Dame Edna Everage and the Rise of Western Civilisation: Backstage with Barry Humphries

Barry Humphries is a genius. No book is ever going to do justice to seeing him perform live, but John Lahr has come close. If you're a Dame Edna fan, you don't want to miss this book.Beyond creating an indelible character, Humphries is a master improv comedian. In November 2003, I saw 'Dame Edna' live at a Dallas, Texas appearance. (S)he balanced five or six active storylines that were conjured up in conversations with various audience members. How the evening went totally depended on what Edna pulled out of those people. The results had the audience rolling in laughter and shocked at how much wonderful material could get mined out of what didn't appear to be much to work with.If I had 10% of Barry Humphries talent, I would be very happy.

Put the words "Barry Humphries: Living National Treasure" before the title above this review and you will have my full intended heading. Thank you.For anyone who is a fan of Humphries and his characters this book provides a detailed insight into the creative force and intellect that has produced the best comedy theatre in the world.For any of the new American fans of Dame Edna, this book may go some way towards filling in what you have been missing out on since Edna Everage made her quiet and unassuming debut in Australia nearly 50 years ago. Humphries' heavy touring schedule in the US is your gain, and our loss. If you haven't seen the show, do whatever it takes to see this man and his characters on stage. I have never seen theatre which could have an entire audience bent over in laughter, tears pouring down their faces, at the mere sight of a character walking across the stage - Sir Les Patterson - and then reduced to total silence, shedding noiseless tears as Sandy Stone quietly mourned the loss of a treasured lemon tree.This book has opened my eyes to so many other reasons why we find Barry Humphries' characters funny. It is as incisive an examination of the man and the art as one could hope to find.

This book is an amazing tale of an amazing man. If you've ever seen Dame Edna live or on T.V. you know she's a hoot. This well-written bio of her creator, Barry Humpheries, is truly fascinating. It actually had me laughing out loud time after time. He's a brilliant man who's carved a truly unique place for himself in the world of clowns.

John Lahr writes with such care for his subjects and this book is no exception. Reading this book is like standing next to Barry Humphries as he is preparing to go on stage. It also gives a good background of Humphries' work from its earliest days. Quirky, humorous and consistently engaging.