal hairdresser instead. Her kindness and philanthropy knows no bounds. And it may just have been the advantage Boris needed to win!

Here then is a little clip of the highlights of Dame Edna's interview with Boris, or "little BJ", as she likes to call him. In it she tells viewers: "There's something endearing about this bumbling fellow...". What greater endorsement can there be?

They discuss Boris' description of Portsmouth as "..arguably too full of drugs, obesity, and under-achievement.." and his solution to overcrowding in the SE of England (a new tunnel to empty areas of France). Thanks to Edna's probing, we can easily see how the people of London would chose such a diplomatic and visionary man!

Well done, London!

Dame Edna News Abounds!

You little Darlings!

Aren't we all lucky Possums these days? The web is awash with all things Dame Edna and Barry Humphries, and we feel ourselves better people for it, don't we? I mean, apparently even Mother Theresa said that after she met Dame Edna she was much improved for the experience, and who can blame her?

Of course we have all been enjoying Barry on BBC One's "I'd Do Anything", but there's much, much more!

First, there's a fantastic interview with Barry on the Independent.ie site. Check it out, Possums! He talks about his legendary spat with Salma Hayek, his recent time in the hospital, his painting and latest project with Hewlett Packard, as well as future plans. How gorgeous!

There's also Dame Edna's recent appearance on CNN's "Quest" program, in which host Richard Quest speaks to the world's most famous "Dames" in the episode "Quest for an Honour".

And last but not least, in the UK's Independent, a fun article entitled "How We Met: Barry Humphries and Jeffrey Archer". Of course, little Jeffrey has been a regular guest on Dame Edna's many TV programs. So to end today's post, here's a glimpse of Jeffrey and a host of celebrities on "One More Audience with Dame Edna". Enjoy, Possums!

Sir Les Patterson Appears With a Nancy?

Hello, Possums!

Well, my little darlings, what did you think of the latest episode of I'd Do Anything on BBC One? For us, the highlight was undoubtedly the performance from the gorgeous Jodie.




She's definitely got Gigastar quality, that girl! And we know a Gigastar when we see one!

Barry Humphries was adorned in a fabulous Dame Edna-inspired wisteria coloured ensemble this week. But when Barry was providing his feedback to Jodie, it wasn't Edna but Sir Les Patterson who seemed to, ahem, rise to the occasion. Commenting on Jodie's performance, Barry said:

"I always thought of you as 'jolly Jodie' - like a barmaid - so (you'd) say 'Make mine a large one please, Jodie!"

He went on to say some very nice things to Jodie, Possums, but there was definitely a whiff of Sir Les about that comment, don't you think?

In celebration of Sir Les, a great Australian diplomat and tribute to his country, here's a great clip featuring Joan Rivers and Australia's Cultural Attache in action:

Thank Goodness for Barry, Possums!

Hello Possums!

You little darlings! Like you, we've been keeping up with the latest on BBC One's "I'd Do Anything!", if only to enjoy a little quality time with Dame Edna's 'manager', Barry Humphries.

And although Dame Edna rarely has a good word to say about him, we say "Thank Goodness for Barry!" While his fellow judges are taking the proceedings (not to mention themselves...) just a tad too seriously, blessedly, we have Barry to add a touch of levity to the scene! Most of his fabulous comments to the Nancy hopefuls fall into a wonderful Dame Edna-like "..and I mean that in a nice way..." category.

Here are some of our favourites from the most recent show:

• (to Francesca) "...Nancy's a gin drinker...you look a bit 'dairy-fed' to me..."
• "Jodie was very raunchy indeed...congratulations!"
• (to Ashley) "...wonderful red hair...you're like an attractive Fergie..."

And then an hilarious comment which Dame Edna would surely have declared "a little un-called for" and perhaps a bit yucky:

• (to Samantha) "You're like a kind of young - and more interesting - Catherine Zeta-Jones. I don't know if you share her taste for older men..."

Keep 'em coming, Barry! We'll be back next week to see you keep these gorgeous little non-entities laughing!

A Touch of Dame Edna in "I'd Do Anything!"

Hello Possums!

Well, we've all just watched the first live show of BBC One's "I'd Do Anything!" competition, and wasn't it gorgeous to see our Barry Humphries at the centre of things at last?!

He was given a truly glittering introduction, with a touch of Gigastar glamour in the form of our favourite Australian housewife and international phenomenon, Dame Edna Everage, at the beginning of his intro!


But did we also detect a little touch of Dame Edna in Barry's comments to the Nancy hopefuls? Was he channeling Australia's first lady of comedy during the broadcast? You be the judge:

After the first two girls, Jessie and Jodie, sang their songs, Barry's first comment was:

I would hate to be Fagin on stage with either of you girls....no one would look at me!

....was that Edna's tendency to think about others shining through? He went on, commenting to Jessie:

Jessie...you had vulnerability and a touch of the gutter snipe...and I mean that in the nicest possible way!

Following Niamh's performance, he noted:

There's something a little bit spooky about you...I can see you in a musical version of The Adams Family!

Perhaps it was Barry's choice of the trademark Edna colours in his wardrobe for the evening - pink and purple - that brought out his inner Housewife/Gigastar. Definitely a touch of Australian caring and sharing there, Possums! And we wouldn't have it any other way!

Here's a slightly edited version of the first two girls with some of Barry's reactions at the end. Enjoy, Possums, and see you next week...

The World Needs More Dame Edna!

Hello, Possums!

You poor little darlings! You've been waiting for weeks now to see the wonderful Barry Humphries appear on the BBC One show "I'd Do Anything!", and up until now, we've only had a tantalising glimpse of our Barry. (Quite frankly, we suspect he had far more important things to do than sit through the auditions of thousands of non-entities....and I mean that nicely! I do!)

Thankfully this past Saturday he joined the show at last, and we even had a brief mention of our favourite housewife/gigastar as he was introduced! We'll look forward to much more of Dame Edna's 'manager' in the weeks to come...

And in the meantime, we all need a little more Dame Edna in our lives, so here's a fabulous look at Dame Edna's 2005 appearance at the Just For Laughs Comedy Festival. Enjoy, Possums! Enjoy!

Barry Humprhies - I'd Do Anything!

You little Darlings!

With only a day until the first episode of "I'd Do Anything" on BBC One tomorrow night, you must be counting the minutes until the fabulous Barry Humphries graces our TV screens once again! As we reported in an earlier post, Dame Edna's estranged 'manager' Barry is to be one of the judges of this Saturday night show, in search of new talent to star in the musical "Oliver" in the West End.

In addition to being a show business veteran, Barry comes to the panel with an expert eye, as he was a member of the original London cast of "Oliver". Isn't that spooky, Possums?

BBC Entertainment - Doing Anything for West End Fame

We hear that Dame Edna was originally begged to take the role of Nancy for this new production, but she insisted that her Gigastar calendar was far too busy, and that besides, she's obviously too young for the part!!!

We suspect that she lobbied to get Barry the job of judge on the show, saying, "...he needs the work...". I'm sure she meant it in a very kind, compassionate kind of way...

While we await Barry's return to Saturday night television, here's a gorgeous clip from another show that also celebrated complete non-entities:

Dame Edna's Neighbourhood Watch

Enjoy, Possums!

Dame Edna Back in the Saddle

Hello Possums! Hello Darlings!

Following the exciting news that Barry Humphries will be a judge on the upcoming BBC One "I'd Do Anything" , various listings on the web indicate that plans are well underway for Housewife/Megastar Dame Edna to hit the road again on tour in the USA!

Earlier this year, the tour had to be postponed, but various US venues are now proudly announcing that their dull little schedules will be brightened up by a visit from Australia's gorgeous international phenomenon in 2009. The new show will be called "Dame Edna Live: My First Last Tour". Non-entities all over the States will be rejoicing in the hope that their rather colourless lives will be blessed with a touch of Gigastar glamour! Such lucky little darlings!

And what of Dame Edna's loyal Possums in the UK?

Well, desperados all over the country continue to get in touch with The Untamed Edna Experience, begging our Dame Edna impersonator Simon to come and recreate a little of the Megastar magic at their parties and celebrations.

And not too long ago, we promised pictures from the fabulous showcase night recently hosted by our good friends at Music Mosaic.

Simon's "Dame Edna" spent the evening caring and sharing with an adoring crowd of movers and shakers, and we're thrilled to bring you a few pics from a glittering evening of fun:

Dame Edna impersonator Simon Whitehouse sparkles in a gorgeous Kenny Everage original.

This little mite looks lovely....must be the lighting!

...and I mean that nicely! I do! I do!

Could that be David Bowie?
Call me old fashioned, Possums, but I think a man wearing make-up is a little bit yucky!
A little bit uncalled-for!

Barry Humphries to be Oliver! Judge

You little Darlings!

News this week that Dame Edna's "manager" Barry Humphries is returning to his UK roots this spring.

No, you little minx, I don't mean that Edna is lending him to the Queen to be a gardener at Buckingham Palace. I refer instead to his theatrical roots. Call me old fashioned, but I do!

Humphries first broke into the UK entertainment scene with a role in the original London cast of Oliver! in 1960. And now the BBC have just announced that Humphries will be a judge on the upcoming talent search program "I'd Do Anything" (...well from what Dame Edna has to say, Barry Humphries is a desperate sort...and she means that nicely!). He'll join fellow West End judges in search of the new stars to play the roles of Nancy and Oliver.

BBC Entertainment - Humphries Joins Oliver! TV Search

The BBC press release tells us:

His first break on the British stage was as creator of the role of undertaker Mr Sowerberry in the original 1960 London stage production. He recorded Sowerberry's feature number That's Your Funeral for the original London cast soundtrack album, and went on to reprise the role on Broadway in 1963.

In 1967 he starred as Fagin in the Piccadilly Theatre's revival, and subsequently reprised the role in Cameron Mackintosh's award-winning staging at the London Palladium.

The program is due to start next month on BBC One. Barry Humphries back in the UK! Don't miss it, Possums!

Farewell to Dame Edna's Bridesmaid Actress

Hello Possums!

Today we are sorry to report the passing of New Zealand's favourite bridesmaid - actress Emily Perry - who played Madge Allsopp, Dame Edna's constant companion and "hanger-on". Emily was always the perfect silent foil to Dame Edna's megastar acerbic tongue, and will live on in our hearts and minds for all time!

BBC Entertainment - Edna's Sidekick Emily Perry Dies

BBC Entertainment - Dame Edna Pays Tribute to Madge

Happy Birthday, Barry Humphries!

Hello Possums! Hello Darlings!

Today we send our best birthday wishes to Dame Edna's "manager" Barry Humphries, who turns 74 years young this year.

"What is his secret to enduring youth?", I hear you query. Perhaps he shares Edna's beauty regime ...liberally applying the essence from a wombat's spleen to keep the skin radiant!

To learn more about the man behind the gigastar, we've assembled some online posts and a link to some wonderful biographies and books by this modern renaissance man. Enjoy:

Barry Humphries - Wikipedia

Barry Humphries - h2g2 - BBC

Barry Humphries - BBC Entertainment Profile

Dame Edna on canvas!

Hello Possums! Hello Darlings!

Dame Edna's 'manager' Barry Humphries has been in the headlines a great deal of late. You'll remember that he is currently recuperating from an appendix operation last month, and sadly had to postpone a number of appearances, both in the US and in Scotland.

But you can't keep a good man down, and we're pleased to say there is much news of Mr. Humphries these days.

First, readers of the Guardian enjoyed a 'Q & A' with him in the Saturday Magazine. When asked "What do you owe your parents?" his reply was "A long talking-to". Marvellous!

You can find the complete exchange here: Barry Humphries - Guardian Q & A

In further news of this modern renaissance man, the company HP have recently announced that they are teaming up with Barry Humphries and Dame Edna for a new campaign called "What Do You Have to Say?".

The Observer reports: "Barry Humphries will go head to head with his alter ego, Dame Edna Everage, tomorrow in a public battle for artistic appreciation. The 73-year-old Australian star, who is recovering from peritonitis that almost killed him earlier this month, has decided to go ahead with the launch of his innovative online art gallery. Humphries has painted seriously since his teens and has agreed to be at the centre of a new art project that will allow internet users not just to download his work for free, but to alter it."

How fabulous! To give you a little preview, here's what our glittering gigastar Dame Edna has to say about her contribution to the project:

"Possums! When I was invited to dash off a masterpiece and share it with the world, picking a subject was easy - ME! So here is a colourful image of both your and my favourite person to cherish."

Quicksticks! Check it out, you little darlings!

Happy Australia Day, Possums!

"Dame Edna" Appearance!

You little darlings!

Our mailbag is always full of enquiries from desperate folk hoping to catch a glimpse of our very own Dame Edna impersonator Simon Whitehouse in action. Of course, the majority of his appearances as Edna are at events and gatherings far too exclusive for non-entities such as yourselves.....and I mean that nicely! Call me old-fashioned, but I do!

Movers and shakers around the country clamour for the presence of Dame Edna at their dull little parties, hoping that a little of her gigastar glamour will rub off on their colourless lives, and that her wisdom and sage advice will gladden their hearts. And inevitably, it does! After all, don't forget that after meeting Dame Edna, Mother Theresa said she felt a better person for it!

Isn't that spooky?!

So I'm thrilled to bring you news of an event to which you're all invited!

Those gorgeous little mites at Music Mosaic (event specialists par excellence!) are hosting a fabulous showcase evening in London on Monday, 28th January featuring their best and brightest entertainment acts. And, of course, the evening wouldn't be complete without the appearance of the world's favourite Housewife/Superstar!

You'll find the invitation by clicking here or you can visit their website and give them a call!

So mark your calendars and we'll see you on the big night, Possums!

And be sure to check back soon, as we'll be letting you know about new additions to Edna's Gorgeous Gallery on the website.

Bye, bye, Darlings! Bye, bye!

Get Well, Dame Edna!

Oh Possums!

The life of a beloved Housewife/Gigastar is never an easy one. After decades of 'giving', Australia's favourite international phenomenon, Dame Edna, has been advised by her trusted doctor, Dr. Schadenfreude, that she requires a "little feminine procedure" and several months of rest. Sadly, this means that she has had to postpone both her American tour and her much anticipated appearance at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival.

And in a spooky ole coincidence, we learn that Dame Edna's manager Barry Humphries has also been told by doctors to rest after an appendix operation in Australia last month.

We wonder if they are recuperating in the same wing of the hospital? Perhaps Dame Edna has dispatched her trusty New Zealand bridesmaid Madge to offer some bedside care to the ailing Humphries? Madge is well used to hospitals, having assisted Edna with the care of her beloved husband Norm during all the years he had a "hint of chrome" about him. They say Madge was his right hand.... Well, what use is a New Zealand bridesmaid if she can't lend a helping hand from time to time?

In any event, we wish them both a speedy recovery and eagerly await the news of Dame Edna's triumphant return to the stage in the very near future! No doubt her juices will be flowing again in no time!

And finally, to celebrate both of these comedy legends, here is a link to a few segments from the marvelous TV documentary "Barry Humphries: The Man Inside Dame Edna". It was a truly fabulous look at a comedy genius and his inimitable creation. Enjoy:

Barry Humphries: The Man Inside Dame Edna - YouTube Clips

Dame Edna - A New Year TV Appearance!

Happy New Year, Possums!!!

You little darlings! 2008 promises to be a busy ol' year in the life of our favourite Australian gigastar. Following a Christmas season in her gorgeous Swiss mountain mansion with Madge (they sat around the fire pulling each other's crackers!), Dame Edna is back in action and soon to start a new American tour, caring and sharing with her adoring fans Stateside.

Knowing that Edna is coming to the USA, we hear that Hilary Clinton has been sending her desperate requests to come and help on the campaign trail, the little minx. A woman of unparalleled political influence, Dame Edna just might be able to help give little 'Hil' a much needed boost in the polls. After all, she helped George Bush by simply sending him an atlas and showing him where Iraq actually was (bless him - he thought it was a shelf for his iPod....).

Closer to home, Dame Edna's estranged manager Barry Humphries will be profiled in an exciting new TV show on Channel 4 called "Barry Humprhies: The Man Inside Dame Edna" ....a title I suspect Dame Edna would seriously disapprove of! Call me old fashioned, but I think she would!

To get you warmed up for this special TV event, we have a fabulous little clip from a recent Australian TV interview:


The man behind Dame Edna

So mark your calendars and don't miss the show, Possums! It's on Channel 4 at 10 pm on the 9th of January. What an exciting way to start 2008! Happy New Year, Possums!