Fifty years of gladdie trembling were uproariously celebrated by Barry Humphries and his various personas in Her Majesty’s Theatre in a sparkling and hilarious romp before a packed and delighted audience (“I don’t think of you as an audience so much as a focus group,” Dame Edna explained). It was clear at the very first centre-stage revelation of the Dame in piquant pink to the final bow of Barry Humphries himself that we were in the presence of a master.
This must surely be one of the greatest actors of our time. His ability
to portray three varied and contrasting characters in such quick
succession, so consistently over half a century, without losing energy
or vitality, and maintaining such irreverent relevance is nothing short
of remarkable. Furthermore, it is also no mean feat to command the
stage and keep the crowd rolling in the aisles for two and a half hours
at the age of 73 – or at any age for that matter.
It was the care of the aged – or perhaps the lack of it – which was the focus for the ghost of Sandy Stone’s
poignant and reminiscent monologue in his overstuffed 1940’s armchair
and his comfy jarmies and dressing gown, clutching his hottie. While
interspersed with gentler humour, the fact that services are often cut
to avoid litigation (“…the ‘carers’ are not allowed to give comfort anymore”) was clearly conveyed.
There is nothing gentle about Sir Les Patterson, who remains as
disgusting as ever. He literally sprays the audience with his
crassness, clutching and displaying his trouser protruberances, (“Are you looking at my pianist? Let’s get him up!”),
scratching his bum, and making lewd and often side-achingly funny
references to the peccadilloes of politicians, priests and Kerry Packer.
But the undisputed star of the evening is the redoubtable and flamboyant Dame Edna Everage.
In an amazing frock full of spangle and dangle she had the adoring
audience revelling in political incorrectnesses that few could get away
with, and delighted selected audience members with insulting remarks
about their clothes, their looks or their hair. Again, politicians
Howard to Bush, Beasley to “that little Julia Gillard who needs elocution lessons” were mercilessly lambasted. The thought that Mr Rudd (“Possums, do we really want a Prime Minister called Kevin?”) will always look like a dentist will stay with us for some time!
A mock wedding, several songs, with the lithe and tuneful “Gorgeous Ednaettes” and musical director Andrew Ross,
as well as a pleasant video pastiche of reminiscences of the last 50
years on stage were all part of this remarkable performance. So were
pertinent local references, showing clear evidence of excellent
homework, and an admirable ability to weave spontaneity with script,
and masterful audience involvement and control.
Needless to say, it culminated in the throwing, waving and trembling of
dozens of gladioli, and a standing ovation for this genius of the
stage. We all left still smiling, and gladdie that we were there.
Barry Humphries (and friends) BACK WITH A VENGEANCE!
VENUE:
Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide DATES:
Wednesday – Sunday, June 27 – July 22 2007 TICKETS:
$60.80 - $55.85 BOOKINGS: www.bass.net.au
The Hypocrite | Melbourne Theatre Company
Outstanding among the actors is Garry McDonald, who blasts on to the stage with a tempestuous energy, sweeping the play along in a torrent of words.
Read more
Fifty years of gladdie trembling were uproariously celebrated by Barry Humphries and his various personas in Her Majesty’s Theatre in a sparkling and hilarious romp before a packed and delighted audience (“I don’t think of you as an audience so much as a focus group,” Dame Edna explained). It was clear at the very first centre-stage revelation of the Dame in piquant pink to the final bow of Barry Humphries himself that we were in the presence of a master.
