Guide to the Guide to theatre programs and related material regarding Barry Humphries
Humphries
National Library of Australia View Catalogue Record
Collection Summary
- Title
- Theatre programs and related material regarding Barry Humphries
- Date Range
- 1950-
- Collection Number
- Humphries
- Extent
- 1 collections
- Language of Materials
- English
- Repository
- Printed Collections
Introduction
Scope and Contents
The Barry Humphries PROMPT collection includes programs, ephemera and newspaper cuttings which document Barry Humphries and his alter egos on stage in Australia and overseas from the beginning of his career in the 1950s into the 21st Century.
Printed materials in the PROMPT collection include programs and printed ephemera such as brochures, leaflets, tickets, etc. Theatre programs are taken as the prime documentary evidence of a performance by Barry Humphries. In a few cases however, the only evidence of a performance is a piece of printed ephemera. In these cases the type of piece is identified, eg, brochure.
The list is based on imperfect holdings and is updated as gaps in the Library's holdings for these artists are filled. Unless otherwise stated, all entries are based on published programs in the PROMPT collection.
Preferred Citation
Acknowledgement of use this material should refer to the Ephemera PROMPT collection.
Citation of items from this collection should include references to author's/organisation's name, date, item title, Publisher and place of publication.
Example: J.C. Williamson (Firm). & Theatre Royal (Adelaide, S.A.). 1950, Gilbert & Sullivan opera season [theatre program] : The gondoliers J. C. Williamson Ltd [Adelaide]
Related Materials
The National Library [https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/] holds an extensive range of material relating to Humpries and his various alter-egos. This includes published works, exhibition catalogues, audio, manuscripts, pictorial works (including portraits and caricatures of Barry Humphries and his many stage personas, and some other works in homage), biographical and newspaper cuttings etc.
The Library's Australian performing arts poster collection includes posters of stage performances by Barry Humphries (and Les Patterson as well as Dame Edna), some of which are supplemented with performance programs within the PROMPT ephemera collection. The poster collection also includes advertisements in which Humphries appears.Barry Humphries is represented in the Library's Oral History and Folklore Collection in interview (and in character). The subjects of other interviews – including Peter O'Shaughnessy, Bruce Beresford, Karl Levett, John Frost, Gareth Sansom and Noel Ferrier – also discuss their relationship with Humphries.
The Library also has letters written by Barry Humphries; the papers of Peter O'Shaughnessy [http://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn2788067], which include correspondence between O'Shaughnessy and Humphries during his early career. Of possible interest to researchers also are the papers of Harry M. Miller [https://nla.gov.au/nla.cat-vn1655866] who was Humphries' manager in the early 1970s.
Other material can be found via Trove [https://trove.nla.gov.au/landing/explore] and AusStage [https://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/contributor/228608].
Arrangement
This finding aid is divided into three parts encompassing:1. Australian performances: Including Humphries in plays, revues, pantomimes, solo productions and musical theatre. It is specified if the item is held in another file in the PROMPT Collection.2. Overseas performances: Documenting Humphries in plays, revues, pantomimes, solo productions, musical theatre and television. 3. Other ephemera which includes Exhibitions: Australian and overseas, Events: Australian and overseas, Tribute performances: Australian and overseas, and Miscellaneous: Australian and overseas.
The arrangement in each sequence is chronological by year and then by month, week or day. All dating is based on evidence in the programs or ephemera. Descriptions for each holding are arranged chronologically by year as follows: day/s and month; Venue/Theatre (City, State); Company name name of production; form plus creator etc., character/s played by Barry Humphries and/or indications of his role as performer, director, etc.
The listings also note the number of programs held and other directly related ephemera (eg tickets and posters). Most include photographs and/or biographical notes.
Biographical / Historical
Barry Humphries was born in Melbourne on the 17th of February 1934. He is a multi-talented actor, satirist, artist and author.
He began his stage career in 1952 in Call Me Madman. As actor he has invented many satiric Australian characters such as Sandy Stone, Lance Boyle, Debbie Thwaite, Neil Singleton and Barry ('Bazza') McKenzie - but his most famous creations are Dame Edna Everage who debuted in 1955 and Sir Leslie ('Les') Colin Patterson in 1974. Dame Edna, Sir Les and Bazza between them have made several sound recordings, written books and appeared in films and television and have been the subject of exhibitions. Since the 1960s Humphries' career has alternated between England, Australia and the United States of America with his material becoming more international.
Barry Humphries' autobiography More PleaseMore Please (London; New York : Viking, 1992) won him the J.R. Ackerley Prize in 1993. He has won various awards for theatre, comedy and as a television personality. In 1994 he was accorded an honorary doctorate from Griffith University, Queensland and in 2003 received an Honorary Doctorate of Law from the University of Melbourne. He was awarded an Order of Australia in 1982; a Centenary Medal in 2001 for "service to Australian society through acting and writing"; and made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for "services to entertainment" in 2007 (Queen's Birthday Honours, UK List). Humphries was named 2012 Australian of the Year in the UK.
Item Descriptions
Series. Australian Performances
Related Materials
See also Digitised Australian newspaper and magazine coverage of Barry Humphries through Trove: 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s and 1990s (including advertisements, reviews and art exhibitions).
Union Theatre. Melbourne, Victoria; Melbourne University Dramatic Club Commencement Play: The Front Page, 21 April 1954 - 27 April 1954 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Sherriff Hartman'.
Related Materials
Program filed in PROMPT Collection under Melbourne University Dramatic Club.
Union Theatre. Melbourne, Victoria; The Council of Adult Education presents The Union Theatre Repertory Company in: Twelfth Night, [?] 1955 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Orsino (Duke of Illyria)'.
Related Materials
Program filed in PROMPT Collection under Lawler, Ray.
Union Theatre (Melbourne, Victoria); The Union Theatre Repertory Company present: Return Fare produced by Ray Lawler, 19 December 1955 - 19 December 1956 (File)
Barry Humphries in 'Who'll Bite Your Neck', 'The Barbers', 'Scrub Terrace', 'Wheelham [sic] the Wrecker' and 'Olympic Hostess'.
Related Materials
Note* The Olympic Hostess character was the original incarnation of Edna Everage and this was the first time she appeared on stage.
Phillip Street Theatre. Sydney, New South Wales; Mr and Mrs, 1956 (File)
Barry Humpries appearing in various sketches including the 'Olympic Hostess'.
Phillip Street Theatre. Sydney, New South Wales; Around the Loop, 1956 (File)
Barry Humphries lyricist of Colour question and appearing in various sketches.
Related Materials
2 programs showing 13 acts one includes a cast change slip in red print; the other is filed in the PROMPT collection under Philip Street Theatre.
Union Theatre. Melbourne, Victoria; The Union Theatre Repertory Company present: The Dark is Light Enough, 5 September 1956 - 18 September 1956 (File)
Written by Christopher Fry, produced by Ray Lawler. Barry Humphries as 'Belmann'.
Phillip Street Theatre (Sydney, New South Wales); Alice in Wonderland, 14 December 1956 (File)
Pantomime. Barry Humphries as 'Caterpillar', 'Mad Hatter' and '7 of Spades'.
Related Materials
2 copies one filed in the PROMPT collection under Alice in Wonderland (pantomime)
Phillip Street Theatre. Sydney, New South Wales; Around the Loop, 1957 (File)
Barry Humphries noted as lyricist of 'A Moment for Stocktaking' and appears invarious revue sketch roles. 4 programs - one with 15 items, one with 14 of which many differ from the 1956 copy.
Related Materials
2 copies filed in the PROMPT collection under Phillip Street Theatre. The second program has 32 items many which differ from the first 1957 program. Includes a cast change slip in black print.
Arrow Theatre, Middle Park, Melbourne, Victoria; Waiting for Godot, September 1957 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Estragon' with Peter O'Shaughnessy as 'Vladimir'.
Related Materials
Program filed in PROMPT Collection under Arrow Theatre
[New Theatre] Melbourne, Victoria; Rock 'n Reel: Barry Humphries in an intimate revue, 16 August 1958 - 30 August 1958 (File)
Written by Barry Humphries and Peter O'Shaughnessy. Humphries as 'Dame Edna' in her first starring role in 'Prospects for Melbourne's Opera House' and as Sandy Stone in his first appearance 'Wild Life in Suburbia- reminiscences of Sandy Stone'. Two copies one 16-30 August 1958 and the other night and matinee times (no dates). There are differences in the line-up in each program.
Independent Theatre. Sydney, New South Wales; The Bunyip and the Satellite, May 1958 (File)
Peter O'Shaughnessy & Jeffrey Underhill with the assistance of Barry Humphries. Humphries as 'The Bunyip'.
Related Materials
Programs filed in PROMPT Collection under Independent Theatre
New Theatre. Melbourne, Victoria; Mumba Jumba and the Bunyip, 1959 (File)
Peter O'Shaughnessy with lyrics by Barry Humphries, music by Valerie Fawcett. Presented by the Children's Theatre Guild, scenery and costumes by Clifton Pugh.
Assembly Hall. Melbourne, Victoria; Peter O'Shaughnessy, Barry Humphries testimonial performance, 20 February 1959 - 21 February 1959 (File)
Review of Barry Humphries and Peter O'Shaughnessy's recent work.
Australian tour: Clifford Hocking and Rodney Timmins present: A Nice Night's Entertainment, 1962 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna', 'Sandy Stone' and others; piano Lola Graham. Programs: copy with green scolls on cover has printed program with 7 sketches. This differs in order and numbering to the program changes inserted as a slip which has 6 sketches. These changes are reflected in the copies with purple scrolls on the cover. 8 programs.
Unley Town Hall. Unley, Adelaide, South Australia; Mumba Jumba and the Bunyip, 9 March 1964 - 21 March 1964 (File)
Peter O'Shaughnessy with Lyrics by Barry Humphries, music by Valerie Fawcett.
Related Materials
4 programs filed in PROMPT Collection under Adelaide Festival.
Theatre Royal. Sydney, New South Wales; Excuse I, Another Nice Night's Entertainment, 11 October 1965 (File)
2 programs.
Her Majesty's Theatre, Brisbane, Queensland; Excuse I, Another Nice Night's Entertainment, 29 October 1965 (File)
2 programs.
Her Majesty's Theatre, Adelaide, South Australia; Excuse I, Another Nice Night's Entertainment, 11 December 1965 (File)
2 programs.
St. Martin's Theatre, Melbourne, Victoria; Mumba Jumba and the Bunyip, 29 December 1965 (File)
Peter O'Shaughnessy with lyrics by Barry Humphries and music by Val Marriott.
Related Materials
4 programs filed in PROMPT Collection under Saint Martin's Theatre.
Theatre Royal, Sydney, New South Wales; Excuse I, Another Nice Night's Entertainment, 8 January 1966 (File)
1 program.
Comedy Theatre, Melbourne, Victoria; Excuse I, Another Nice Night's Entertainment, 5 February 1966 (File)
J.C. Williamson Theatres Ltd. 2 programs.
Australian tour: J.C. Williamson Theatres Ltd. with Clifford Hocking; Just a Show, 1968 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna', 'Rex Lear', 'Lionel Stephen', 'Sandy, Stone', 'Denis Hunter', 'Big Sonia', 'Martin Agrippa' and 'Brian Graham'. 'Accompaniste' Marnie Hall; stage management, Donald Harris. 6 programs.
Her Majesty's Theatre, Adelaide, South Australia; Just a Show, 1 July 1968 (File)
J.C. Williamson Theatres Ltd. with Clifford Hocking. Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna', 'Sandy Stone', 'Rex Lear', 'Lionel Stephen', 'Denis Hunter', 'Big Sonia', 'Martin Agrippa', 'Brian Graham'. 'Accompaniste' Marnie Hall; Stage management Donald Harris. 1 program.
Comedy Theatre, Melbourne, Victoria; J.C. Williamson Theatres Ltd. with Clifford Hocking: Just a Show, 15 July 1968 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna', 'Sandy Stone', 'Rex Lear', 'Lionel Stephen', 'Denis Hunter', 'Big Sonia', 'Martin Agrippa', 'Brian Graham'. 'Accompaniste' Marnie Hall; Stage management Donald Harris. 1 program.
Tivoli Theatre, Sydney, New South Wales; Just a show, 19 August 1968 (File)
J.C. Williamson Theatres Ltd. with Clifford Hocking. Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna', 'Sandy Stone', 'Rex Lear', 'Lionel Stephen', 'Denis Hunter', 'Big Sonia', 'Martin Agrippa' and 'Brian Graham'. 'Accompaniste' Marnie Hall; stage management, Donald Harris. 4 programs.
Playbox Theatre, Sydney, New South Wales; Williamson-Edgley Theatres Ltd. Present: A Load Of Olde Stuffe: A divertissement in two acts, 1971 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna', 'Sandy Stone' and others; piano by Iris Mason. 8 programs one labelled First Night.
Comedy Theatre, Melbourne, Victoria; Williamson-Edgley Theatres Ltd. Present: A Load of Olde Stuffe: A divertissement in two acts for those too drunk to dance, 1971 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna', 'Sandy Stone'and others; piano by Iris Mason.
Australian tour: Clytel Pty Ltd. Present: At Least You Can Say You've Seen It: A tragi-farce in two acts for those too drunk to dance, 1974 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna', 'Sandy Stone' and others; executive producer Tom Miller; music by Iris Mason; films Bruce Beresford. Programs: A 6th copy appears to be a second/different printing. Cover includes photograph of Dame Edna with her new grandson, Troy Everage in pink and yellow. 1 media release for the tour, 13 December (Contact: Sandy Patterson). 5 programs.
Her Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne, Victoria; Clyde Packer presents At Least You Can Say You've Seen It: A tragi-farce in two acts for those too drunk to dance, 1975 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna', 'Sandy Stone', 'Craig Steppenwolf' and others. Piano by Iris Mason; set design by William Passmore. Cover depicts a sketch of Dame Edna in purple and green.
Her Majesty's Theatre, Sydney, New South Wales; Isn't It Pathetic At His Age? (Not so much a show as an on-going open-ended in-theatre entertainment system situation), 24 May 1978 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Lance Boyle', 'Roger A. Nunn, 'Sandy Stone and 'Dame Edna'; directed by Ian Davidson; piano by Charles Field. 2 programs. World Premier.
Her Majesty's Theatre, Sydney, New South Wales; Isn't It Pathetic At His Age? A brand new show by the historic Barry Humphries: The most out-of-touch show in town, 18 September 1978 - 30 September 1978 (File)
1 flyer with booking coupon.
Comedy Theatre, Melbourne, Victoria; Isn't It Pathetic At His Age? (Not so much a show as an on-going open-ended in-theatre entertainment system situation), 16 September 1978 (File)
Directed by Ian Davidson; piano by Charles Field. Barry Humphries as'Lance Boyle', 'Roger A. Nunn, 'Sandy Stone, and 'Dame Edna' . This show opened at the Comedy Theatre and then moved to Her Majesty's.
Australian tour: Bestall Reynolds Management Pty. Ltd. Present: A Night with Dame Edna 'Deluxe keepsake program for your family to cherish for a while', 1979 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Lance Boyle, 'Les Patterson', 'Sandy Stone', and 'Dame Edna' in frocks by Kenneth Everage. Directed by Ian Davidson; piano by Charles Field. 4 Programs: two labelled 'Barry Humphries 1979 Australian Tour' in a gold star on front; 1 copy contains newspaper clippings.
Australian tour: An Evening's Intercourse with the widely-liked Barry Humphries: A new and useful concept in hand-crafted middle-of-the-road entertainment, 1981 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Les Patterson', 'Lance Boyle', 'Phil Philby', 'Sandy Stone and 'Dame Edna'; Directed by Ian Tasker; Piano by May Howlett. 4 programs.
Regent Theatre, Sydney, New South Wales and Melbourne Concert Hall, Melbourne, Victoria; Song of Australia: A unique musical extravaganza starring Dame Edna, February 1983 (File)
Sir Les and the 130-strong Australian Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir under the composer Carl Davis (cover title). Song of Australia: An educational sonarama crafted by Barry Humphries and Carl Davis (program title). Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna' and 'Sir Les' with The Australian Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Carl Davis. 2 programs both include an insert, 'Loud Audience Singalong'.
Australian tour: Dennis Smith presents Tears Before Bedtime: A new attempt, written, acted & directed by Barry Humphries: Australia's preferred community entertainment option, 1985 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna', 'Lance Boyle, 'Sir LesPatterson and 'Sandy Stone'. Directed by Ian Tasker; musical director, Tomi Kalinski. 2 programs.
Australian tour: Dennis Smith presents: Dame Edna's Australian Walkabout: with the almost immortal Barry Humphries, special guest Sir Les Patterson, 1988 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna' and 'Sir Les'; production manager Nick Day; musical director Tomi Kalinski.
Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne, Victoria; Barry Humphries self-indulgently presents (cover title): The Life and Death Of Sandy Stone: De luxe program, 11 November 1991 - 16 November 1991 (File)
Barry Humphries generously presents: The Life and Death of Sandy Stone: A delightful evening with the sage of Glen Iris (title page title). Barry Humphries as 'Sandy Stone'; produced by Greg Hocking; stage director, Harriet Bowdler.
Canberra Theatre, Canberra ACT; Duet Productions present Look at Me When I'm Talking To You!: Barry Humphries pictorial companion, 12 April 1993 - 16 April 1993 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Sir Les', 'Daryl Dalkeith', Sandy Stone' and 'Dame Edna'; co-written by Ian Davidson; musical director Andrew Ross; production director Christine Dunstan. 2 programs; 4 flyers from the Canberra Theatre.
Australian tour: Barry Humphries presents Remember You're Out!: A new Barry Humphries Event: Limited edition collectors' souvenir, 1999 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna', 'Sandy Stone' and others; co-writer Ian Davidson; Musical Director Andrew Ross; Producer Harley Medcalf. 2 programs; flyers for 5, 6 & 7 March, Canberra Theatre; 2 flyers for 19 March, State Theatre (Sydney, New South Wales).
Australian tour: Ednacare Pty Ltd; Barry Humphries presents Back to my roots: and other suckers, 3 June 2003 - 23 July 2003 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Sir Les', 'Owen Steele', 'Alexander Horace Stone', 'Sandy Stone' and 'Dame Edna'; musical direction and piano Andrew Ross; producer, Harley Medcalf. 2 programs; 2 flyers.
Australian tour: Duet Entertainment Barry Humphries & friends: Back with a Vengeance, 2006 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna', 'Sir Les', 'Sandy Stone' and 'Alexander Horace Stone'; Associate director, Andrew Ross; producer, Harley Medcalf. A new effort precious keepsake brochure, 2 programs.
Canberra Theatre Centre (Canberra ACT); Eat Pray Laugh! Dame Edna Farewell Tour, 22 June 2012 - 24 June 2012 (File)
Performances included appearances by Dame Edna, Sandy Stone, Sir Les Patterson (and his brother Rev. Gerard) and a quartet "the Condiments". Includes 19 March 2012 media release (Dainty Group), official program, purple plastic Edna sunglasses with sparkles and fridge magnet, poster, flier.
Series. Overseas performances
Lyric Opera House, Hammersmith (London, England); J. Baxter Somerville with John Roberts and Bernard Constable present The Demon Barber, 10 December 1959 (File)
Directed by Colin Graham. Barry Humphries as 'Jonas Fogg' (Keeper of a Madhouse) and Julian Moyle as 'Mark Engestrie'. 2 programs
New Theatre, London, England; Donald Albery, Donmar Productions Ltd. present Oliver! A new musical, 30 June 1960 (File)
Directed by Peter Coe; book music and lyrics by Lionel Bart. Barry Humphries as 'Mr Sowerberry'. 5 programs.
Wimbledon Theatre, London, England; Donald Albery, Donmar Productions Ltd. Present: Oliver! A new musical, 10 June 1960 - 24 June 1960 (File)
Directed by Peter Coe; book music and lyrics by Lionel Bart. Barry Humphries as 'Mr Sowerberry'.
Imperial Theatre (Broadway, New York, USA); David Merrick and Donald Albery present Oliver! A new musical, February 1963 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Mr Sowerberry'; directed by Peter Coe; book music and lyrics by Lionel Bart. Playbill (volume 1, no. 9, 25 February 1963).
Imperial Theatre, Broadway, New York; David Merrick and Donald Albery present Lionel Bart's Oliver!: A new musical, 25 February 1963 (File)
Directed by Peter Coe; Book music and lyrics by Lionel Bart. Barry Humphries as 'Mr Sowerberry'. Large format souvenir program.
Wyndham's Theatre, London, England; Theatre Workshop '63 Group production of The Merry Roosters Panto, December 1963 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Heinrich, a scientist'. 2 programs.
Comedy Theatre, London, England; William Donaldson and Peter Rawley present The Bedsitting Room, 1964 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Captain Bules Martin'; John Bluthal in many roles; Spike Milligan and Valentine dial. Written, directed and designed by John Antrobus and Spike Milligan. 2 programs.
Theatre Royal, London, England; Theatre Workshop '64 production of A Kayf Up West, 10 March 1964 (File)
Directed by Frank Norman; produced by Joan Littlewood. Barry Humphries as 'Gregorius', '2nd Policeman', 'Nun', 'Lord Sexkilling' and '"Tools" Gunstone'. 2 programs.
Palace Theatre, Manchester, England; Bernard Delfont & Tom Arnold with Apollo Music Ltd.: Maggie May: A new musical, 19 August 1964 (File)
Directed by Ted Kotcheff; book by Alun Owen; music and lyrics by Lionel Bart. Barry Humphries as 'A Balladeer'.
Adelphi Theatre, London, England; Bernard Delfont and Tom Arnold with Apollo Music Ltd.: Maggie May: A new musical, 22 September 1964 (File)
Directed by Ted Kotcheff; book by Alun Owen; music and lyrics by Lionel Bart. Barry Humphries as 'A Balladeer' with Rachel Roberts as 'Maggie May'. 4 programs.
Piccadilly Theatre, London, England; Donald Albery, Donmar Productions Ltd.: Oliver! A musical, 26 April 1967 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Fagin'; directed by David Phethean; book, music and lyrics by Lionel Bart.
Mermaid Theatre, London, England; The Mermaid Theatre Trust presenting Treasure Island, 18 December 1967 (File)
Directed by Ron Pember. Barry Humphries as 'Long John Silver'.
Fortune Theatre, London, England; Howard & Wyndham Group production of Just A Show, 1969 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna', 'Rex Lear', 'Nipper Dixon', 'Sandy Stone' and 'Martin Agrippa' staged by Eleanore Fazan; piano and organ by Josie Bradly. Playbill, volume 4, no. 3, 1969.
Fortune Theatre, London, England; Howard & Wyndham Group Production Just A Show, 1969 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna', 'Rex Lear, 'Nipper Dixon', 'Sandy Stone' and 'Martin Agrippa'; staged by Eleanore Fazan; piano and organ by Josie Bradly. Playbill, volume 4, no. 4, 1969.
Apollo Theatre, London, England; Michael White with Clyde Packer present Housewife - Superstar!!: At least you can say you've seen it, 16 March 1976 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna', 'Les Patterson' and 'Sandy Stone'; Piano by Iris Mason; production by Ian Davidson. 3 programs.
Globe Theatre, London, England; Michael White with Clyde Packer present Housewife - Superstar!!: At least you can say you've seen it, 19 May 1976 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna', 'Les Patterson' and 'Sandy Stone'; Piano by Iris Mason; production by Ian Davidson. 3 programs.
Café Royal (London, England); The Society of West End Theatre 1976 Awards, December 1976 (File)
Barry Humphries presents Dame Edna Everage.(by courtesy of BBC Television). Appears to have been televised event with a live audience. 1 program.
Theatre Four (Off-Broadway), New York, USA; Michael White with Arthur Cantor present Housewife! Superstar!!: At least you can say you've seen it, 19 October 1977 (File)
Written and performed by Barry Humphries; piano by Iris Mason; production by Ian Davidson. 1 program includes a 'hand delivered theatrical telegram' of 'Opening Night the official theatrical greeting'. 2 programs.
Piccadilly Theatre, London, England; Ian B. Albery with Bestall Reynolds Ltd present A Night with Dame Edna: and a handful of cobbers, 13 December 1978 (File)
Written and performed by Barry Humphries; directed by Ian Davidson; piano by Alan Clare. Program by Theatre Print, no. 39, December 1978. "Heil die neue Ednalichkeit!" on cover.
Piccadilly Theatre, London, England; Ian B. Albery with Bestall Reynolds Ltd present A Night with Dame Edna: and a handful of cobbers, January 1979 (File)
Written and performed by Barry Humphries; directed by Ian Davidson; piano by Alan Clare. Program by Theatre Print, no. 40, January 1979. "Heil die neue Ednalichkeit!" on cover.
Piccadilly Theatre, London, England; Ian B. Albery with Bestall Reynolds Ltd A Night with Dame Edna: and a handful of cobbers, February 1979 (File)
Written and performed by Barry Humphries; Directed by Ian Davidson; Piano by Alan Clare. Program by Theatre Print, no. 41, February 1979. "Introducing the pivotal works of Barry Humphries" on cover, replacing previous. Other changes to text. 2 programs.
Piccadilly Theatre, London, England; Ian B. Albery with Bestall Reynolds Ltd present A Night with Dame Edna: and a handful of cobbers, March 1979 (File)
Written and performed by Barry Humphries; Directed by Ian Davidson; Piano by Alan Clare. Program by Theatre Print, no. 42, March 1979. "Introducing the pivotal works of Barry Humphries" on cover and changes to text. 2 programs.
Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London, England); 1981 Amnesty International Comedy Gala; Peter Walker and Martin Lewis The Secret Policeman's Other Ball, 9 September 1981 - 12 September 1981 (File)
Directed by Ronald Eyre and John Cleese.
Royal Albert Hall, London, England; The Last Night of the Poms: An Educational Sonorama: Official souvenir program, 14 September 1981 - 15 September 1981 (File)
With the London Symphony Orchestra and the New Antipodean Singers; Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna' and 'Sir Les Patterson'; conductor Carl Davis; Production supervisor Ian Tasker.
Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London, England; Dennis Smith presents An Evening's Intercourse with the widely-liked Barry Humphries: A new and useful concept in hand-crafted middle-of-the-road entertainment, 4 February 1982 - 10 April 1982 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna', 'Sir Les Patterson', 'Sandy Stone'; Managing director Dennis Smith; Production supervisor Ian Tasker.
The Fairfield Hall, Croydon, England; Carl Davis in Croydon: A bonanza of music majesty, personal magnetism and the downright sincerity of Dr Sir Les Patterson, 13 April 1983 (File)
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna' and 'Sir Les Patterson'.
Bristol Hippodrome, Bristol, England; Dennis Smith presents An Evening's Intercourse with the widely-liked Barry Humphries: A new and useful concept in hand-crafted middle-of-the-road entertainment, 18 May 1982 - 22 May 1982 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna', 'Sir Les Patterson', 'Sandy Stone'; Managing director Dennis Smith; Production supervisor Ian Tasker.
The Royalty Theatre, London, England; The Royalty Theatre Company: Noel Coward's Semi-Monde, 13 September 1987 (File)
Barry Humphries as one of the hotel guests and staff; Director Tim Luscombe; Designer Carl Toms.
Strand Theatre, London, England; Dennis Smith presents Back with a Vengeance!: with the almost legendary Barry Humphries, 16 November 1987 (File)
"The Royal Gala Charity Night in the presence of Their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales" and "in aid of The Royal Marsden Hospital Cancer Fund, Monday 16th November 1987" appear on cover. Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna', 'Sir Les Patterson' and 'Sandy Stone'. Written by Barry Humphries and Diane Milstead; additional material by Ian Davidson, David Mitchell and Edward Clark. Includes extensive additional advertisements of charity donors. Slightly smaller format than standard UK tour program. Includes some hand-written notations.
Strand Theatre, London, England; Back with a Vengeance: with Barry Humphries, 17 November 1987 (File)
3 copies and flyer. Includes ticket, Monday 30 November 1987, 7.30 evening, Upper Circle G25, price £11.00.
United Kingdom Tour; Dennis Smith presents Back With a Vengeance!: With the almost legendary Barry Humphries, 16 August 1988 - 26 November 1988 (File)
"This upmarket brochure is an instant heirloom! If you would betray your grandchildren's heritage, skimp" appears on cover. Written by Barry Humphries and Diane Milstead; additional material by Ian Davidson, David Mitchell and Edward Clark. Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna', 'Sir Les Patterson' and 'Sandy Stone'. 1 program.
The Opera House, Manchester, England; Dennis Smith presents Back With a Vengeance!: With the almost legendary Barry Humphries, 11 October 1988 - 22 October 1988 (File)
Includes flyer, booking form.
Shaftesbury Theatre, London, England; Gillian Bevan & Simon Green with Cameron Mackintosh & the Theatre Comedy Company present Sunday with Sondheim Featuring a Celebrity Tribute to Stephen Sondheim and a Concert Version of Merrily We Roll Along, 27 March 1988 (File)
Special guest artist appearances including Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna Everage' with twelve others. Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; Book by George Furth; Directed by Julia McKenzie.
Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London, England; Dennis Smith presents Back with a Vengeance: The second coming: With the almost immortal Barry Humphries, 9 March 1989 (File)
2 programs; 2 promotional pamphlets.
The London Palladium, London, England; A Royal Gala in aid of the Prince's Trust: An evening of contemporary music and comedy celebrating 21 years of London Weekend Television, 19 April 1989 (File)
"In the Presence of Their Royal Highnesses, the Prince and Princess of Wales". Barry Humphries as' Dame Edna' has top billing, p. 15.
London Television Centre, London, England; A Night on Mount Edna. A London weekend television production, 15 December 1990 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna'; Emily Perry as Madge; directed by Alasdair Macmillan; produced by Claudia Rosencrantz; with special guests: Gina Lollobrigida, Charlton Heston, Mel Gibson and Julio Iglesias. 1 program in the shape of a purse with cardboard glasses, serrated edge cast list with red ribbon bow.
The London Palladium, London, England; Cameron Mackintosh in association with Southbrook Group Ltd. Presents Barry Humphries in: Oliver!, 8 December 1994 (File)
Barry Humphries given top billing as 'Fagin'. Book, music and lyrics by Lionel Bart; musical director Chris Nightingale; directed by Sam Mendes.
The Grand Theatre & Opera House, Leeds, England; André Ptazynski for Pola Jones presents Look at Me When I'm Talking to You!, 17 October 1995 - 21 October 1995 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna', 'Sir Les Patterson' and 'Sandy Stone', with Madge Allsop. Co-written by Ian Davidson; directed by Anthony van Laast; musical director and arranger, George Stiles. 1 program; 2 flyers.
The Palace Theatre, Manchester, England; André Ptazynski for Pola Jones presents Look at Me When I'm Talking to You!, 23 October 1995 - 28 October 1995 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna', 'Sir Les Patterson' and 'Sandy Stone' with 'Madge Allsop'; co-written by Ian Davidson; directed by Anthony van Laast; musical director and arranger, George Stiles. 2 programs.
Empire Theatre, Liverpool, England; André Ptazynski for Pola Jones presents: Look at Me When I'm Talking to You!, 13 November 1995 - 18 November 1995 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna', 'Sir Les Patterson' and 'Sandy Stone' with 'Madge Allsop'; co-written by Ian Davidson; directed by Anthony van Laast; musical director and arranger, George Stiles. 2 programs.
Whitehall Theatre, London, England; Rampant in Whitehall! Les Patterson has a stand up, 24 June 1996 - 29 June 1996 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Sir Les Patterson'. 2 promotional flyers; photo.
The London Palladium, London, England; Oliver!: Everyone's Asking for More!, December 1997 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Fagin'. 1 promotional flyer.
The London Palladium, London, England; Cameron Mackintosh and Stoll Moss Theatres present Jack in Review, a memorial tribute to the critic Jack Tinker., 28 February 1997 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna' in Ladies who Lunch; directed by Hugh Wooldridge; musical director Martin Koch. 3 programs and 1 ticket for Friday 28 February 1997, 2:30pm, stalls U 24.
The London Palladium, London, England; Cameron Mackintosh in association with Southbrook Group presents Barry Humphries in Oliver, 8 July 1997 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Fagin'. 1 program.
Wigmore Hall, London, England; "Dame Edna Everage in An Evening of Innocent Austral Verse with Barry Humphries, Charles Osborne and Scott Agius", 12 October 1997 (File)
1 program; 2 tickets. From: newImages: Australia and Britain into the 21st Century and Australia Council for the Arts; Master Series 1: A Festival of Australian Music, Artists and Poetry. Tickets for Sunday, 12 October 1997 at 7:00pm, Stalls S 04 and S 03.
Wigmore Hall, London, England; newImages: Australia and Britain into the 21st Century and Australia Council for the Arts / Master Series 1: A Festival of Australian Music, Artists and Poetry, 2 November 1997 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Sandy Stone'.
Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford, England; Jeffrey Archer and Barry Humphries present Edna the Spectacle: Dame Edna Everage in the Millennial Musical, 12 March 1998 - 21 March 1998 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna', 'Dr Toblerone', 'Judge Humphries', 'Gladys Beasley' and 'Mr Murdoch'. Written and devised by Barry Humphries; directed by Alan Strachan; lyrics by Kit Hesketh-Harvey and Barry Humphries; music by James McConnel.
Theatre Royal, Plymouth, England; Jeffrey Archer and Barry Humphries present Edna the Spectacle: Dame Edna Everage in the Millennial Musical, 24 March 1998 - 28 March 1998 (File)
Barry Humphries as Dame Edna, Dr Toblerone, Judge Humphries, Gladys Beasley, Mr Murdoch; Emily Perry as Madge Allsop. Written and devised by Barry Humphries; directed by Alan Strachan; lyrics by Kit Hesketh-Harvey and Barry Humphries; music by James McConnel.
Theatre Royal, Haymarket, London, England; Jeffrey Archer and Barry Humphries present New Edna- the Spectacle: An icon returns: An exploration into the nature of friendship, 14 April 1998 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna', 'Judge Humphries', 'Gladys Beasley', 'Mr Murdoch' and Emily Perry as Madge Allsop. Written and devised by Barry Humphries; directed by Alan Strachan; lyrics by Kit Hesketh-Harvey and Barry Humphries; music by James McConnel. 1 program, black and gold cover. 3 promotional pamphlets and 1 ticket for Thursday Evening 7:30pm 19th May 1998, £22.00, Royal Circle Row E Seat 15.
Barbican Centre, London, England; Jeffrey Archer and Barry Humphries present Sondheim Tonight: A gala concert to celebrate the music of Stephen Sondheim, in aid of the Alan Jay Lerner Fund for Research into Cancer at the Royal Marsden Hospital, 17 May 1998 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna' in The Ladies who Lunch; directed by Hugh Wooldridge; musical directors David Firman and Charles Prince. Program, and 2 flyers.
The Booth Theatre, New York, the United States of America; Leonard Soloway, Chase Mishkin, Steven M. Levy and Jonathan Reinis present Dame Edna: The royal tour: "The show that listens", November 1999 (File)
Barry Humphries as Dame Edna; Devised and written by Barry Humphries; additional material by Ian Davidson; Musical arrangement and keyboards Andrew Ross. Playbill (volume 99, number 11, 1999).
The Booth Theatre, New York, NY, USA; Leonard Soloway, Chase Mishkin, Steven M. Levy and Jonathan Reinis present Dame Edna The royal tour: "The show that listens", March 2000 (File)
Barry Humphries as Dame Edna. Devised and written by Barry Humphries; additional material by Ian Davidson; Phil Reno on keyboards. Playbill, volume 00, number 3, 2000.
Lincoln Center, New York, USA; 45th Annual Drama Desk Awards, 14 May 2000 (File)
Barry Humphries listed as a nominee for Outstanding Solo Performance for Dame Edna: The Royal Tour. Filed in PROMPT Collection under Blakemore, Michael. Photocopy only filed here.
Radio City Music Hall, New York, the United States of America; The League of American Theatres and Producers and the American Theatre Wing present The 54th Annual Antoinette Perry Awards 2000 Tony Awards, 4 June 2000 (File)
Barry Humphries with the producers Leonard Soloway, Chase Mishkin, Steven M. Levy and Jonathan Reinis awarded "A Special Tony Award for a Live Theatrical Event" for the production of Dame Edna: The Royal Tour.
Parker Playhouse, Fort Lauderdale Florida, USA; Leonard Soloway, Chase Mishkin, Steven M. Levy and Jonathan Reinis present Dame Edna: The Royal Tour: The show that listens, January 2001 (File)
Barry Humphries as Dame Edna; devised and written by Barry Humphries; additional material by Ian Davidson; keyboards Wayne Barker. Playbill (volume 117, number 1, 2001).
Shubert Theatre, Los Angeles, California, USA; Leonard Soloway, Chase Mishkin, Steven M. Levy and Jonathan Reinis present Dame Edna: The Royal Tour: The show that listens, 15 May 2001 - 27 May 2001 (File)
Barry Humphries as Dame Edna; devised and written by Barry Humphries; additional material by Ian Davidson; keyboards Wayne Barker. Playbill (volume 117, number 5, May 2001).
Radio City Music Hall, New York, the United States of America; The League of American Theatres and Producers and the American Theatre Wing present "The 55th Annual Antoinette Perry Awards", 2001 Tony Awards, 3 June 2001 (File)
Barry Humphries as Dame Edna Everage, a Participating Artist, p. 9
Tropicana Casino and Resort, Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA; Leonard Soloway, Chase Mishkin, Steven M. Levy and Jonathan Reinis present Dame Edna: The Royal Tour: The show that listens, 4 July 2001 - 22 July 2001 (File)
Devised and written by Barry Humphries; additional material by Ian Davidson; keyboards Wayne Barker. Barry Humphries as Dame Edna. 1 program; ticket. Ticket for Wednesday 18 July 2001, 8:00pm, C110.
Royal Festival Hall, London, England; Thwarted Voices: Music supressed by the Third Reich, 25 November 2001 (File)
six events featuring Barry Humphries as Patron and Host.
The Music Box, New York, USA; Creative Battery with Harley Medcalf and Boxjellyfish LLC present Dame Edna: Back with a Vengeance!, 21 November 2004 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna'; devised and written by Barry Humphries; additional material by Andrew Ross and Robert Horn; keyboards Wayne Barker. Playbill (volume 120, number 11, 2004).
The Music Box, New York, USA; Creative Battery with Harley Medcalf and Boxjellyfish LLC present Dame Edna: Back with a Vengeance!, December 2004 (File)
Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna'; devised and written by Barry Humphries; additional material by Andrew Ross and Robert Horn; keyboards Wayne Barker. Playbill (volume 120, number 12, 2004). This program has a black and white image on the cover, unlike Playbill volume 120, number 11 which has the same image in colour.
Prince of Wales Theatre, London, England; The John Betjeman Centenary Gala, 10 September 2006 (File)
Performed by a host of popular artistes in the presence of T.R.Hs The Prince of Wales & the Duchess of Cornwall. 1 program.
England; Harvey Goldsmith presents Last Night of the Poms: featuring Dame Edna Everage & Sir Les Patterson, 15 September 2009 - 2 October 2009 (File)
1 program; 2 flyers and 1 ticket. 15 September: Royal Albert Hall, London; 18 September: Brighton Centre, Brighton; 22 September: Birmingham National Indoor Arena, Birmingham; 26 September: Bournemouth International Centre, Bournemouth; 2 October: Liverpool Echo Arena, Liverpool, England. With the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra (15, 18 and 26 September) and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra (22 September and 2 October). Barry Humphries as 'Dame Edna' and 'Sir Les Patterson'; composer and conductor Carl Davis. Ticket for Tuesday 15 September 2009, 7:45pm, Row 4, Seat 15.
Henry Miller's Theatre, New York, USA; All About Me, 22 February 2010 (File)
Written by Christopher Durang and Barry Humphries; conceived by Barry Humphries, Lizzie Spender and Terrence Flannery; directed by Casey Nicholaw. Playbill (February 2010) and invitation.
New Wimbledon Theatre (London, England); Dick Whittington, 9 December 2011 - 15 January 2012 (File)
Featuring Dame Edna Everage in her UK panto debut as 'The Saviour of London'. Program, glasses (see Ephemera box) and flyer.
The Palladium, London, London, England; Eat, Pray Laugh, Barry Humphries Farewell Tour, 13 November 2013 (File)
1 program.
Kings Theatre, Glasgow, Scotland; Eat, Pray Laugh, 11 February 2014 - 15 February 2014 (File)
Produced by Dainty Group, directed by Simon Phillips. 1 program.
Opera House, Manchester, England; Eat, Pray Laugh, 4 March 2014 - 8 March 2014 (File)
Produced by Dainty Group, directed by Simon Phillips. 1 program.
London Palladium, London, England; Eat, Pray Laugh, 13 November 2014 (File)
Produced by Dainty Group, directed by Simon Phillips. 1 program.
Cadogan Hall, London, England; Barry Humphries' Weimar Cabaret with Meow Meow, 29,30 July & 2,3 August 2016 (File)
With the Aurora Orchestra, Meow Meow (cabaret artist) and directed by Rodney Fisher. 1 program and ticket.
Series. Exhibitions
Performing Arts Museum, Melbourne Concert Hall (Melbourne, Victoria); The Fashion Diary of a Victorian Housewife: Edna's wardrobe 1956-1983, 27 October 1983 - 11 December 1983 (File)
2 exhibition programs; one signed by Dame Edna
The George Adams Gallery, Victorian Arts Centre, Melbourne, Victoria; Dame Edna's Frock-A-Thon: A journey from cardigan to couture, 3 April 1999 - 30 May 1999 (File)
2 pamphlets; 3 ticket-sized promotional cards; 6 postcards of different costume designs; 1 badge "It's a Frock-A-Thon Possums!". Programme booklet.
S.H. Ervin Gallery, Sydney, NSW; The National Trust, S.H. Ervin Gallery, Sydney Festival 2000 / Favourites: Margaret Olley and Barry Humphries choose from public and private collections, 15 January 2000 - 27 February 2000 (File)
Hand-outs listing associated public programs; biographies of Barry Humphries and Margaret Olley; a calendar of forthcoming exhibitions.
Related Materials
See , also the exhibition catalogue
Series. Events
Columbia Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, England; Columbia Pictures present The Adventures of Barry McKenzie, 10 October 1973 (File)
Staring Barry Crocker and Barry Humphries. Ticket for the European premiere film screening, Stalls M 12.
Columbia Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, England; The Adventures of Barry McKenzie, 11 October 1973 (File)
Promotional handbill for the film screening of The Adventures of Barry McKenzie, entitled 'Aaah! Foster's: Barry McKenzie's Beer'. Featuring Barry Crocker as Barry McKenzie.
Cottesloe Theatre, Royal National Theatre, London, England; Barry Humphries, friend and associate of Dame Edna Everage and Les Patterson, 12 January 1996 (File)
Humphries reads from, and talks to Patrick Barlow about, his first novel Women in the Background. Barry Humphries interviewed by Patrick Barlow.
Series. Miscellaneous
A Digest of McKenzieisms compiled by Barry Humphries supplement to the film The Adventures of Barry McKenzie, October 1973 (File)
PSA Public Relations Ltd, London; Les Patterson Saves the World, [Undated] (File)
Written by Barry Humphries and Diana Millstead; Barry Humphries as 'Sir Les Patterson' and 'Dame Edna'; directed by George Miller; produced by Sue Milliken. Media release and program.
Sydney, New South Wales; Where Sydney photocopy of the cover of the guide featuring a photograph of Barry Humphries at the opening of Sketches Bar & Bistro Sydney, 19 April 1991 - 25 April 1991 (File)
2 copies.
Handbill advertisement for Schizophrenia Australia: 'Does Barry Humphries Suffer from Schizophrenia?' (File)
2 copies, 30 x 21cm.
Melba News Ode to Myer Mural Hall by Barry Humphries AO CBE (File)
"A gala dinner was held in June to celebrate Nellie Melba's 150th birthday. What better way to honour the greatest Australian of her time, than with the help of Australia's greatest entertainer of all time, Barry Humphries AO CBE. This was a night to remember!" - p. 2.
Review and advertisement: Rackety Humphries explores another great character - himself, 27 April 2022 (Item 2022/2)
Physical Description Note
Two newspaper clippings.
Barry Humphries the man behind the maskA review of the show Barry Humphries the man behind the mask by Dominic Cavendish and advertisement with tour dates.