The Dame is back

After 50 years in show business and a string of entertainment accolades, one question still stumps self-proclaimed gigastar Dame Edna Everage.

How does she account for her loyal gay following?

I can’t explain it, the Melbourne housewife-turned-Tony Award winner admitted this week.

When pressed, the veteran entertainer thought her gay fan base had something to do with her world-famous wit.

I think that [my gay fans] tend to have a very widely developed sense of humour, she said.

I’m very pleased that those lovely folk who go to that Mardi Gras are also going to be coming to see my show.

At a press conference to promote her new Sydney show Back With A Vengeance , the outspoken diva held forth on everything from the city’s water crisis to fashion and modern celebrity culture.

I think it’s frankly pathetic, she said of the famous-for-being-famous set.

They call them celebrities, but who’s ever heard of them?

Unlike today’s instant stars, Dame Edna has earned her stripes, anchoring sell-out shows around the world and becoming a household name.

Her performances at the Capitol Theatre in May are likely to explore her illustrious career, and will also star Dame Edna creator Barry Humphries and alter egos like Sir Les Patterson.

I’m proud of my achievement over all these years. I started as a frumpy housewife, Dame Edna said.

But I blossomed and I’ve given hope to a lot of women. I’m one of the pioneers of the women’s movement. I taught Germaine Greer all she knows, except manners.

I’ve survived because I’ve always got something to say. I have a point of view, and because people adore me.

Fifty years is a long time entertaining the public and I’m happy to say that I’m perhaps the longest running theatrical institution in the world.

Back With A Vengeance opens at the Capitol Theatre on 16 May. Book on 1300 136 166.