Where do I begin talking about this utter legend? Well I suppose I could start with saying that going to see Barry Humphries live really is as great as you’d expect.

Performing his swan song ‘Eat, Pray, Laugh!’ for New Zealand audiences, we get to see our favorite characters from the last six decades from this iconic Australian performer.

The Honorable Sir Les Patterson will leave even the most experienced ears blushing as he dishes out innuendoes and blue jokes during his first outing as a celebrity chef. Les doesn’t let a few trouser coughs stop him as he leers and jokes through the first part of the show. Some audience members nearer the stage may have wished for an umbrella during parts of his performance.

We also met a new charater, Les’s Brother the Rev. Gerard Patterson, who makes a brief but unforgettable appearance due to his fondness for a certain young male pianist.

Arriving with a puff of smoke was Sandy Stone, who took the show in a more sombre, but poignant direction with a beautiful monologue and tear jerking exit.

However it was the Dame herself that stole the show!

Before the show, as we shuffled along in the queue waiting to get to our seats I had a good look around at our fellow audience members.It was pretty clear who their favourite character was.

Sparkly frocks, feather bowers and large bright spiraling glasses adorned many ladies, and indeed gentleman around us all clutching their wepon of choice, the Gladioli of course!

I met these two lovely ladies before the show, true fans!

In true Edna style the second half opened with all the pomp and ceremony you would expect from this queen of the comedy stage.

Dame Edna Everage is every bit as sharp and clever as she has always been. A joy to behold with a fearless wit and even more fearless and envious style.

She refers to us as having taken the Edna pilgrimage and praises all her fans even those in ‘the cheap’ seats, or as Edna puts it ‘Les Misérables’.

You can read my full review on www.keepingupwithnz.com