60 minutes with Barry Humphries

Barry Humphries, AO, CBE is an Australian comedian, actor, satirist, artist, and author. He is best known for writing and playing his on-stage and television alter egos Dame Edna Everage and Sir Les Patterson.

The first stage sketch featuring Mrs Edna Everage, ‘Olympic Hostess’, premiered in December 1955. The character of Dame Edna Everage took off in the 1960s, making Humphries famous, although some argue “her” name is now much better known than his.

The success of the character Dame Edna Everage in Australia was repeated in London with stage shows including “Housewife, Superstar”, “A Night with Dame Edna” and countless command performances for the royal family. The 2000 Broadway show, “Dame Edna: The Royal Tour” received the Tony Award for Live Theatrical Event and was met with unanimous critical acclaim.

Television credits include the now legendary UK special, “A Night on Mt. Edna” and two series of the innovative chat show, “The Dame Edna Experience”, with special guests Cher, Robin Williams, Roseanne Barr, Sean Connery and Mel Gibson.

Over a career of nearly 50 years, Barry Humphries has written many books, including a novel, made scores of recordings and written and produced films and television series.