If you are going to hang up your frock this is a pretty good way to bow out. Barry Humphries' farewell show features special effects, pathos, dancing, vulgarity wit and, at its heart, a 79-year-old legend in a dress.
Dazzling is the only word that springs to mind. Actually 'umbrella' also springs to mind. If you have tickets for the front take cover when Humphries' cultural attache Les Patterson opens proceedings by drooling, expectorating and dribbling over his devotees. These days Patterson fancies himself as “Australia's answer to Nigella Lawson” and delivers a cooking demonstration with a garnish of cartoon sexism and racism, calling Poland “the Marie Celeste of Europe”.
While one would not touch his phlegm-flecked barbie rissoles with a bargepole this is a tasty start to the evening. Patterson is followed by a quick change into Gerard, a priest with questionable morals and a ghostly Sandy Stone, mourning his own passing before disappearing heavenwards.
After the interval it was time for Dame Edna. If a few gags were well-worn the withering lip curl hammered home punchlines about plebs in the cheap seats or her daughter's “vagina decliner” chums. An onstage spot of matchmaking between two mismatched fans produced plenty of hilariously squirm-inducing comedy. It may have been cheesy but it was Rocquefort rather than Cheddar.
And then, after an impressively energetic song and dance the housewife superstar was replaced by a moving video retrospective and then Humphries as himself, taking a richly deserved bow. If Edna does retire to cultivate her gladioli back in Moonee Ponds this show is conclusive proof that there really is nothing like this Dame.
Until Jan 5, 0844 8110058, dameednafarewell.com
