With recent press reports that the gorgeous Zsa Zsa Gabor has been unwell, we thought it would be wonderful to wish her well by revisiting Dame Edna's landmark interview with Hungary's most glittering export.
I think her advice (at the end of the clip) for young people getting married is truly a philosophy to live by. Call me old fashioned, but I do!
Following the withdrawal of the Elgar £20 notes in the UK, I thought you'd like to see the new design being considered. Something tells me that Lillibet will approve! It's simply gorgeous, and isn't it nice to have a dignified and regal face on our banknotes? Call me old-fashioned, but it is!
PS...for more Photoshop fun and high jinks, Possums, visit Freaking News...
We wanted you to see a gorgeous new Broadway illustration by artist Ken Fallin. To celebrate the Tony Awards and the most memorable performances of the year, Mr Fallin has created a fabulous work featuring some of the glittering stars of the Broadway stage in 2009-2010, including of course, our dazzling Dame Edna Everage.
Dame Edna was, as you know, back on the Broadway stage this year in her fabulous show "All About Me" with Michael Feinstein.
We feel sure that the good people at the Tonys begged Dame Edna to accept an award this year. She no doubt declined, and probably said "Give it to Catherine Zeta-Jones, she needs the publicity. And after all, just recently in the Queen's Birthday Honours list, she was only given a little CBE, the darling little mite! My friend at the palace (I can't say exactly who...I'll just say Lillibet...) awarded me something much, much more important many years ago. Wouldn't it be nice for Catherine to get the Tony? Call me old-fashioned, but it would!"
But that's our gorgeous Edna for you - always thinking about the misfortunes of others...
We're so sorry to say farewell to the wonderful Rue McClanahan! She was truly a Gorgeous Golden Girl, and brought joy and laughter to millions the world over.
It's no surprise that this glittering star was a guest on "Dame Edna's Hollywood" in the 90s, and in tribute, we thought if would be fun to bring you a clip from her visit to Edna's Hollywood mansion:
It's the start of a gorgeous Bank Holiday weekend, and so we thought the best way to kick off the (hopefully!) summery long break would be to enjoy a fun little video of Dame Edna with the original star of 'Summer Holiday', Sir Cliff Richard!
It's 'Mother's Day' in North America, so for our gorgeous Possums across the ocean, here's a little Dame Edna musical tribute to motherhood, featuring the woman who is surely the world's most famous mother and Housewife/Megastar:
And now it's possible for us to secure our copy, and add it to the other great titles on our bookshelves including 'My Gorgeous Life' and 'Dame Edna's Bedside Companion'. How fabulous!
And what delicious Dame details await us? Based on the Amazon description, we suspect that Edna may not be terribly pleased with her manager Barry:
In this unauthorised biography of Dame Edna Everage, acquired for an unprecedented advance and in spectacular secrecy, her long-time manager and the man who was there from the very beginning, Barry Humphries, takes a behind-the-scenes, no-holds-barred look at an icon of our times. Superstar, swami, confidante and advisor to royalty, Hollywood stars and international political leaders, Dame Edna's life has catapulted her from her humble Moonee Ponds beginnings as a suburban housewife to the most elite social and artistic circles in the world. Who would have thought that this modest Australian woman could achieve so much from London to Louisiana to New York to Tokyo? Who could have anticipated her global fame? Barry Humphries certainly didn't.
Dame Edna will not like this book but Barry knows everything - the who, the why and the where - and in this much-anticipated work he will, for the first time, reveal all. This exhaustively researched account of Edna's roller-coaster life will surely dominate the bestsellers lists. Essential reading for scholars, female achievers, fans of Dame Edna and those who feel that behind the fairytale career lies a darker and more sinister story.
It's with a joyous heart we reveal that as Dame Edna finishes her recent run on Broadway, she may now be setting her sights on the top job in the USA.
Her 'manager' Barry Humphries explains to Playbill.com:
I'm giving you an absolute exclusive: Edna intends to run for office in the United States of America. It will be the first time you've ever had, well, an Australian president... There is a way. I'm talking to lawyers, international lawyers as it is.
There's no doubt that in these trying times, we all need her caring and sharing in the upper echelons of power, and wouldn't the Oval Office look gorgeous with vases of gladioli all around? Call me old-fashioned, Possums, but I think it would!
Dame Edna has always said that she loves a warm hand on her opening! What woman doesn't?
And last Thursday, she was warmly welcomed back to New York by the creme de la creme of Broadway royalty, including Liza Minnelli, Celeste Holm, Joel Grey, and Elaine Stritch, among others, on the opening night of "All About Me". How gorgeous!
Check out all the Broadwayworld.com pictures here, darlings:
Bloggers and reviewers alike agree that Dame Edna is on glittering Gigastar form in the show! She's clearly a woman at the height of her powers, with all her drives and her juices flowing!!! Here are just some of the adoring comments her audience shared with their readers:
Variety declared "...it's a joy to have Dame Edna Everage back on Broadway...Barry Humphries' monstrously funny incarnation of an Australian housewife run amok on fame and flattery still retains its savage wit."
The New York Post reports "It's great to have Dame Edna Everage back in town...Edna is her usual giddy, flighty self. By now, Humphries so thoroughly inhabits her that when Edna said she was lactating, my first thought was, 'She can't be -- she's too old'....you can't go wrong with Edna!"
The New York Times reveals "And I would never trade the memory of having seen Dame Edna crash her way through Beyonce's “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” (with the backup dancers Gregory Butler and Jon-Paul Mateo) More surprisingly, after declaring the theater a 'Stephen Sondheim-free zone,' Dame Edna delivers her own version of that composer’s 'Ladies Who Lunch,' and it’s terrific. She uses the fear and anger that are part of any comedian’s makeup to turn an overperformed song into a funny, aggressive and bizarrely affecting acknowledgment of mortality."
"Dame Edna is outrageous, and I had no idea as to what a physical comediene she is. She performs two numbers that brought tears to my eyes I laughed so hard."
"Dame Edna was in hilarious form, current and absolutely hysterical. There were great songs that we all know, really clever new songs written and performed with tongues in cheek and full of comedy - it was really, honestly a fun night out! Also...Dame Edna's "The Ladies who Lunch" is a theatrical highlight of the year - in any theatre."
"Edna's new material ("Single Ladies", "Ladies Who Lunch", and her topical jibes at Angela Lansbury, David Paterson et al.) are some of her funniest ever."
"Dame Edna's solo 15-20 minutes are so funny I cried. Her performance of Beyonce's 'All the Single ladies' is hilarious."
Gorgeous news today from New York City and the Great White Way!
Dame Edna's fabulous new Broadway show "All About Me" is currently in previews, and all manner of glittering gigastar publicity is coming our way.
First of all, darlings, you must dash out (quicksticks!!!) and buy the April edition of Vanity Fair, because Dame Edna, Michael Feinstein and Barry Humphries are featured in a marvelous photograph, with comment by David Hyde Pierce. Check it out here!
Next, we've discovered a brand new website promoting the show, and the latest addition to the megastar material it features is a collection of new photographs of Edna in action.
It's clear that her son Kenny has outdone himself this time with the fabulous frocks (as Edna has always said, he's obviously a man's man...), and with an outrageous nod to her famous Sydney Opera House hat from years gone by, she's sporting a spectacular new Opera House dress in the show that truly makes her a dazzling dame! Click here to see the entire album of shots.
The official opening night is next Thursday, March 18th! Be sure to check back for all the news and reviews! And get in touch if you've seen the show, darlings, and we'll share your thoughts and gladis with everyone!
Darlings! It's so exciting! Dame Edna's new Broadway show "All About Me" with Michael Feinstein is now in previews, and will officially open on the 18th of March.
It goes without saying that Dame Edna will have perfected her numbers weeks ago, and the previews are probably being used so that she can help little Michael get his right. After all, as she very modestly noted, Americans have taken Dame Edna to their heart, thrown Tony awards at her, but Michael has only had....what's that thing that's much, much less than a Tony?....oh, yes, an Emmy....he's had that....
And so to whet your little non-entity appetites, here are two gorgeous videos to enjoy while we await the big opening night. The first is from the show's official website, and the second is from Broadwaystars.com. Enjoy!
Don't forget to find us on facebook, Possums, and become a fabulous facebook fan:
Non-entities the world over can now join us on Facebook! Keep up with the latest on both Dame Edna and gorgeous impersonator Simon Whitehouse via the world's favourite social networking site. Quicksticks, Possums! Become a fan:
The excitement grows this week, with more news about the upcoming Dame Edna / Michael Feinstein Broadway show "All About Me"!
First, the show announced a publicity contest to find an honorary understudy for Dame Edna. Rather confusingly, it appeared that the understudy wannabes were mostly men! Now call me old-fashioned, possums, but I find the idea of men dressing up as women a little bit yucky...a little bit uncalled for. I'm sorry, but I do!
Despite this, guest media judges and even Edna's manager, Barry Humphries, gathered in New York to score the contestants on their make-up, costume, accent, and general Dame-like demeanor. Check out the results and video on the NY1 newschannel website.
(A gorgeous reader alerted us to the fun in advance (thanks, Diana!), and what a shame this glittering gathering didn't take place in London, darlings! As non-entities across the UK can attest, our very own Simon would have fit in brilliantly with this merry megastar line-up!)
Later in the week, it was revealed on Playbill.com that two different Playbill covers would be created for the show (one featuring Edna and the other with Michael), and both will be available to the audience each night.
We know that everyone will be clamouring for the cover with an image of the world's most famous and influential woman! Such a shame - one suspects that Michael's programs might be a little neglected. But I mean that nicely, possums! I really do!
Finally, we have discovered the official website for the show! Quicksticks - click here!!! You'll find all the news, images, and even the latest blog entries from the stars. Dame Edna revealed in her first entry:
"Rehearsals going wonderfully well! I don’t attend them but I’ve been phoning in and they tell me things are going beautifully."
On February 1st, Dame Edna and Michael Feinstein launched their new show "All About Me" to the press and the world.
Following the original "dispute" about their rival shows and titles, they've now come together to create a show that will undoubtedly mark a watershed in showbiz history, and arguably, be the highlight of most people's lives.
The evening will be a glittering mix of music and mirth (and fabulous frocks!), fuelled by a bit of good-willed competitive spirit. Playbill.com reports that Dame Edna revealed:
'....there have been a few little rough patches in their double-harnessed Journey to Broadway. “Catfight, I think, is trivializing it,” opted the dame, who suggested that lionfight would be closer to the mark.'
But she generously added that she :
'...saw no reason why she wouldn’t make beautiful music with Feinstein. “He is an exponent of The Great American Songbook, and I am the exponent of The Great Australian Songbook,” she reasoned. “The Great Australian Songbook is wonderful. It differs from The Great American Songbook in one respect: It’s thinner. In fact, it’s almost a pamphlet. There are lovely, lovely songs in it — ‘Waltzing Matilda,’ ‘The Dingo Ate My Baby,’ beautiful songs.” '
Dame Edna also observes that Michael is :
'...a shy person. But he won't have to stand back....too far....he can just stand in the shadows. That will be enough.'
Ok, so they perhaps haven't quite ironed out their rivalry, as you'll see in this clip from Broadway.com:
For all the exciting Dame Edna details, simply click on the links, you little minx!!!
You've been wondering where I've been, haven't you? I'm so sorry that it's been some time since the last entry, but The Untamed Edna Experience office is now geared up again to bring you all of the gorgeous glittering gigastar news for 2010.
And what a year it promises to be, Possums! In the coming months, your dull little non-entity lives will be lit up with news of the UK launch of Barry Humphries' new book "Handling Edna", as well as Dame Edna's fabulous new Broadway Show with Michael Feinstein called "All About Me", due to open this spring. The megastar magic continues!!!
But first, news of a fabulous London artist, and a recent show featuring his paintings of the world's most talented and celebrated gigastar. Artist John Walter was in the spotlight at the east London gallery "The Nunnery" in January, and the works on display included his gorgeous take on our favourite international style icon:
Dame Edna Everage by John Walter
The show may be over, but the glamour goes on, so quicksticks, check out his site to see more of his work and to make enquiries.
Happy New Year, my darlings! Here's to a delicious new Dame Edna decade!!!
We all know that the glitter of a gigastar is sure to brighten the Chrissie season!
So it seems that Dame Edna's possums in Australia will be flocking to the Sydney Opera House tonight for some seasonal megastar magic! They're in for a rare holiday treat - a gorgeous little show she's doing with Sir Les Patterson and Barry Humprhies, along with the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Richard Tognetti.
Dame Edna's famous Sydney Opera House hat!
It's unfortunate that Sir Les Patterson, Cultural Attache and Minister for the Yartz, will be there to spoil the holiday mood, but no doubt Edna will bring some gladi tidings to the stage and save the day!
You're excited because Chrissie is coming, aren't you? And what better way to celebrate the countdown to the big day than with an advent calendar?
But, of course, you're not looking for just any old advent calendar! You're looking for one with a bit of megastar magic to it. And who could blame you?
Well, the good news is that our friends at BBC Radio 4 have given everyone a gorgeous gift - an online advent calendar, with some of their favourite clips from the Today show. How wonderful!
And it's no surprise to anyone that one of the clips they've chosen is John Humphrys' September interview with Dame Edna. In it, Dame Edna discussed the possibility of becoming a Today programme presenter, and worried that Mr Humphrys might find her a little too stimulating to work beside...(well, she is a woman with all her drives and her juices flowing!).
So click on the link to find the Today advent calendar, and here's hoping we don't have to wait too long to hear Dame Edna's dulcet tones. It will truly be a Christmas blessing!
It's been a spooky ol' time in the world of Broadway publicity this week...
Some time ago, we revealed that Dame Edna would be returning to the Big Apple in the spring of 2010 with a gorgeous new show called "It's All About Me".
But very recently, showbiz media sources began reporting that celebrated crooner Michael Feinstein would also be opening a show at the same time titled "All About Me", and a fabulous feud between our glittering gigastar and the polished pianist began!
Obviously, the problems that could be caused by such similar titles were evident to all, and the publicists geared into overdrive. Duelling dispatches and snappy statements started swirling about, and we've got the best bits for you here:
Michael Feinstein - 5th November
“While I was very surprised to learn of the similarity of titles, I’ve always been a fan of Dame Edna, and I wish her all the best.”
Dame Edna - 9th November" " 'It’s All About Me' is my title. While I was saddened to hear that Mr. Feinstein did not heed my sage advice to change the title of his show, I’m overjoyed to hear that he at least took my suggestion to open his show after mine. I’m sure Mrs. Feinstein is very proud of her son.”
Michael Feinstein - 10th November “Titles are not copyrightable. I wish Ms. Edna well. I’ve heard of her.”
Dame Edna - 10th November "....wishes to respond to Michael Feinstein’s comment to the press from earlier today: 'Someone purchased a CD of Mr. Feinstein’s at a flea market in Australia and re-gifted it to me recently. I’m impressed at how often he sings on key.' ”
But wait, Possums! Was it all a phoney feud after all? The New York Times reported yesterday that Dame Edna and Feinstein would, in fact, be joining forces in a show called "All About Me", and the stars had this to say:
Michael Feinstein - 12th November
“I have always been a huge fan of the Dame, and despite our previous friction, now that my mother has forgiven her, I couldn’t be more excited to be joining her on Broadway.”
Dame Edna - 12th November “Michael Feinstein is a performer of the highest caliber, I believe, and I couldn’t be more than excited to be sharing a Broadway stage with him, in moderation.”
Perhaps the clue was in the original announcements all along? When both shows were first unveiled, the releases stated that each show would be in a "...Shubert Theatre to be announced...". Do I hear a penny dropping?
In any event, everyone involved has had a lot of fun with this, and it certainly gears up the anticipation for the show. No doubt it will be showbiz history in the making! And who knows, perhaps this will be the beginning of a string of gorgeous new collaborations for Dame Edna. Our wisteria wonder might next join forces with Oprah Winfrey for a new production of "The Color Purple"...
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Quicksticks, Possum! To see the original articles, click on the links, you little minx:
Dame Edna lookalike and impersonator Simon Whitehouse
So close to the real thing, it's spooky, Possums!
Welcome to the official blog for "The Untamed Edna Experience"!
Hello, Possums!
My name is Dale Mercer, and it's my mission to keep you up-to-date with all the glamorous and glittering goings-on in the gigastar world of Dame Edna impersonator Simon Whitehouse.
Quicksticks, my darlings! Be sure to probe all the gorgeous nooks and crannies of this beautiful blog! There is news of the real Dame Edna and her creator / alter-ego Barry Humphries, as well as updates featuring Simon's appearances for grateful non-entities all over the country.
Simon Whitehouse, the comic talent behind "The Untamed Edna Experience", is a seasoned performer with a wealth of acting experience behind him. He trained in London at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts, and has gone on to enjoy a successful career both as an actor and an impersonator.
As an impressionist, Simon has been delighting audiences with his uncanny ability to recreate many popular characters for years. As
Dame Edna Everage, Simon has performed across the United Kingdom and abroad, entertaining both private and corporate clients including BBC London Television Centre, Flight Centres UK, John Lewis, ITV, Pfizer, TNT Magazine and Thomas Cook Tours.
Hello, Darlings!
Hello Possums!
Michael Feinstein & Dame Edna - BroadwayWorld.com
Dame Edna Everage by John Walter
Dame Edna's famous Sydney Opera House hat!
Some time ago, we revealed that Dame Edna would be returning to the Big Apple in the spring of 2010 with a gorgeous new show called "It's All About Me".
