Tuesday, April 22, 2008

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!





Tuesday, April 15, 2008

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:






Wednesday, April 09, 2008

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!




Sunday, March 30, 2008

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...






Tuesday, March 25, 2008

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!







Friday, March 14, 2008

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!



Saturday, March 08, 2008

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!





Friday, February 29, 2008

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.

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!




Wednesday, February 20, 2008

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







Sunday, February 17, 2008

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:





Monday, January 28, 2008

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!




Tuesday, January 22, 2008

"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!




Wednesday, January 16, 2008

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:

Sunday, January 06, 2008

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
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!

Monday, December 24, 2007

A Dame Edna Christmas Cracker

Merry Christmas, Possums!!!

Gorgeous Gigastar Greetings! We hope this finds you enjoying a Bonza Chrissie season, you darling little non-entities!

As a special holiday treat, and for our final blog entry of the year, here are some festive video memories from Dame Edna's seasonal archives. First, the wonderful "Message to the Commonwealth" from Parkinson's 2001 Christmas show. And then, a fabulous trip down our Christmas memory lane, with a clip from The Dame Edna Christmas Experience. Enjoy, Possums!




Online Videos by Veoh.com

"Gladi Tidings" for the holidays, Possums!


Wednesday, December 19, 2007

A Dame Edna Chrissie Visit

Hello, Possums!

Following Dame Edna's triumphant appearance on Parkinson's final show (wasn't he a grateful ole wrinkly TV presenter?), we've got another seasonal treat for you....Dame Edna's wonderful Christmas visit with American funny man Jay Leno.

So you see, it's not only Parky. Celebrity interviewers the world over beg our Housewife/Gigastar to come and save their shows from non-entity guests whose names no-one knows. Enjoy!

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Dame Edna "Becks the Halls" with Parky!

Hello Possums! Hello Darlings!

Well, it won't be long now until our beloved Gigastar Housewife graces our TV screens once again! Isn't that exciting?

Yes, "The Final Conversation" episode of Parkinson will be aired on Sunday, 16th December at 9 pm on ITV. Parky will be joined by the world's most influential woman, Dame Edna Everage, as well as Goldenballs himself, David Beckham, among other luminaries from the show's long back catalogue of favourite guests. Quicksticks! Mark it on your TV guide and set your machines! This is sure to be an episode to remember!

Call me old-fashioned, but it's a little bit spooky to think that Parky will be departing from our screens! Thankfully we have YouTube, from which we can enjoy a few examples of all the many occasions when Dame Edna "saved" his show by appearing.

In addition, news of Dame Edna's 2008 tour in North America has been announced, and more dates are being added. Check out all the lucky little Possums who will be able to Care and Share with her in the New Year on Dame Edna's Official Appearances Page. Just think of all those fortunate non-entities whose lives will never be the same again!

We have also spotted that Dame Edna's manager, Barry Humphries has published a fabulous "Christmas Notebook" article in the Spectator - be sure to read it!

It's a busy-ole time in the world of Dame Edna, for which the world can only be eternally grateful!

Until next time, Possums! Bye-Bye! Bye-Bye!

Saturday, November 24, 2007

Dame Edna Wishes Parky A Fond Farewell

You little Darlings!

What lucky Possums we are here in the UK! Hot on the heels of our news in previous posts of Dame Edna's celebrated appearances around the country, media sources everywhere have been announcing this week that Australia's housewife/superstar will be joining Parkinson for his final show! Isn't that exciting?

Evidently, Parky provided ITV with his "guest wishlist" for the show, and of course Dame Edna was one of his favoured choices! Other guests will include Dame Judi Dench, Sir David Attenborough and David Beckham, who's 'goldenballs' Dame Edna apparently showed particular interest in during the taping!

As recording of the show came to a conclusion, Parky said, "Over the years it has been a privilege to meet some of the most intelligent and interesting people." (Clearly, he was refering primarily to Dame Edna who is, as we all know, the world's most fascinating and influential woman.)

Throughout Parky's long career, of course, she has (as she humbly puts it) "saved" the Parkinson show by joining the line-up many, many times. Here are a few gems from her last appearance this spring:





We're told that the fabulous new episode with Dame Edna will air on 15th December, to be followed the week after by a Parky documentary restrospective. Don't miss it, Possums!

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Dame Edna UK News!

Hello Possums! Hello Darlings!

Gigastar fans the world over will be looking to the UK with envy as yet another announcement of a Dame Edna appearance on these shores is made this month. Following her triumphant appearance recently at Fashion Rocks in London and the news that she'll be granting a rare audience to her Scottish "McPossums" at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival next spring, the non-entities of Birmingham will be able to catch a glimpse of the gladioli glamour when Dame Edna joins Jasper Carrott for his "Christmas Rock with Laughter" show in December. Lucky little darlings!

Not only that, but following the spectacular return of Dame Edna to the UK talk show scene earlier this year with "The Dame Edna Treatment", the Times reports that with the announcement of a new talk show hosted by Lily Allen (oh dear....), our Antipodean queen of TV talk shows has offered a few words of advise to little Lily:

"It’s very important to be interesting yourself. Most guests, let’s face it, however famous they are, are boring, with no intellectual resources and very little sense of humour, particularly if they are comedians. People only watch my shows for me, and those shows have remained evergreen long after the guests are forgotten.

Always wear beautiful clothes, preferably a different frock for every show, and don’t overdo the hospitality beforehand. An intoxicated guest is a loose canon and I’m not referring to my famous interview with Jack Palance that didn’t go to air!

I have a spooky feeling your show will be wonderful. Have me on as a guest and your success will be guaranteed!"

We couldn't have said it better ourselves! And if Lily Allen wants to learn a little about the expert interviewing techniques of an Antipodean international phenomenon, she need only visit YouTube. Here's an example of talk show heaven taken from the 50th Anniversary Episode of The Dame Edna Treatment. Enjoy!